ABSTRACT
In the field of psychiatric social work (PSW) and general practice (GP) collaboration, conflict of roles, different functions, lines of accountability, and distributing scarce resources are key issues. This chapter suggests new ways for GPs and PSWs to look at the pain their patients are suffering for the benefit of the patient and the professionals’ own working relationships. It presents view of a psychodynamically orientated PSW attachment to a large London group medical practice. The attachment forms part of a larger research project initiated by the Community Unit of the Adult Department of the Tavistock Clinic in 1972. The chapter presents three case studies. In the first case, the GP feels uneasy on account of his anger towards a difficult young woman. In the second case, the GP is shocked by the violence of the material. In the third case, both GP and PSW share the horror and despair of a young person whose hopes and ideals are suddenly dashed.
