Lane, Harriet (2017) Can a reflective space be established in a family assessment centre and what might such a space provide for the staff observing contact? An exploration into the benefits and challenges of this intervention. Professional Doctorate thesis, Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust/University of East London. Full text available

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Abstract

This study explored the challenges, nature and tasks of contact supervision, through offering a reflective intervention to contact supervisors. The researcher visited a family assessment centre on a weekly basis for a period of four months, offering staff the chance to discuss and process their observations of supervised contact sessions. A review of the literature highlighted that there is a lack of research on the challenges of contact supervision, particularly from the perspective of contact supervisors themselves. Process notes from the reflective consultations were used alongside interviews to gather data. A thematic analysis was used to examine the findings. There were three main themes that emerged; the first highlighted the different understandings of supervised contact; the second studied the effects of trauma noticed in both contact staff and children from distressing contact sessions; the third focused on the reflective intervention itself. The study found that supervised contact is an emotionally challenging job, yet underdeveloped and undervalued. Similarly to other studies, this project found that negative contact can be distressing and damaging for children. Furthermore, the study also tentatively found that if contact supervisors are provided with reflective support, the quality of contact maybe improved. The study recommends greater professional development, training and reflective practice for contact supervisors to improve current practice.

Item Type:	Thesis (Professional Doctorate)
Additional Information:	Thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust and the University of East London for the degree of Professional Doctorate in Child Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Professional Doctorate in Child Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, Child Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, Qualitative Study, Contact Supervision, At Risk Children, University of East London
Subjects:	Children, Young People and Developmental Pyschology > Child Abuse & Neglect - Psychology Families > Parent Child Relations/Parenthood Research, Tests, Assessments > Psychotherapy Research
Department/People:	Children, Young Adult and Family Services Research
URI:	https://repository.tavistockandportman.ac.uk/id/eprint/1860

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