Abstract
The experience of abandonment is central and pervasive for therapists and other professionals involved in work with families disrupted by protective intervention. Abandonment experience is not unique to the protective service situation, nor is it the only important experience in work with disrupted families. However, a combination of factors operate in that situation to activate and emphasize the experience of abandonment in the therapist.
This clinical discussion summarizes relevant theory, and identifies factors in the situation which contribute to therapist abandonment experience. It describes and illustrates therapist abandonment experiences in the course of work with a disrupted family, and discusses the impact of these experiences on therapeutic work.
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Kenemore, T.K., Petterson, S. Therapist abandonment experience in work with families disrupted by protective intervention. Child Adolesc Soc Work J 4, 47–60 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00756457
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00756457