Short Course: Multi-Disciplinary Module in Parent-Infant Mental Health
The course, which ties in with the AFC's Parent-Infant Project (PIP), is directed at professionals working with infants and their families and who are looking to extend their knowledge and expertise in the field.
The course addresses the parent-infant relationship. It draws upon techniques of direct observation of parent-infant interactions to assess normal and at-risk development, and to promote evidence-based practice.
Aims
To promote understanding of infant mental health and early identification of risk, and to enhance professional skills in intervention.
Learning outcomes
Students on this course should expect to:
- become informed about developmental research and clinical data on potential, capacities and pathways of development
- examine professional and personal criteria for evaluation of 'at-risk' development in infancy
- develop the technique of direct observation in relation to parent-infant interactions
- reflect on the professional use of self in work with parents and infants
- enhance intervention [glossary] skills for the promotion of mental health in the infant.
Topics covered
The course addresses the trajectory of early development.
The seminars look at current research data about the capacities of the newborn; contributions from psychoanalysis, attachment theory and infant developmental research to the understanding of early development; the parent-infant relationship and 'good enough' development; evidence-based identification of risk; working in the context of social legislation and policy and the wider professional network; intervention skills.
Teaching format
Studies will take place in seminars and workshops, which will integrate research, theoretical and clinical perspectives.
Teaching staff
The seminar and workshop teachers have extensive experience in psychotherapeutic work with vulnerable families, risk assessment, research and teaching.
Accreditation
The module is accredited for purposes of Continuing Professional Development with the Community Practitioners and Health Visitors Association and the GLPQ Consortium.
The next course will start on Friday 26 September 2008 and will run for 10 weeks on Fridays. The fee is £950.
Application
Candidates will be required to have a professional qualification in nursing, social work, medicine, education or psychology, and to be currently working with parents and infants.
For further information, please contact:
The PIP Module Administrator,
The Anna Freud Centre,
21 Maresfield Gardens,
London, NW3 5SD.
T: 020 7794 2313
F: 020 7794 6506
E: sara.mitchell@annafreud.org
To view other pages of the Parent-Infant Project, follow the links below:
- Clinical services
- Training Courses
- Research
Or click here to return to the Short Courses page.