ABSTRACT
This chapter explores how ‘difficult’ and rule breaking behaviour is dealt with at Unit C. Staff had a number of ways to discourage and deal with risky or dangerous behaviour, such as the use of ‘special observation’, removal of belongings, and physical restraint for those considered at risk of self-harm. In addition, emergency medication, physical intervention and seclusion were used to deal with aggression. Here, I will explore these overt strategies for control, questioning how their use shaped the therapeutic relationship and the progression of women through the service. I will also describe more covert strategies for control, such as the control of information and the response to self-harm. This chapter shows that, although the organisation uses methods to encourage self-governance, this is not a goal which is achieved in the short-term due to the contradictions inherent in its implementation.
