Book Description

The Handbook of Training and Practice in Infant and Preschool Mental Health This comprehensive and highly useful guide offers students and practicing clinicians who work with infant and preschool populations a much-needed resource for developing and honing their professional skills and clinical experiences. The book contains vital information about general training issues and highlights the skills that are needed to be considered a competent professional. Written by top experts in the field from a wide range of disciplines, the authors address basic areas of training and practice with very young children, including observation, assessment, diagnosis, dyadic therapy, and reflective supervision, in addition to unique areas of clinical work such as reunification and adoption evaluations. The book also offers examples of innovative models of training and practice for the delivery of services in nontraditional settings such as homes, day care centers, and preschools, and special strategies for delivering clinical services and providing supervision in rural and remote settings, including the use of technology. “A representative group of infant mental health professionals take a valuable look at the compelling issues in training and practice through lenses richly diverse in focus, setting, and intent.” —JEREE H. PAWL, former director of the Infant-Parent Program at San Francisco General Hospital “This provocative volume compels a broader dialogue about the critical issues related to the interdisciplinary training and practice of infant mental health specialists.” —HIRAM E. FITZGERALD, University Distinguished Professor, Psychology, Kellogg Center, Michigan State University “This timely and rich volume illuminates the complex issues involved both in conceptualization of infant family practice and of practitioner preparation and support. A superb and valuable contribution!” —DONNA R. WESTON, director, Graduate Certificate Program in Infant Mental Health, University of Washington, Center for Infant Mental Health and Development