Rebecca Chilvers – författare

This insightful book offers a rich collection of practice stories written by forty-eight psychological professionals working in neonatal care in the UK, illuminating the compassionate human endeavour of holding distress as families and teams navigate the storms of neonatal care. Through diverse voices, including clinical and counselling psychologists, child and adult psychotherapists, counsellors and psychological wellbeing practitioners, these evocative narratives reveal what it means to bring forth and hold stories that make sense of overwhelming experiences for others.Organised across four thematic sections—exploring the 'what?', 'how?', 'where?' and 'who?' of neonatal psychological practice—the book weaves together first-person narratives, reflective pieces and conversations with conceptual commentaries that provide theoretical and empirical context. Chapters address the nature of psychological intervention during ongoing trauma, the therapeutic processes of holding and containment, clinical and ethical dilemmas arising from positioning within multidisciplinary teams, and the mutual influence between practitioners' selves and their work. Topics span transitioning into parenthood, neonatal loss and trauma, parent-infant relationships, staff support, personal and professional boundaries and experiences of leadership, offering both anchor and compass for this rapidly evolving field.Written with accessibility in mind, this book assumes no background in psychological training and speaks to a wide readership: psychological professionals seeking to learn about or deepen their neonatal practice; allied health professionals, nurses, medics and other multidisciplinary team members wanting to understand their colleagues' roles; parents and families who have experienced neonatal care; and anyone interested in discovering what psychological professionals can offer within the neonatal system. By celebrating diverse approaches, this anthology of creativity, connection and courage opens up new possibilities for practice while honouring the complex reality of this profoundly human work.

This insightful book offers a rich collection of practice stories written by forty-eight psychological professionals working in neonatal care in the UK, illuminating the compassionate human endeavour of holding distress as families and teams navigate the storms of neonatal care. Through diverse voices, including clinical and counselling psychologists, child and adult psychotherapists, counsellors and psychological wellbeing practitioners, these evocative narratives reveal what it means to bring forth and hold stories that make sense of overwhelming experiences for others.Organised across four thematic sections—exploring the 'what?', 'how?', 'where?' and 'who?' of neonatal psychological practice—the book weaves together first-person narratives, reflective pieces and conversations with conceptual commentaries that provide theoretical and empirical context. Chapters address the nature of psychological intervention during ongoing trauma, the therapeutic processes of holding and containment, clinical and ethical dilemmas arising from positioning within multidisciplinary teams, and the mutual influence between practitioners' selves and their work. Topics span transitioning into parenthood, neonatal loss and trauma, parent-infant relationships, staff support, personal and professional boundaries and experiences of leadership, offering both anchor and compass for this rapidly evolving field.Written with accessibility in mind, this book assumes no background in psychological training and speaks to a wide readership: psychological professionals seeking to learn about or deepen their neonatal practice; allied health professionals, nurses, medics and other multidisciplinary team members wanting to understand their colleagues' roles; parents and families who have experienced neonatal care; and anyone interested in discovering what psychological professionals can offer within the neonatal system. By celebrating diverse approaches, this anthology of creativity, connection and courage opens up new possibilities for practice while honouring the complex reality of this profoundly human work.

Having a baby in neonatal care is often described as an emotional rollercoaster. Feeling overwhelmed and distressed is common and many parents experience anxiety, guilt, shame, anger and fear in a new and strange environment. You may not know where to turn or what to do next, but you are not alone.Written by an experienced Consultant Clinical Psychologist specialising in neonatal care for over a decade, this book is a compassionate companion for parents of premature and sick babies. It will:- Help you find ways to get through the first bewildering weeks- Support you to look after the emotional wellbeing of yourself and your family- Work your way through the complexities of becoming and parent and forming a relationship with your baby- Help you make complex decisions and be involved in your baby's care- Address your needs if your baby has a long term or life limiting condition- Speak to the many specific challenges that arise whilst your baby is being treated in hospital- Help you prepare for the transition to home and make sense of your experienceContaining over 50 tailored written exercise, links to supporting audio files, parent stories, key information and guidance this book will help you navigate the emotional challenges of your baby's stay in neonatal care.