Paul Barrows

Bio: Paul Barrows is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Child psychotherapy & Autism. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 1 publications receiving 12 citations.

“Playful” therapy: working with autism and trauma

Abstract: This paper proposes that psychoanalytic psychotherapy can be a helpful form of treatment for certain autistic children. Some of the misconceptions surrounding this kind of treatment are discussed. The literature identifying a particular sub‐group of autistic children is then reviewed and the characteristics of this group, and the relationship of their difficulties to early trauma, are described. Using clinical material from work with a child who probably fell within this sub‐group, and who had very marked autistic features, the paper illustrates the importance of the therapist taking an active role in the therapy and how this helped the child to emerge from his withdrawn state. Particular emphasis is placed on the importance of introducing themes of aggression, and of this being done in a playful way. The impact of trauma on children's development, with particular reference to the acquisition of language, is considered. The role of sibling rivalry as a factor is emphasised.

Memory and therapeutic action

Abstract: One of the central pillars on which psychoanalytic treatment has traditionally rested is the major significance accorded to memory in the therapeutic process. But how can this cardinal feature of psychoanalytic identity be justified in the face of neuropsychological research revealing memory as a series of different systems and distinguishing between the content and the modes of remembrance? The authors' answer is that in fact it cannot be justified. Accordingly, they advocate a revision of our models of therapeutic action. Psychic change results not from the reversal of repression, but from intensive transference work and the active construction of a new way of experiencing »self with other«.

Therapeutic Work with Trauma, Revictimization, and Perpetration: Bearing Witness, Offering Hope, Embracing Despair

Abstract: This paper offers a case study of a survivor of childhood incest who in adulthood has become a victim of violence in her relationships with chosen partners and is concerned that she herself may be a perpetrator of sexual abuse. It examines selected literature on attachment, dissociation, transference/countertransference, role responsiveness and sadomasochistic therapeutic enactments, the two-system superego model, and the triadic self. The paper focuses on long-term treatment dynamics with survivors of cumulative trauma and explores such psychodynamic psychotherapy issues as the therapist as a perpetrator of violence, the development of sacred space, authenticity, and the importance of both offering hope and embracing despair in this work.

Relationship building during the initial phase of social work intervention with child clients in a rural area

Abstract: Establishing a helping relationship between child clients and social workers is essential to the successful outcome of social work intervention. This research qualitatively explored, with a case study design through semi-structured interviewing, the experiences of social workers and child clients regarding their initial contact-making in a rural Boland area. The themes that emerged concerned the rationale for relationship building, contextual factors, barriers to relationship building and the importance of the social worker’s professional attributes. Lastly, a pattern emerged regarding engagement of a child client during the initial session.

Relationship building during the initial phase of social work intervention with child clients in farm communities in the Boland district

Abstract: Establishing a helping relationship between child clients and social workers is essential to the successful outcome of the social work intervention. This article qualitatively explores through semi-structured interviewing the experiences of social workers and child clients regarding their initial contact-making in rural farming communities through a case study design. Data were analysed by means of thematic analysis. The themes that emerged concerned the rationale for relationship building, contextual factors, barriers to relationship building and the importance of the social worker’s professional attributes. Lastly, a pattern emerged regarding engagement of a child client during the initial session.