Were you separated from your baby for a period of time due to military service, hospitalization, or involvement with DCF?
Was your baby adopted and you would like support in building that bond?
Did your baby witness or experience something stressful or traumatic like the loss of a parent or medical problems, such as being in the NICU, chronic illness or surgery?
Babies struggle with stress too, just in a different way. Depression can be observed in the first 2-3 months of life, as can attachment disorders, problems with regulation of behavior and emotions, and other developmental difficulties. Babies may show this by being extra fussy, having trouble calming, poor sleep, or slowed development. Toddlers and preschoolers may have frequent and severe tantrums, display aggression, be fearful, or shut down.
Infant Mental Health therapy focuses on children from birth through age five. The goal of therapy can be preventative to reduce risk factors or treatment to alleviate distress and suffering. We focus on helping support a close and secure relationship between baby and parent and helping children experience, manage and express a full range of emotions. I specialize in working with families who have experienced stress or trauma—whether it’s the parent, infant, or entire family. Both the parent and child are supported in this type of therapy.
What to Expect: During the first few sessions I will meet with the parent individually to get a detailed history about the child and parent, observe the parent and child playing together, and complete some questionnaires. We’ll create a narrative for the child about what’s happening in their life and talk about it together. From there a mixture of family and individual parent sessions (to process what is happening with baby) will be held. We’ll work together to help you connect using play, education, and exploring how your own experiences and relationships affect your bond with your child.
Don’t wait until your child is older. Prevention and early intervention are key. Call to get support now.
For more information: Child Parent Psychotherapy
