A Frame That Bent, But Did Not Break: Understanding how change to the therapeutic frame can impact upon an established parent-infant psychotherapy and under-fives art psychotherapy service

Abstract

The impact of change can feel both liberating and destructive. This paper discusses the impact of change within an experienced parent-infant psychotherapy and under-fives art psychotherapy organisation, referred to throughout as the ‘Service’. The change refers to the Service’s loss of an established working alliance with a professional network including a Centre Manager, a team of Health Visitors, Outreach Support Workers, Nursery Teachers and Administrative Assistants. The work alongside these allied professionals ended when their organisation went through significant structural changes. Key areas to be discussed will focus on the impact of change upon the Service’s organisational system, the therapeutic frame and the therapists’ and clients’ experiences.