Observation and attention in professional network meetings for children in care

ABSTRACT

This paper gives an overview of some theoretical ideas about attention to introduce case examples illustrating the contribution of attention in observation-based therapeutic interventions to the work and thinking of professional networks for young children in care. In conclusion, the theoretical ideas of Freud and Bick are linked with observational therapeutic support and the value of work discussion in supporting practitioners is highlighted.

KEYWORDS:

• Observation
• attention
• babies and young children in care
• professional networks
• play

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes on contributor

Jenifer Wakelyn worked as an artist and in early years education before training as a child and adolescent psychotherapist. She is deputy manager and lead child and adolescent psychotherapist in a mental health service for children in care in London. She teaches and supervises in the Tavistock Centre child psychotherapy training and privately. She has presented research on Watch Me Play! across the UK and Europe. Her book Therapeutic Approaches with Babies and Young Children in Care: Observation and Attention was recently published by Routledge.