Speaker(s):
Patty Davis, MSW, LCSW, LSCSW, IMH III
Michelle Bertuglia-Haley, MSW, LCSW, LSCSW
Lisa Polka, MSW, LCSW, LSCSW, IMH III
Presentation: The science is clear – the most important resilience factor for children is the predictable, compassionate availability of a primary caregiver. Pediatricians are learning more about this science and referring young children and families to receive mental health support. But does the mental health community know what to do when these families present for treatment? The aim of this presentation is to provide an overview of Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health, the impact of trauma on development and most importantly the key strategies providers can use to both start the healing process of traumatic stress, and to build resilience through predictable, healthy and strong parent-child relationships. We will also provide summary of key evidence-based practices and their capacity to promote optimal early childhood mental health.
Objectives:
- With an understanding of Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health, redefine mental health evaluation and treatment to consider all three patients: parent(s), child, and their relationship
- Identify seven resilience skills in children and parents necessary for healthy attachment
- Apply an Infant Mental Health construct to recognize and respond to trauma symptoms in children and parents presenting in various settings with tools designed to restore and strengthen resilience
- Define evidence-based practices and their capacity to help promote optimal Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health in populations affected by traumatic and toxic stress.