Research Matters Forum - ‘Holding harm in mind: qualitative explorations on psychoanalytic work in forensic contexts'

This joint talk brings together two qualitative research projects exploring psychoanalytic work within forensic child and adolescent mental health. Drawing on interpretative qualitative methodologies, the presentations explore how aspects of harm enter therapeutic and consultative spaces and how professionals attempt to make sense of and attempt to contain young people who act out in this way, both in direct clinical work and in work with the professional networks around them.

One strand focuses on child psychotherapists’ experiences of psychotherapeutic work with young people in contexts of sexual harm, including situations where young people have both caused harm and been harmed themselves. It examines how such work shapes technique and the clinician’s capacity to remain engaged and able to think in the face of highly challenging and distressing material.

The other strand explores the use of a psychoanalytically informed forensic consultation model with professionals working with high-risk youth populations. The findings of the study highlight how risk is held within professional networks working with young people who are violent and/or display harmful sexual behaviour, and how psychoanalytic thinking can help make sense of what is communicated through these particular forms of acting out.

Together, the papers consider how harm is worked with in therapeutic work and professional systems, and the psychoanalytic thinking that is needed to hold such young people in mind without foreclosure or reactivity. The talk reflects on the implications for forensic practice, professional support, and sustaining thinking when working with forms of violent acting out.

The presentation will be facilitated by Dr Alexandra Busse and Dr Tom Robinson, and chaired by Dr Elena Della Rosa, Deputy Director of Scientific Research.

Dr Alexandra Busse:

Dr Alexandra Busse is a Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist, having trained at the Tavistock and Portman. She currently works as a forensic mental health practitioner in an FCAMHS service alongside private work and teaching. She previously worked as a research assistant at the Portman Clinic and is interested in the area of forensic mental health research.

Dr Tom Robinson:

Dr Tom Robinson is a Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist who trained at the Tavistock and Portman. He currently works at the Portman clinic and in private practice. Dr Robinson has previous experience working in sexual health, where, amongst his different roles, he supported survivors of sexual abuse.

Dr Elena Della Rosa:

Dr Elena Della Rosa - Elena trained at the Tavistock Centre, has worked in the NHS and has been teaching at the Centre for Psychoanalytic Studies at the University of Essex. She is currently working in private practice. She has an interest in research and is a research supervisor on the clinical training at the Tavistock. She is Deputy Director of the Scientific Committee at the ACP.

ABOUT RESEARCH MATTERS FORUM: 

The aim of this bi-monthly forum is to bring together child psychotherapists who want to learn more about research, to enhance their knowledge, skills and to find other colleagues who may be interested in similar topics for potential collaboration.

The research carried out by members has been spurred by their clinical practice and interest in clinical issues. This discussion forum will enable dialogue on how to tackle clinical dilemmas and ethical practice in research.