Working with Infants and Young Children: Considerations for Mental Health Professionals
2 Hours | 2 CEs
This on-demand professional training program on Working with Infants and Young Children: Considerations for Mental Health Professionals is presented by Rachel Jacoby, PhD, and Tricia Woodliff, PhD.
The term "Infant Mental Health" originated in a program for parents with children aged 0-3 facing relationship problems (Fraiberg, 1980). Zero to Three, focused on training, advocacy, and leadership, defines Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) as the developing capacity of a child from birth to 5 years old to form close relationships, manage emotions, and explore within the family, community, and culture (Zero to Three, 2022). Current definitions extend from before birth to 6 years.
Infant Mental Health (IMH) stands apart, emphasizing relational aspects and viewing the parent-child dyad as the ultimate client (Brandt, 2014). IMH prioritizes everyday moments, fostering crucial attachments for child development. Practices must be developmentally attuned and culturally responsive (Zeanah & Zeanah, 2019).
IECMH is globally expanding, with growing multidisciplinary training programs. However, there's a lack of consensus on effective methods (Hinshaw-Fuselier et al., 2019). Despite limited data supporting a global endorsement policy, research in reflective supervision, theory, and systems informs evidence-supported IMH practices (Weatherston et al., 2009).
The ultimate goal is early addressing of relational concerns, wiring the brain for healthy relationships, and preventing long-term consequences of early adversity. Currently, there's insufficient emphasis on working with children aged birth to 5 in counselor education, despite evidence highlighting the critical importance of early years. It's asserted that counselor education programs should provide opportunities for students to ethically work with this high-need population. This program aims to address the need for IMH training and explore ways to integrate intensive training into online Counselor Education Programs.
This program is intended for mental health professionals, particularly counselors, and will benefit those who work with or plan to work with children or parents.
Intended Audience
This on-demand professional training program is intended for mental health and other allied professionals
Experience Level
This on-demand professional training program is appropriate for beginner, intermediate, and advanced level clinicians.
CE / CPD Credit
APA, ASWB, CPA, NBCC Click here for state and other regional board approvals.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this program you will be able to:
Describe the concept of infant mental health and understand the historical development of the specialty
Describe the critical need for mental health professionals to work with this population due to the increased understanding of the long-term effects of early childhood trauma and relational disorders
Describe the key components of IECMH, including the child's capacity to form secure relationships, manage emotions, express a full range of emotions, and explore the environment within the context of family, community, and culture
Describe unique aspects of IMH in comparison to mental health in older children and adults, emphasizing the necessity for a relationship focus while understanding that the dyad of the relationship between the parent and the child is considered the ultimate client in IMH
Describe resources and activities regarding IECMH in their clinical practice or curriculum
Describe the gaps in education and training regarding the care of infants and early childhood mental health. Participants will discuss the importance of advocacy and intensive training, emphasizing the critical role of early intervention in preventing long-term consequences of relational disruption and trauma
Presented By
Rachel Jacoby, PhD
Dr. Rachel Jacoby is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Supervisor in Ohio. She is currently a visiting faculty member at Palo Alto University. Dr. Jacoby has extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and families. She values working with individuals on a personal and collabor...
Presented By
Tricia Woodliff, PhD
Tricia Woodliff, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor of Counselor Education. She holds an M.S. degree in Counseling Psychology and a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision. She is a licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and an Approved Clinical Supervisor. Her research and clinical interests ar...
Curriculum
1. Program Introduction
2. Baby Cues
3. Engage vs. Disengage
4. Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Foundations
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