THE CHALLENGE OF WORKING WITH STAFF GROUPS IN THE CARING PROFESSIONS: THE IMPORTANCE OF THE ‘TEAM DEVELOPMENT AND REFLECTIVE PRACTICE GROUP’

Abstract

abstract This paper highlights the importance of providing a regular space for teams of professionals, working in the mental health field and caring professions, to reflect on how the work impacts on the team dynamics and their own mental health. It explores the role of the group facilitator and how that role differs from working with patient and other groups. It considers the context of the current political environment within which mental health services operate and explores how this may impact on individual and team ego strength, leading to regression and reliance on primitive defence mechanisms as a means to coping and survival. Also considered is the issue of the challenges presented in working with teams where traits and features consistent with borderline personality disorder (DSM‐4 Cluster B) manifest in the team. The authors propose a model called ‘Team Development and Reflective Practice Groups’, and suggest guidelines for providing an optimum facilitating environment for the professionals within these groups.