ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on experiences of working as a therapeutic careworker and keyworker to children, like Michael, who were in various states of withdrawal from life. The withdrawal from life spreads across multiple domains of eating, drinking, walking, talking, and self-care. The style of therapeutic work within this particular treatment milieu is explored in relation to a pervasively regressing child, Michael. The young people are gathering in the sitting area getting ready for the Morning Meeting. Previously, Michael spent the meetings lying on a beanbag, but on this occasion he is sitting upright, supported by cushions, at the end of one of the sofas. The myriad responses to a silent, to a silent, pervasively retreating child naturally present challenges for any inpatient team responsible for his care. Time and space therefore need to be given to those working with retreating children to carefully explore their perceptions of, and reactions to, the child.
