In bookshops in Australia, Canada, USA and UK…

Families, Carers and Professionals: Building Constructive Conversations’ , pub 2007, John Wiley and Sons, is for professionals (teachers, social workers, doctors, psychiatrists, MH nurses, and other professionals) who work with people with challenging behaviour – including autism, addiction problems, mental health issues, learning disabilities, eating disorders, ADHD – and for their families and other home carers recognising the need for good communication to build coordinated and effective care.

Building teamwork through constructive conversations between professionals and families wherever possible provides better 24-hour care can only benefit those vulnerable people affected by e.g. Aspergers Syndrome; learning difficulties; addictive compulsive behaviours such as drug addiction, alcoholism, eating disorders and gambling; and other mental health problems, ADHD. The common factor is challenging behaviour which affects the whole family, and other carers, as well as the lives of the people with these conditions.

Chapters include – Families are Fascinating; Consequences – for the individual, the family, the professional; Perspectives; Resources – professional and family; Professionals working with Carers – Pressures, Problems and Pleasures; Confidentiality; Communication – Constructive and Destructive. Information and resources for all who work to support troubled individuals.

Books like this enable people to feel listened to and to feel connected and supported and I highly recommend it. Professor Janet Treasure, PhD, FRCP, FRCPsych -From her Foreword for the book.