REFLECTIVE COMMUNCATION

Reflective communication

Reflective communication

Introduction

This paper explores reflective communication within social work from an attachment perspective. The capacity to communicate openly and confidently is a crucial aspect of the social work task. Two particular theories are explored and described: (Rogers 1951) firstly? the sequence between the infant and the primary caregiver of attunement? rupture and repair. (Sahakian 1975)It is argued that this pattern is present in all relationships and that the negative aspects of it can become re-evoked within the social work task? both in relation to clients and fellow professionals. (Lane 2005) Secondly? the concept of reflective function is explored which has particular relevance to social work. This report relays the findings from the final phases of a study of multi-agency working involving professionals from the education? social services and health sectors of local authorities. (Kotzman 1984) The report includes analysis and discussion of the different types or models of multi-agency activities the rationale for their development agencies' and individuals' involvement in multi-agency activities? their roles? professional backgrounds and their impact. (Katz 1985)

Discussion

Reder and Duncan? in an important recent article? draw attention to the key role of reflective communication within social work and the fact that numerous inquiries into child deaths have pointed to poor inter agency reflective communication as being one of the key elements in these tragedies. (Fisher 1981) This article is an attempt to develop this dialogue by thinking about reflective communication from an attachment perspective. The move towards multi-agency work is likely to highlight the importance of reflective communication as a crucial skill. (Sahakian 1975) Thus? 'Every Child Matters' identifies the ability to communicate as one of the key aspects of the Common Core of Skills and Knowledge. (Gerwood 1993)

There is now an increased interest in the whole area of reflective communication from a psychological perspective. There is a growing awareness that it is necessary to try to understand what it is that leads to failures in reflective communication. Thus? Ferguson writes of the impact of fear? (Baker 1997) violence and emotional pain on social work practice and the consequent implications for reflective communication. He comments that the Laming report into Victoria Climbié's death 'presents rational and naïve solutions to what must be understood as often irrational and inherently complex psycho-social processes'. Similarly? Rustin comments on the impact of the mental pain on those working with Victoria Climbié. She talks about the defences which individuals use to defend against witnessing emotional pain and suffering in others (Rustin? 2005). Her arguments apply equally well to the whole area of reflective communication and the way in which defences and irrational behaviour can interfere with the ability to communicate openly and transparently. (Rogers 1951)

This has implications in terms of reflective communication: in order to be a 'good communicator'? it requires the individual to be resilient enough to tolerate the inevitable periods of rupture that occur in all reflective communication. If the individual's experiences with his primary caregiver were not 'good enough'? he is likely to experience powerful feelings ...