Thompson-Newman, Lucy (2025) An exploration of the emotional impact on Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists (CPTs), working therapeutically with adolescents presenting with suicidality. Professional Doctorate thesis, Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust / University of Essex. Full text available

Preview

PDF (Thompson-Newman(an exploration)) Thompson-Newman - An exploration.pdf Download (1MB) | Preview

Abstract

Objective: This study explores and further develops our understanding of the emotional impact on Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists (CPTs) working therapeutically with adolescents presenting with suicidality. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five qualified CPTs who had extensive experience working with adolescents presenting with suicidality. The transcribed data was analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Results: IPA revealed five superordinate themes: 1. CPTs experience fluctuations between believing suicidal attempts can and cannot be prevented (feelings of helplessness, self-blame, omnipotence and acceptance); 2. Importance of understanding suicidality as an ordinary part of adolescence; 3. The emotional disturbance experienced by CPTs when working with patients with deeply ingrained suicidality; 4. The paramount importance of the team as a container; and 5. CPTs’ varying experiences of risk assessments and safety plans. Discussion and Conclusions: The findings produced valuable insights that could lead to improvements in clinical practice. This study highlights the profound impact that working with suicidal adolescents has on CPTs, both in their professional and personal lives. Additionally, there is a need for greater organisational support to reduce burnout and improve staff retention in NHS settings. Key recommendations include fostering awareness of the emotional toll on clinicians through specialised training, establishing peer support groups and encouraging open, supportive relationships within teams. CPTs also emphasised the importance of shared decision-making around risk and patient safety, access to senior clinician support and protected thinking spaces within teams to avoid working in isolation on complex cases. These elements are fundamental to working psychoanalytically with these patients. Standardising risk assessment training and providing clinicians with crisis team experience were also suggested as essential for helping clinicians feel more secure and confident when working with high-risk patients. Joint working with other CPTs and multi-disciplinary colleagues was recommended over working alone in community, inpatient and private settings.

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 Essex for the degree of Professional Doctorate in Child and Adolescent Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy.
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Professional Doctorate in Child and Adolescent Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, University of Essex
Subjects:	Children, Young People and Developmental Pyschology > Child Psychotherapy Children, Young People and Developmental Pyschology > Adolescents - Psychotherapy Disabilities & Disorders (mental & physical) > Suicide Psychological Therapies, Psychiatry, Counselling > Patient/Therapist Interaction Research, Tests, Assessments > Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
Department/People:	Children, Young Adult and Family Services Research
URI:	https://repository.tavistockandportman.ac.uk/id/eprint/2992

Actions (Library Staff login required)

View Item