The Critical Impact of Reflective Function on the Parent-Infant Relationship
Description
High Reflective Function involves a strong capacity to hold in mind the internal state of self and other and is associated with secure parent-infant attachment, positive mental health, and healthy development in children. Poor reflective capacity is associated with non-secure parent-infant attachment and mental health risks in children. Professionals will learn to recognize signs of high and low reflective capacity as well as secure versus non-secure attachment and will discover the part professionals can play in interrupting unhealthy generational cycles.
In this session, we will:
- Describe clues to high Reflective Functioning in parents with infants or young children.
- Describe clues to low Reflective Functioning in parents with infants or young children.
- Define hypermentalization in parents with low Reflective Functioning.
This event is directed toward any professionals who interact with parents of young children in any capacity.
Previously recorded on September 10, 2024.
Continuing Education Credits or Certificate of Completion
Speaker(s)
Debra Wesselmann, MS, LIMHP is co-founder of The Attachment and Trauma Center of Nebraska in Omaha, Nebraska, where she has specialized in treating attachment trauma for 33 years. Ms. Wesselmann is an EMDR trainer with the EMDR Institute, founded by Francine Shapiro, Ph.D. Ms. Wesselmann and Carolyn Settle co-developed the EMDR Basic Training with Child Supplemental Material for the EMDR Institute. She conducts research and has authored and co-authored numerous articles, chapters, and books related to attachment and trauma including a treatment manual for EMDR and family therapy treatment of attachment trauma in children and accompanying parent guide. She most recently authored a manual for EMDR and parts work treatment related to attachment trauma in adults. As a recognized expert in attachment issues, Ms. Wesselmann presents keynotes and workshops for organizations both nationally and internationally.