Collaborative enquiry versus didactic training with organisations : a case study

Abstract

In this paper we describe our way of working with a therapeutic team in a residential home for adolescent girls with emotional and behavioural difficulties. As we engaged with the whole team working within the home, it was felt that the delivery of a formal training course for the care workers within the home would perhaps better enhance the therapeutic environment within the home. Our interest and curiosity in the experiences and dilemmas of the team in their own therapeutic setting prompted us to have conversations with them and collaboratively come to a better understanding of how best to respond to the adolescents’ needs. These conversations triggered organisational change within the team structure and increased group cohesion. As safety and trust between the different members of the group developed, their reflexivity regarding their own therapeutic practice with the adolescent girls increased.