Within a developmental framework, this book guides the clinician to understand the different types of problems that parents have with infants and to determine how a given family might best be served--whether by addressing health concerns that are affecting infant behavior, modifying parental beliefs or expectations, or improving key caregiving skills. Leading interdisciplinary experts detail their respective therapeutic models in a practical, clinician-friendly format, including intervention guidelines and illustrative case material. Special topics covered include working with families of infants with special needs and with those at risk for child maltreatment.

When a mother or other caregiver is concerned about a problem with an infant, what can the clinician do? Crying, sleep, or feeding difficulties are par for the course with many babies, but some infants are harder to take care of than others. Some parents, moreover, are less able than others to cope with and respond to a very young child's needs. This book presents a range of therapies that address the connections between infant/n-/caregiver relationships and infant mental health. Within a cutting-edge conceptual framework, leading experts describe ways to intervene in early interactional difficulties, promote more sensitive and responsive parenting, and support the healthy development of children and families. The volume first establishes an overarching model for understanding and dealing with different types of problems in infant mental health. Clinicians are guided to choose the therapeutic target and "port of entry" most effective for a given family, whether this entails addressing health concerns that are affecting infant behavior, modifying parental beliefs or expectations, or building key parenting skills.; Specific therapeutic models are presented that reflect the diverse res