Main description:

This book presents an interdisciplinary discussion between researchers and clinicians about trauma in the relationship between infants and their parents. It makes an innovative contribution to the field of infant mental health in bringing together previously separated paradigms of relational trauma from psychoanalysis, attachment and the neurosciences.

With contributions from a range of experts, areas of discussion include:

intergenerational transmission of relational trauma and earliest intervention
the nature of the traumatising encounter between parent and infant
the therapeutic possibilities of parent-infant psychotherapy in changing the trajectory of transmitted trauma
training and supporting professionals working with traumatised parents and infants.

Relational Trauma in Infancy will be of particular interest to trainee and qualified child and adult psychotherapists, clinical psychologists, child and adult psychiatrists, psychoanalysts, health care professionals and social workers.

Contents:

Mayes, Introduction. Baradon, Preface. Pretorius, Genetic and Environmental Contributors to the Intergenerational Transmission of Trauma and Disorganised Attachment Relationships. Schore, Relational Trauma and the Developing Right Brain: The Neurobiology of Broken Attachment Bonds. Woodhead, Trauma in the Crucible of the Parent-Infant Relationship: The Baby's Experience. Joyce, Infantile Psychosomatic Integrity and Maternal Trauma. Jones, The Traumatic Sequelae of Pathological Defensive Processes in Parent-Infant Relationships. James, Newbury, Infants, Relational Trauma and Homelessness: Therapeutic Possibilities Through a Hostel Baby Clinic Group and Research Evaluation. Tomas-Merrills, Chakraborty, Babies Behind Bars: Working with Relational Trauma with Mothers and Babies in Prison. Dalley, Containment of Trauma: Working in the Community. Baradon, Discussion: And What About Fathers? Sleed, Fonagy, Understanding Disruptions in the Parent-Infant Relationship: Do Actions Speak Louder than Words? Baradon, Bronfman, Contributions of, and Divergences Between, Clinical Work and Research Tools Relating to Trauma and Disorganization. Steele, Steele, Murphy, The Adult Attachment Interview and Relational Trauma: Implications for Parent-Infant Psychotherapy. Broughton, Measuring Trauma in the Primary Relationship: The Parent-Infant Relational Tool (PIRAT). Baradon, Epilogue: 'Ghosts and Angels in the Nursery' - Windows of Opportunity and Remaining Vulnerability.