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.

The first, and probably for many years the best, clinical integration of psychoanalytic parent-infant psychotherapy with the mentalizing approach. A comprehensive and practical evidence informed approach to the most important point of prevention in mental health. A truly important contribution.

Professor Peter Fonagy, Professor of Contemporary Psychoanalysis and Developmental Science and Head of Division for Psychology and Language Sciences, UCL, and Chief Executive of the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families.

Baradon and Campbell have masterfully provided a unique book that brings together the theory and practice of two compelling frames of reference - the Anna Freudian influenced Parent Infant Psychotherapy approach developed by Baradon and colleagues and Campbell’s synthesis of the burgeoning mentalization construct. Their careful scholarship is evident in the deep and wide exploration of related disciplines from infant and child psychoanalysis, developmental psychology, development and psychopathology, attachment and mentalization based theory and research. There is no other compendium that takes such a deep dive presenting theory, research and clinical implications. As such, it is a gift of a resource recommended for both novice practitioner/researcher to the seasoned clinician.

Professor Miriam Steele, Professor of Psychology (Clinical) and Co-Director of Center for Attachment, The New School for Social Research, New York

Tessa Baradon is trained in child psychotherapy and psychoanalysis. She led the development of the model psychoanalytic parent infant psychotherapy which has been implemented in different socioeconomic and cultural settings internationally. She has published widely on the topic.

Dr Chloe Campbell is Deputy Director of the Psychoanalysis Unit. Her research interests include mentalizing, epistemic trust and attachment theory.