Infant Mental Health

A strong parent-child relationship is key for optimal infant mental health. Improving the bond with your child can reduce unwanted behaviors, strengthen family ties, and promote a healthier living environment. At Thrive Counseling Services, LLC, in Gilbert, Arizona, the team uses parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT) to support infant mental health. Call Thrive Counseling Services, LLC, to schedule an infant mental health appointment, or book your visit online today. 

What is infant mental health?

Infant mental health is a counseling subspecialty that improves relationships between young children and their parents. 

It uses a combination of positive reinforcement, play, and non-threatening punishments. This therapeutic approach enhances communication, reduces emotional outbursts, and encourages positive behavior.

If your child has difficulty regulating their emotions or behavior, it can negatively affect your personal and professional life. Working with a qualified counselor can help you develop the skills and confidence needed to manage the parent-child relationship.

What does infant mental health involve?

Thrive Counseling Services, LLC, uses Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) to support infant mental health. PCIT is a two-phase process designed to strengthen relationships between children and their parents.

Phase 1: Child Directed Interaction (CDI)

CDI uses positive interactions to promote healthy communication between children and parents. 

During therapy, your Thrive Counseling Services, LLC, provider teaches you how to interact healthily with your little one. This involves following your child’s lead during play and providing positive reinforcement and feedback when they behave appropriately.

Strengthening bonds with your offspring is essential for healthy emotional regulation. If your child feels secure and confident in their relationship with you, they’re less likely to act out or make poor decisions.

Phase 2: Parent Directed Interaction (PDI)

PDI teaches parents how to discipline negative behavior. It provides a structure for setting clear boundaries, providing appropriate consequences, and establishing consistent routines that reduce negative behaviors. 

During PDI sessions, your Thrive Counseling Services, LLC provider teaches you specific skills like using clear commands, ignoring minor misbehaviors, and praising positive behaviors. You also receive coaching on how to practice these skills in real time through role-playing.

Can infant mental health help me feel less guilty about punishing my child?

Yes. Many parents feel bad after raising their voices or punishing their children for negative behavior. Thrive Counseling Services, LLC provides a positive alternative by teaching parents how to use timeouts as an effective form of discipline. 

Your provider explains how to identify a specific timeout location and teaches you to set clear rules and expectations for behaviors. They also provide tips for developing a disciplinary action plan appropriate for your child’s age and temperament.

Attending counseling sessions and implementing these practices at home can strengthen your relationship with your children and reduce emotional outbursts and negative behaviors.

Call Thrive Counseling Services, LLC, to schedule an infant mental health consultation, or book your appointment online today.