Keywords

 

Authors

  1. Weatherston, Deborah J. PhD
  2. Ribaudo, Julie MSW
  3. Glovak, Sandra OTR

Abstract

More than a quarter-century ago, Selma Fraiberg, a clinical social worker, and her colleagues in Ann Arbor, Michigan crafted an extraordinary approach to strengthening the development and well-being of infants and young children within secure and nurturing parent-child relationships. Fraiberg called the practice Infant Mental Health (IMH). Parent and infant were seen together, most frequently in their own homes, for the early identification of risk and treatment of the development attachment relationship. This article introduces fundamental beliefs and strategies that guide IMH practice in Michigan. The focus is on the emotional health and development of both parent and child.