Support staffs' experiences of relationship formation and development in secure mental health services

Authors:
EVANS Kathryn, et al
Journal article citation:
British Journal of Forensic Practice, 14(2), 2012, pp.104-115.
Publisher:
Emerald

Therapeutic relationships with patients are a key feature for staff working within mental health settings. This study investigated the experiences of support staff within secure mental health services with regards to the formation and development of therapeutic relationships with patients. Ten unqualified support staff, based within two medium secure establishments within the NHS in the North West of England, were interviewed. Data analysis resulted in the identification of three themes: ‘building bridges’ – developing relationships with patients; ‘you do forget what they've done’ – seeing the person and managing risk; and ‘playing your cards close to our chest’ – maintaining boundaries. The themes are discussed and evaluated in terms of relationship formation and development, barriers that may prevent such relationships from being built. Implications for clinical practice are discussed.

Subject terms:
mental health services, secure units, staff-user relationships;
Content type:
research
Location(s):
England
Link:
Journal home page
ISSN print:
1463-6646

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