Introduction: Dr Emma Verwey gained experience working with parents navigating the litigation process following their child's acquired brain injury (ABI). While on a placement (with Dr Kelly Camilleri) during her clinical psychology doctoral training, she noticed the dual role of being both a 'parent' and a 'litigation friend' and the profound impact this had on individuals and families. This inspired her to pursue research exploring the psychological impact of litigation on parents. This research aimed to explore these lived experiences and to shed light on the challenges that emerge during the litigation journey.
Research Findings: The findings of this research highlights several core themes faced by parents in litigation following their child's injury. Key themes include loss of parental agency, privacy invasion, identity transformation, and feelings of isolation. Many parents experienced an overwhelming sense of losing control over their lives, feeling scrutinised and coerced by the legal process. Litigation was described as a process that inhibited their ability to process trauma and grief, thereby prolonging their emotional pain and hindering their ability to accept and adapt. The research also indicated a significant impact on family dynamics, affecting attachment and leading to relational ruptures within the family unit.
Relevance to Legal Teams, Case Managers, and Clinicians: These findings may be of use for legal teams, case managers, and clinicians involved with families of children who have experienced ABI and are going through litigation. The findings reveal significant psychological impacts on parents, affecting not only their role as caregivers but also on the entire family system. These findings will not be necessarily be new information for professionals involved but, rather we hope to use this space as a platform to share research findings and gain traction for future / ongoing research; this research emphasises the need for systemic support and interventions early in the litigation process, focusing on whole-family approaches and recognising the emotional toll on parents.
Speakers
Dr Kelly
Camilleri
Clinical Psychologist at Blossoming Minds
Kelly completed her doctorate in clinical psychology in 1997. Since then she has worked in the nhs, private, and voluntary sector. She set up her own practice 8 years ago. Kelly works therapeutically with young people and adults who have brain injury, intellectual disabilities neurodiversity and/or complex disabilities. As well as providing therapy, Kelly and her team work with the family and
wider care systems to promote agency and adjustment.
The practice also focuses on research and awareness around carer role, the impact of litigation, and the benefits system. Since its foundation, Kelly’s practice ensures that approximately 20% of all work is low cost or pro bono.
Emma is a Registered Clinical Psychologist with over 10 years of experience working in public and charity sectors. She completed her Clinical Psychology doctoral training with the University of Plymouth and has worked in mental health and learning disability services since 2013. Throughout her career, Emma has worked with children and adults, individuals, couples and families. Prior to and during her doctoral training Emma worked in a range of services including adult forensic, child learning disability, neuropsychological, and eating disorders.
Emma completed her final year of doctoral training at Blossoming Minds and post qualification, has decided to work outside of the NHS after almost 10 years in order to continue doing the long-term work with families that she values so much. Raising a young family also allows her some flexibility with working hours.
It has always been important to Emma to work relationally and consider attachment in the context of her approach. She has been privileged to work with many families who have inspired her to continue to learn about the impact of childhood trauma. Emma has further specialist training in Dyadic Developmental Therapy (DDP), and hopes to continue her development with other therapeutic models in the near future in order to help her explore significant attachment disruption and/or loss, and build safe and trusting relationships with and within families.
