I worked as a senior social worker, family and couple psychotherapist at the internationally famous and unique Marlborough Family Day Unit, in St John's Wood, London - from 1979 to 1985. it was the a facility within the NHS. At the time the consultant was the charismatic Dr Alan Cooklin, psychiatrist in family, child, adolescent and a psychoanalyst. We had the benefit of having very dysfunctional families attend 5 days a week. Some could be there for up to 18 months or so.
The rationale for such a project, was that these families had - multiple psychological and physical problems. Many had children in care with the risk others might follow. Some were on the at Risk Register regarding sexual and physical abuse. My role in the unit was a - delicate balance between on the one hand - having a legal remit. And on the other a - creative and therapeutic one. I found at times - this a difficult psychological position to be in. Thankfully I was fortunate to have an exceptionally experienced and thoughtful principal social worker, at the hospital. We would meet weekly to discuss cases and problems as part of my supervision. Without this level of high quality psychological help, the role would have been impossible. She left shortly after me. Had I stayed on, there is a reasonable chance - I might have got her position. Without doubt one of the best jobs in the field of therapeutic social work in any country.
One reason for its success was the multi - discipline team approach. We had child psychotherapist, adult psychotherapist, family and couple therapist, psychiatrists, clinical psychologist, social workers - I was placed in the unit. And would be responsible for any legal issues about the children and their welfare. I had to go on many occasions to the - Family Division of the High Court as an expert witness. In addition I also acted when necessary as a Guardian ad Litem, in care proceedings.
Moreover we were privileged to have a number of world famous family and systemic therapist, come to work and teach us. People like Dr Salvador Minuchin, psychiatrist from America, and expert on anorexia in families and ways to treat them. Dr Carl Whittaker, again from America, and a psychiatrist and systemic family therapist. An expert on seriously dysfunctional families with criminal histories. From Italy the duo of exceptional creativity - Dr Luigi Boscolo and Dr Gianfranco Ceccin - from Milan. They were interested in the - scapegoating or the IP. The index patient and the important and necessary role they play in family life.
Unfortunately the Day Unit has closed. So this unique experiment in - helping very disturbed and dysfunctional families has now been lost. The expertise isn't easy to replicate as there were so many highly skilled practitioners working together. The myopic management of the NHS and politicians - thought the money would better used elsewhere. Cost benefit analysis on a longitudinal basis wasn't seen as a - necessary or sufficient reason to keep it alive.
When I left the NHS service in April 1985 - I then worked exclusively in private practice. I taught and was a council member and past chair of the London Centre for Psychotherapy in Hampstead. I also taught and was a council member of the Institute of Family Therapy, London. I also taught and conducted a weekly - large group with Dr Patrick de Mare, a consultant psychiatrist and founder member of The Institute of Group Analysis, in Britain just after WW2. I also ran a number of groups - including a Clergy Support Group, for clergy in north London. This ran for a number of years. I consider this one of my most important pieces work. It was intended to help them understand and help them in the burden of their ministry. In addition it offered them personal insightful into their psychological unconscious world. There were 3 other similar groups being run throughout north London. I also had a busy and flourishing private psychoanalytic practice from my consulting room in Islington, London. I was also the proud father of my daughter. We later had a son born in 1988. My then wife was also a psychotherapist.
Sadly all the international therapist, who were pioneers in the theory and practice of family system ideas - and were with us at the unit have now died. Nevertheless they have left an indelible mark on - the outstanding development of systemic family and couples therapy across Britain. We are now regarded as a leading country in new ideas - in this fascinating field of work. Long may it continue.
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