‘How can we help?’ – The role of formulation meetings in an Edge of Care team

Abstract

Rotherham Edge of Care Team has embedded formulation meetings into their clinical practice. This article reflects on the processes within these meetings, and the impact formulation meetings have on social care systems and the families they support. Key themes appearing to arise from formulation meetings are vicarious trauma, partnership working and transgenerational stories of trauma. Formulation meetings appear to offer a safe space for professionals, providing support for the system to slow down and reconnect with the overall family system. This in turn helps reframe the difficulties shared in the formulation meetings and further understanding of the family’s narratives.