Current special Baby City - Valid from 01.07 to 31.07 - Page nb 39

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’» BETTER LIFE This is where parent-infant psychotherapy proves valuable - in some cases vital - with the aim of optimizing the parent infant relationship, aiding healthy development and increasing mental well-being for both the parent and child. But what exactly is this complex therapy and why do some parents benefit from this? We asked KZN psychologist Jayde Green, who has trained in Parent infant Therapy for some answers: “Parent-infant Therapy is a type of therapeutic intervention that involves both the parent and the infant. This therapy is targeted at improving any area that may affect the parent-infant relationship and works on achieving optimal infant development and mental health as well as promoting a secure attachment bond between the infant and parent,” explains Jayde. “You may not have heard of parent-infant psychotherapy as | feel it is unfortunately not a therapy that is as widely offered as other therapies in South Africa. However, this therapy can be extremely beneficial as it offers a supportive therapeutic space for both parents and infants to develop a stronger and secure relationship which is vital in healthy infant development.” WHAT TO EXPECT DURING A SESSION “The parent or primary caregiver and the infant would attend the session together with a psychologist or social worker trained in parent-infant psychotherapy. Note: It is not the same structure as an adult therapy session with an infant present. Attention would be given to both the infant and the parent during this session with the focus being on their attunement and bond. It’s usually done in a comfortable and private therapy room with everyone seated on the floor on a blanket or carpet, with the baby on an appropriate surface such as a sleeping pod for younger babies or a blanket or play mat for older babies,” explains Jayde. “The psychologist will work with the concerns that the parent brings to the session. In addition to therapy, psychoeducation is also used in the sessions if needed to assist the parent in understanding their baby's needs, cues and development.