The treatment of children placed in foster families – the psychotherapist‘s role and experience

Abstract

Psychotherapeutic work with children placed in foster families is specific and complex, primarilily because of the experiences that these children carry with them and their embeddedness within a a broader system that includes biological and foster families as well as social services. However, it remains insufficiently researched. In this study, we focused on the role of the psychotherapist within the foster care system and their experience in treating children placed in  foster families. After reviewing theoretical guidelines for psychotherapeutic work in this field, we conducted a qualitative study involving five relational family therapists who met specific criteria. We conducted semi-structured interviews with them based on three research questions: What is the experience of psychotherapists working within the foster care system? What is their approach to addressing the distress of children in foster care? How do they perceive the role of the psychotherapist within the this  system?

Based on the results, we developed a grounded theory about the role of the psychotherapist in treating children placed in foster families and their experience of working within this context. Results indicated  that psychotherapists perceive their role as carrying significant responsibility and being multifaceted as it relates to the care for the child within the system and to the process progress. Their experience of working with children in foster care is shaped by the professional context; while gaining insight into the system‘s functioning and collaborating within it, psychotherapists often experience feelings of helplessness and a need for professional support. At the same time, they undergo an intense personal process.