Making Sense of Interpersonal Dynamics: A Schema Focused Approach

Abstract

Working in forensic mental health requires attention to our responses to the ‘ raw material ’ of our patients, as well as working on the raw material itself (Hinshelwood, 2008 : xix). A psychodynamic perspective tries to illuminate what is going on at a systemic level and its contribution to our understanding is invaluable. This neces-sitates an understanding of both organizational and psychoanalytic theory in order to make sense of the insights it provides. Consequently, this approach is neither universally accessible nor easily understood by the multidisciplinary team (MDT) or wider nursing team in many services. It is unusual for professionals within this environment, in particular nursing staff, to access the available literature in order to assist them in making sense of their experiences. It is therefore necessary to consider how existing knowledge and resources within the workforce can be used effectively to increase their refl ective capacities. The clinicians ’ framework for understanding organizational and interpersonal dynamics will always be heavily infl uenced by the theoretical perspective of the service. The Personality Disorder Service (PDS) may differ from other services through the relative dominance of Schema Focused Therapy (SFT) (Young, 1990 )