Feeling at sea: the anchor of the therapeutic space. Issue 1 (2nd January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Maliphant, Jessica; Horner, Tina
• Is Part Of: Infant observation. Volume 19:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 24
• Page End: 41
• Publication Date: 2016-01-02
• Subjects: containment -- observation -- Reflection -- school -- therapy -- attunement; Infant psychology -- Periodicals; Child development -- Periodicals; 155.422
• DOI: 10.1080/13698036.2016.1162727
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1369-8036

Abstract

Abstract : This paper describes and discusses the creation and development of a therapeutic service set up in an inner city primary school over the period of 10 years. It explores this emotional well-being modeland how it acts as an anchor for the children, staff and parents. Case examples illustrate the authors' work in a multidisciplinary team and focuses specifically on Bion's theory of 'container-contained.' The authors underline how the therapeutic interventions need to be held in the containing vessel of the school's robust thinking and understanding of the therapeutic process and how the therapeutic work impacts on the well-being of the children as they work on their experiences within the school and outside community.