Developing partnerships in therapeutic work with children

Abstract

This paper explores the application of the principles of partnership to the practice of therapeutic work with children within statutory settings. The discussion focuses on one particular method of therapeutic intervention, namely that of non-directive play therapy. Having first explored some of the ambiguities in the way in which the term partnership is currently used in child welfare settings, we suggest that, in the context of therapeutic work with children, the concept provides a useful framework within which to consider the relationships between those responsible for caring for the child, and the child him- or herself. If therapy is to be effective, it is not merely desirable but essential that the therapist works in partnership with parents, foster carers and social workers, thereby enhancing the supportive context in which therapy is conducted. Some of the practice tasks are explored and finally some of the dilemmas which arise in working in partnership are considered: in particular issues of conflicts of power between professionals, and dilemmas arising from the need to balance the sharing of information with the preservation of the child's sense of privacy.