Introduction

This book is an account of best practice in psychoanalytic parent-infant psychotherapy (PPIP) and mentalizing, bringing the two approaches in dialogue in relation to infancy.

While being similar, PPIP and mentalizing emphasize different aspects of interpersonal processes and apply different ways of intervening. In this text, chapters detail how the models are put into practice, describing the different settings in which they are applied, and the research that has been undertaken to shape them. Exploring the ideas and practice of both approaches, including how they may complement each other and where differing stances may be adopted in relation to clinical material and therapy, this volume enriches the range of ways of working available to the clinician.

Psychoanalytic Parent-Infant Psychotherapy and Mentalization provides an overview of the practices of PPIP and mentalization for professionals, but also for anyone interested in understanding the model of psychotherapy and the ideas behind it.