They may consider the developmental and relationship needs of infants and families. They may discuss strategies that will help them carry out their intervention in the next week. They may explore more personal responses to the challenges of infant and family work, for example, reflecting on their own experiences of caregiving, anticipating the birth of a baby, or struggling with issues of unresolved loss. Early meetings focus on observational, developmental and clinical strategies so important to infant mental health work. Later meetings focus on topics important to the group, such as, dynamics of interaction, the use of videotape to guide parents, relationship development, feeding and eating disturbances, or fatherhood.
Trainees make formal case presentations to the group throughout the year.
They grow increasingly confident in their abilities to summarize observations, pose clinical dilemmas and reflect on their work. The hallmark of a successful seminar is spirited discussion in which each trainee speaks openly, feeling safely supported and understood. The graduate certificate program was designed to prepare graduate students and professionals from a variety of disciplines to work with respect for infants, parents and relationships. Throughout, relationship development is of central concern. Learning through supervision and mentorship.