The meeting: a response to Neil Harris, ‘Something in the air’

"Abstract: This article is a direct response to ‘Something in the Air’ by Neil Harris (2011, BGJ, 20, 2). It sets out an argument that, rather than the qualities of the adoptive organisation, the author of that article was the most significant factor in the field that influenced the attitude of the young man at their meeting. To support this argument it draws on the dialogic relationship, attachment theory, and trauma. It makes a strong connection between the qualities necessary in adult relationships with children, if those children are to attach, and the qualities needed by therapists to help their clients make the best use of therapy. It concludes that much more needs to be done to bring the needs of looked after children to the attention of the Gestalt community. Key words: presence, attachment, meeting, dialogic relationship, field theory, Parlett’s five factors, connection, looked after children, adoption."