The Team Approach to the Treatment of a Traumatized Mother and Child: Lydia and Ryan

Abstract

This article describes the tri-partite treatment of a mother and child, Lydia and Ryan, in the context of the Project for Mothers, Infants, and Young Children of September 11, 2001. Lydia and Ryan witnessed the attack on the World Trade Center from their home. Lydia, terrified, tried to protect her baby, who later developed atypical behaviors, which were originally suspected to reflect Pervasive Developmental Disorder. The treatment of the mother-child pair was of equal importance to both Ryan and Lydia, who both developed an important attachment to Dr. Bergman as well as the Project team. Visits to Dr. Beebe's lab became extremely meaningful to both mother and child. The presence of the Project team became a kind of family, providing security, support, and understanding for both mother and child.