Writing as a Tool of Reflective Practice: Sketches and Reflections from Inside the Split Milieu of an Eating Disorders Unit

The writer draws on experience as a student psychiatric nurse, working within a culture of an inpatient eating disorders unit which is split. The conflict between forms of physical treatment and psychological care is drawn out, as are a number of complicated dynamics within and between the staff and patient groups. It is argued that, by remaining alive to countertransference and obstinately committed to communicating one's experience, by writing and other means, it is possible to find a role in such a situation.