The Vital Importance of Engagement – The Cinderella of the Cinderella Services

Whilst much emphasis in the psychosis literature is placed on engagement and establishing a therapeutic rapport as a precursor to effective psychotherapy, most texts fail to sufficiently explore the difficult practicalities... [ view full abstract ]

Whilst much emphasis in the psychosis literature is placed on engagement and establishing a therapeutic rapport as a precursor to effective psychotherapy, most texts fail to sufficiently explore the difficult practicalities involved or offer helpful case-based strategies to address these. Instead, emphasis is disproportionately placed on intervention protocols and procedures and the evaluation of intervention efficacy.

In this paper two established psychotherapists from different ends of the intervention spectrum (community early intervention and high secure forensic services) explore the potential tragedies of failing to establish secure and safe engagement. Using case examples, both openly reflect on the mistakes they have made, the lessons they have learnt and the useful engagement strategies which have emerged from this reflexive practice.

Learning Objectives:

Delegates will learn about:

• the fundamental importance of engagement
• case-based examples of developing meaningful engagement in practice
• a reflexive framework to guide praxis