Micro-skills of group formulations in care settings.

This study examines some of the micro-skills associated with the moment-to-moment decisions and actions involved in delivering group formulation sessions in dementia care settings. We discuss the therapeutic framework used by therapists from a number of Challenging Behaviour Services in the UK (Newcastle, Northumberland, South Tyneside, Teesside, Sutton and Merton, Northern Ireland) which is frequently referred to as the Newcastle or Colombo approach. Through a theoretical review and practice illustration, the study pays particular attention to the role of therapists' questions and questioning styles in group formulation sessions, providing a framework which aims to facilitate care staffs' understanding, reflection and empathy regarding their residents who are displaying 'challenging behaviours'.