DOI: 10.1002/imhj.21663">
 

Expanding infant mental health treatment services to at-risk preschoolers and their families through the integration of relational play therapy

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2017

Department/School

Social Work

Publication Title

Infant Mental Health Journal

Abstract

The expansion of infant mental health (IMH) to at-risk preschoolers and their families has contributed to the integration of relational play therapy (RPT) into IMH treatment services for this population. Integrating RPT allows access to specialized play and expressive techniques specific to preschool and family development, which improves the clinical ability to meet the multiple and complex needs of at-risk parent–child dyads and their families. This article will examine the RPT literature and explore the similarities and differences between IMH and RPT. In addition, two case studies will highlight a five-phase, integrative clinical-treatment process and provide insight into how IMH clinicians are integrating RPT models and maintaining adherence to the IMH treatment approach.

Link to Published Version

DOI: 10.1002/imhj.21663

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