Una McCluskey

Groups for women survivors of childhood sexual abuse: The implications of attachment theory1

Abstract This paper suggests that attachment theory provides a conceptual framework for understanding the way in which groups can help women to recover from childhood experiences of sexual abuse. For all children, the nature and quality of their relationships with adult care-givers influence their ability to form relationships and realise their potential. Childhood sexual abuse interferes with this process, but it does not affect all children in the same way, for a variety of complex reasons. Attachment theory is invoked to account for some of these differences. It is proposed that some of the characteristic manifestations of childhood sexual abuse in adult survivors can be understood in attachment terms, with reference to internal working models of relationship. The role which groups (in conjunction with other forms of help and support) can play in the recovery process through influencing internal working models is considered. The relative merits of short-term, long-term, professionally-led and self-help...

Sharing expertise and responsibility for learning on a postgraduate qualifying coursei in social work

Abstract This paper describes two aspects of an approach developed for basic social work training by social work staff at the University of York, the Core Group and Interviewing Skills.

Teddy Bears: Facilitators of Love, Friendship and Therapy

Abstract An edited version of a paper delivered to the Scottish branch of the Group for the Advancement of Psychodynamics and Psychotherapy in Social Work, Edinburgh, Winter 1976. After finishing her degree in Social Science in Dublin Una McCluskey took her professional training at Edinburgh University (1971), specialising in psychiatric social work. She worked for a number of years in a Department of Child and Family Psychiatry, where she was the Principal Social Worker, and was involved in the Innovation of the in-patient treatment of whole families. She worked with Barnardos in Edinburgh, and went as a lecturer to York University in 1978. Interests have always lain in the marriage of psychodynamic and systemic thinking and the application of these ideas to working with individuals, families and organisations.

Pre-verbal communication: The role of play in establishing rhythms of communication between self and other

Abstract Observations of infants and mothers reveal a rhythm of communication that is taking place between them about inner emotional states, not just non-verbal body language, which has the quality of play. This pre-verbal playful rhythm between adult and infant is not only meaningful, it allows them to enjoy each other and be enjoyed and it promotes the infants sense of self, Research indicates that it is through these interactions that the infant comes into being as a person and eventually is able to communicate their thoughts and feelings. A number of researchers have contributed to this area of work but this paper concentrates particularly on the work of Daniel Stern, and his concept of attunement. Accurate attunement to the infant on the part of the care-giver facilitates the infants exploration of his/her world. The process of attunement involves both accurate tracking of the others emotional or thinking self, and also contributing something different to the interaction than mere mimicking. Havi...

Does marriage matter? A perspective and model for action

Abstract This paper considers some issues about the public and private aspects of marriage; offers a perspective from sociology, psychodynamic theory and philosophy and makes recommendations for further research and intervention.