ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the role of the therapist in terms of the relationship with the child within the boundaries of the therapy sessions, and the wider aspects of the role as a resource to others working with and caring for the child. It focuses on what is meant by a therapeutic response and the issues surrounding its development. The boundary between the role of the therapist and the child’s carers is important. The therapist provides a reliable time and place, within safe limits and boundaries, so as to attempt with the child to understand thoughts and feelings, whether conscious or unconscious, expressed through words, play and body language, and to translate the understanding into words. Both carers and therapists develop the ability to observe and listen to the communications which underlie the specific words and behaviour, some of which can be puzzling, inappropriate in the given circumstances and at times extremely frightening.
