ABSTRACT
In writing this book it may seem that I am taking for granted that out-of-school club workers’ professional skills will be enriched if they understand what a child is communicating by their behaviour. Of course, this is not necessarily so; I do believe our work is enriched by understanding the psychodynamic model of human behaviour. This model emphasises the importance of what goes on unconsciously between people and in groups. When we understand the unconscious motivations that may be at play then our skills in understanding seemingly meaningless behaviour are enhanced.
