Using parent-infant dyads as models for interpreting the parallel process

Abstract

Studies indicate that parents replicate with the therapist the behaviors and perceptions they experience with their infants. During parent-infant therapy, the therapist may validate perceptions by comparing the parent's behaviors with verbal disclosures. A similar phenomenon occurs in psychotherapeutic supervision. Therapists in training tend to replicate with the supervisor the interactions of their patients, a phenomenon labeled parallel process.This paper suggests that parent-infant interaction may provide insight into the therapistpatient and therapist-supervisor relationships. Understanding the parallel process that occurs during parent-infant therapy may help the therapist explore the patient's perceptions and resolve conflict.