Opportunity led work: maximising the possibilities for therapeutic communication in everyday interactions

This paper introduces the concept of 'opportunity led work',
which is a framework for thinking about the everyday opportunities for
communication and support which arise in therapeutic community work.
The framework focuses on the processes of assessment, decision-making,
action and closure which are involved in the handling of even the briefest
interactions, and it is designed to highlight the ways in which the handling
of such interactions can be harnessed to the overall purpose of the unit. The
model is outlined, using vignettes based upon TC practice with young
people, and some thoughts are offered on the implications of this approach
for practice and staff development in child care and other settings.