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Abstract
In this paper, I analyse a piece of social work practice using the reflections provided by a peer supervision (work discussion) group. I describe my work with an eight year child looked after, who telephoned me stating that he wanted to kill himself. I discuss the powerful unconscious processes that contributed to his risk-taking behaviour and my emotional experience of it. I reflect on how my knowledge of psychoanalytic theory enabled me to contain the powerful feelings being projected and to safely manage the situation. I highlight how reflective peer supervision groups are a helpful way to understand the complexities of the lives of children looked after and can help inform decision making.
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Notes on contributors
Heather Bailey
Heather Bailey is a Consultant Social Worker for Hertfordshire County Council's Children Looked After team. She has ten years experience of working with Children Looked After as well as previous experience working within the child and adolescent mental health service. In 2010 she completed a practitioner-led research project entitled, The relationships and supports that matter to children looked after in long term voluntary accommodation. Address: Apsley Two, Brindley Way, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP3 9BF, United Kingdom. [email: [email protected]].