Ethics and Reflecting Processes: A Systemic Perspective

Donovan, Mary

doi:10.1080/02650530701371952

Cited by 9 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 10 publications

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“…The practice attracts some criticism as it is promoted as a therapeutic stance but in advance of an underpinning and coherent theoretical body of knowledge (Donovan 2007) so inviting comments that is a transient clinical fad. Arguably, reflective approaches originate from a practice‐based theory position, Jenkins (1996) and Stratton (2009) add that meaningful research‐based practice development may be difficult to employ unless there is agreement on the assumptions and concepts that comprise its theory base.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Using systemic reflective practice to treat couples and families with alcohol problems

Flynn

2010

Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing

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In the UK, an adult with a drinking problem is generally treated from an individual perspective with minimal involvement of carers and relatives. In response to this gap in service provision, a systemic reflecting intervention was introduced to assist couples and families experiencing alcohol-related difficulties. The article documents the background and development of this initiative. Findings from evaluation and clinical outcome studies are reviewed and demonstrate how the use of the approach proved to be effective in facilitating positive change both in drinking and family behaviour. In conclusion, the paper explores the implications of how systemic reflective practice with family groups may be extended and be usefully used in wider addiction, diverse mental and general health-care settings.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Using systemic reflective practice to treat couples and families with alcohol problems

Flynn

2010

Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing

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“…This can also be extended through using circular hypotheses to inform circular questions that ‘identify patterns for a circular or systemic understanding of the problematic situation’ (Tomm, : 5). In using circularity, practitioners are more likely to resist totalising language that is blaming and pathologising, thus enabling more helpful conversations with a family and more meaningful relationships to be developed (Donovan, ; Hingley‐Jones and Mandlin, ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The aim is to broaden perspectives, thus enabling new stories about the problem to emerge (Fredman, ). This affords space for those experiencing that challenge to listen and think about other views on their difficulties, in the hope that their own thinking processes ‘ignite’ (Donovan, : 228). The act of speaking in front of those that seek therapeutic support rejects the idea that the observer could somehow be objective about those observed (Bateson, ; Hatton and Oyebode, 2012).…”

Section: Systemic Social Workmentioning

confidence: 99%

From doing to being: the tensions of systemic practice in social work – group reflective supervision in child protection

Bingle¹,

Middleton²

2019

Journal of Family Therapy

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This research aimed to consider the impact of introducing the systemic approach to child protection practice through the forum of group reflective supervision. A single case discussion was observed, recorded and transcribed and the data interpreted using thematic analysis (Braun and Clark, 2006). The social workers observed were trained in the systemic approach to foundation level. The data generated showed social workers using hypotheses to put forward ideas about a family shaped by systemic principles. However the inclusion of a pathologising discourse about a mother being blind to the sexual abuse of her daughter and an absence of self‐reflexivity suggested social workers were limited by linear thinking. The paper uses this data to suggest a tension between systemic practice and the child protection paradigm. The findings illustrate the challenge of occupying a systemic posture (the being) and the application of systemic concepts and techniques (the doing) in child protection. This paper recommends that systemic practice be taught and supported in social work to shape a more robustly reflexive systemic ‘being’ in the child protection context. Practitioner points There are tensions in applying systemic principles in social work contexts that create unique challenges for practitioners Without due attention to systemic epistemology in group reflective supervision, practitioners can rely too much on techniques to the detriment of reflexivity Hypothesising in the child protection context can be useful in the work but can be constrained by institutional pressures Without paying attention to circularity and reflexivity, hypotheses can recreate pathologising discourses

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“…It also enabled Ravi to further his own capacity for reflection. In subsequent sessions, I introduced new themes in an effort to break down his overwhelming anxieties into a more accessible experience (Donovan, 2007). I evoked his curiosity and consideration around the notion of inherent values in objects, and later, in people.…”

Section: I C a R I O U S R E S I L I E N C E F R O M A T T A C H M mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The emphasis on long-term engagement is grounded in the understanding that developmental, self and relational challenges existing at the core of attachment trauma may emerge and gradually addressed. In this way mentalization, that is, the growth of a mind's developmental capacity to take a reflective stance upon themselves and others (Donovan, 2007;Bateman & Fonagy, 2008), can slowly progress over time.…”

Section: Conceptual Frameworkmentioning

confidence: 99%

Vicarious resilience from attachment trauma: reflections of long-term therapy with marginalized young people

Tassie

2014

Journal of Social Work Practice

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The concept of vicarious resilience captures the therapist's emotional growth occurring as a direct result of therapeutic engagement with traumatized clients. Three chronological case scenarios are presented for exploration of vicarious resilience in relation to attachment trauma. The purpose is to increase awareness and appreciation of the positive functions it serves for client mentalization, therapist skill and resilience factors for both parties. The reflective methodology considers the intrapsychic worlds of the client and the therapist and details how the therapist comes to experience the client's distressing projections. The potential for vicarious resilience begins from the outset of the therapist's actions of containment upon these projections. Advancing early ideas, it is advocated that vicarious resilience requires the therapist to have both the capacity and willingness to maintain a constant reflective stance.

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Ethics and Reflecting Processes: A Systemic Perspective

Cited by 9 publications

References 10 publications

Using systemic reflective practice to treat couples and families with alcohol problems

Using systemic reflective practice to treat couples and families with alcohol problems

From doing to being: the tensions of systemic practice in social work – group reflective supervision in child protection

Vicarious resilience from attachment trauma: reflections of long-term therapy with marginalized young people

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