ABSTRACT
This chapter draws on material from the therapy of children who come into the category
of being ‘looked after’, placed in care settings through the intervention of the local
authority. It addresses the challenge for the therapist in how to position herself vis-à-vis the child, the carers and the network of professionals who often hold the balance of
power regarding the therapy. Part of the challenge for the therapist lies in determining
what aspects of the therapy remain confidential and what need to be shared. This can
create a tightrope situation. If she shares too much information too quickly, the therapist
runs the risk of losing the cooperation of the child. On the other hand, she may also risk
losing the child from therapy if she is seen by the network to be too withholding or too
exclusive in terms of her relationship with the child.
