ABSTRACT

Counseling at the Beginning is a thorough, practice-based guide for counselors who serve the mental health needs of very young children and their families. Chapters based on current developmental psychology research prepare mental health, school, and addictions counselors to work with pregnant women and children under the age of 5. Discussion of topics such as brain development, self-regulation, trauma, prenatal alcohol and drug exposure, and toxic stress prepares providers to meet the needs of this growing area of practice. Concrete information about how and when to intervene, written by experts working in the field, is accompanied by lists of resources for further learning at the end of each chapter.

chapter 1|21 pages

Attachment

The Foundation of Mental Health

chapter 2|20 pages

Prenatal Brain Development

A Foundation for All Brain Development

chapter 3|23 pages

Beginning at the Beginning

chapter 4|35 pages

Counseling Infants and Families

chapter 7|27 pages

Getting Creative

Using Play and Expressive Arts