Date of Paper

5-2013

Type of Paper

Clinical research paper

Degree Name

Master of Social Work (M.S.W.)

Department

Social Work

First Advisor

Kendra J. Garrett

Department/School

Social Work

Abstract

This study gathered qualitative data on the Developmental Repair Model from clinicians working with it currently. The research question that guided this research was: What are clinicians’ perspectives on the Developmental Repair Model (DRM). The research was gathered by collecting data through standardized, structured interviews with clinicians from an inner-city agency in the Midwest. Findings of this research include themes of unique ways clinicians made the DRM their own by: creating special visuals or techniques; ways clinicians modeled fixing mistakes or narrating their own emotions; how clinicians used the strengths perspective while working with families by understanding individual struggles; how clinicians received support through peer consultation; ways in which clinicians used their sense of self while working with children such as kneeling on the floor instead of standing over a child; how clinicians integrated the four domains of the DRM into their daily practice; and finally how clinicians perceive the DRM as a strengths-based model. This information adds to the growing discussion on children’s mental health concerns and what evidence-based models are currently being used to address such concerns. Additionally, this research encourages the continuation of placing importance of the special needs of children with disrupted attachment.

Included in

Social Work Commons

COinS