The 'matching principle': Exploring connections between practice and training in therapeutic child care: Part 1: Therapeutic child care and the holding environment

Abstract

These two linked papers outline the 'matching principle', which is proposed as a framework for thinking about the connections between practice and training. There is a particular focus on training for 'therapeutic child care', which is defined as the therapeutic care and treatment of children in group care (residential and day care) settings. This first paper outlines the field of therapeutic child care, drawing on an analysis of the distinctive features of group care settings in general and of therapeutic practice in these settings in particular. The concept of the 'holding environment' is proposed as the central element in a theoretical framework for practice in these settings, and some examples of the application of this concept in practice are offered, highlighting especially some aspects of practice in family centres and in the therapeutic communities for children and adolescents.