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
Recommended Citation
Farley, J. L., & Whipple, E. E. (2017). Expanding infant mental health treatment services to at-risk preschoolers and their families through the integration of relational play therapy: Integrating relational play therapy into infant mental health treatment services. Infant Mental Health Journal, 38(5), 669–679. https://doi.org/10.1002/imhj.21663