Theory and Research That Informed the Clinical Approach of the Project for Mothers, Infants, and Young Children of September 11, 2001

Abstract

We outline the central clinical theories that informed the Project for Mothers, Infants, and Young Children of September 11, 2001. We looked to Bowlby, Winnicott, Mahler, and Ainsworth for the core ideas about the nature of loss and the mother-infant relationship. We also looked to empirical infant research and the microanalysis of videotaped mother-infant interaction to understand early communication patterns. An understanding of nonverbal communication and its use in video feedback was central to our approach. We also describe early childhood psychotherapy and mother-child support groups.