ABSTRACT
The ‘general goals’ for general professional training in paediatrics and child health provide a good foundation for working with children with behavioural and emotional problems. The physical setting is important and should be welcoming, child friendly and low on distractions. Staff attitudes and values are also important and roles need to be clear. Clarity about responsibility helps to ensure that powerful emotional issues are well managed. An understanding of the management of anxiety in social systems is helpful. In working with emotional issues, practitioners need to ensure that they are not being driven by irrational anxieties generated within themselves or from the powerful feelings of others. Knowledge of mental mechanisms is essential and is discussed later. Discussion within a multidisciplinary team or with colleagues supports safe practice.
