Infant & Caregiver Sessions
WHAT TO EXPECT
Sessions are held with the caregiver and their infant/toddler to address development of the infant/toddler and their relational health. Infants and toddlers exist within the complex relationships between them and their caregivers. This is why caregivers are an integral part of the therapy process.
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1. Phone Consultation
I provide a FREE 15-20 minute consultation with the caregiver(s) of the child to discuss the reasons for treatment, expectations, and scheduling. It's important for you to find the correct therapist for yourself and your family. Here you have the opportunity to see if I'm the right fit and to ask any questions you may have about the therapy process or my therapeutic style.
2. Schedule and Complete Paperwork
During our consultation we will schedule our sessions. I will send all paperwork to be completed PRIOR to our first session. This may include Child History Form and other assessment reports that may be needed.
3. Assessment/Evaluation
Comprehensive assessments will focus on relationship bonds and exposure to any potential trauma including intergenerational traumas passed down through the family. During our first session, I will meet with caregiver(s) ALONE to gather a complete developmental and social history. In the second session comprehensive evaluation of the parent-child dyad will be evaluated through play based and interactive assessments guided by therapist. Third session, I will meet with caregiver(s) without child. This will give us an opportunity to discuss feedback on assessments and review each caregivers family history. Our own parenting can be effected by how we were parented as children and it is important for the therapist to understand larger family dynamics. At this time, we will also develop a treatment plan together. If necessary I will add other evaluation sessions in before the feedback session.
4. Weekly Dyadic Therapy
During weekly sessions, therapist will meet with infant/toddler and caregiver to increase attachment and bonding, address infant's development, and support caregiver with improving their relational health.
5. Ending Therapy
When treatment goals have been met, we will begin planning for the completion of therapy. This is a collaborative process involving the therapist, parents/caregivers, and the child. To support a healthy and thoughtful transition, we will typically plan for 2–4 sessions to prepare the family for the end of therapy, with the final session date shared in advance. This allows time to reflect on progress, celebrate growth, and help the child feel comfortable with the transition. When clinically appropriate, we may also gradually reduce sessions to bi-weekly or monthly appointments before completing therapy. Each family is unique, so this process will always be tailored to best support the individual needs of your child and family.
Cindy's Qualifications and Training
I am currently working toward my endorsement with the Alliance for Advancement of Infant Mental Health. I am a rostered provider for Child-Parent Psychotherapy. I have extensive training in infant mental health services including Attachment Theory, DC 0-5, KIPS (Keys to Interactive Parenting Scale), Brazelton Touchpoints, Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), Regulation-Informed Interactive Play, Circle of Security and much more. This allows me to offer quality services to my client population.