Strategies learned
Listening, reflection
“Listening more to the parents. Leaving space for them to process within the session.”
“Reflective supervision as a best practice.”
Empowering parents to observe and interpret baby’s behavior
“Allowing time for the parent to arrive at the interpretation of baby’s behavior herself, rather than tell her the professional observation, resulted in a profound moment of interaction between mom and baby. Reinforced message that allowing parents time to express feelings/concerns and come to an interpretation of their infant’s behavior can have a more positive outcome for the family compared to a professional simply telling them their opinion.”
“ Would like to use the strategy of minimizing my language when sharing space with a parent and infant.”
“All aspects; it is all very functional and applicable to my work.”
Providing space for parents and their observations
“Giving families time to speak and express themselves.”
“Parents as expert of their baby.”
“Planning to incorporate the aspect of supporting the parents’ observations of their infants as I believe it reinforces their strengths and capabilities as a parent.”
Curiosity, reflection
“Be more reflective in my work and curious about relationships.”
“Slowing down, holding space, listening, being curious.”
General comments
Interaction/connection with others in class
“Getting to know others in the community of early intervention and infant mental health.”
“Wide range of providers and people we were able to connect with for meaningful discussions.”
Faculty
“Multidisciplinary faculty (and attendees) provided wonderful insight into ways training can be applied to care and support of families.”
“Claudia is an exceptional teacher – sharing her knowledge and experience with generosity, warmth, and curiosity.”
Gaining knowledge
“Appreciated opportunity to deepen understanding of core concepts of infant mental health.”
“The idea of the messiness of interactions the importance of repair as a normal part of relationship.”
Discussion
“Opportunity to have real time case to observe and discuss was fantastic.”
New ways of thinking
Learning from colleagues
“I consistently benefit from having a community of like-minded colleagues with whom to build a network of practitioners”
Insights into infant behavior
“There is more going on with the infant than I imagined; seeing the newborn calm from father’s voice was very powerful.”
“Understanding how relationships change the brain and looking at the relationships between the parents I work with and their children.”
“Sometimes a concern by a parent regarding their child’s behavior or actions may reflective the infant-parent relationships rather than simply a behavior in isolation.”
Better understanding relationships
“Will now understand that messiness is part of relationships. All the ways that repair happens between parents and babies makes space for this messiness, helps facilitate moments of meeting.”