Dr Bowlby: A Psychiatrist for Our Times

Qualified in medicine just over fifty years ago. He trained first in paediatrics then in psychiatry, the final four years of which was at the Tavistock Clinic. There he had supervised experience in family systems and psychoanalytical therapies, work discussion and group relations, and attended John Bowlby's seminars. From 1980 he was consultant—later director of training—in child and adolescent psychiatry at the Tavistock, and in emergency and liaison psychiatry in the paediatric department at the nearby Whittington Hospital. He now works with NHS staff groups in child protection, adult medicine and mental health, and clinically in a “reflecting team” of family systems therapists at a GP practice. His principal papers are collected at