Attachment Vitamins

Attachment Vitamins, an evidence-informed parenting education program developed by UCSF’s Child Trauma Research Program, provides caregivers with knowledge about early emotional development and the effects of stress and trauma so that parents can understand better their children’s needs, respond sensitively to challenging behaviors, and strengthen the parent-child relationship. The 10-session, 75-90 minute group format emphasizes trauma-informed parenting knowledge and enhances parenting skills including emotional attunement, mindfulness, executive and reflective functioning. Group activities illuminate basic concepts: “moments of connection” highlight experiences between the child and parent that increase parental attunement with the child; reflective discussions enable parents to consider their own parenting goals; an early literacy activity promotes parent-infant interactions and supports early language development. Additionally, Attachment Vitamins encourages parents to examine their personal experiences to deepen self-understanding and recognize how their experiences and beliefs impact their parenting. Groups will be co-led by two IMH professionals with experience providing health and mental health services to vulnerable families, facilitating groups, working with community resources. Families with at-risk children ages 0-5 years will be invited to participate, with priority for parents of infants and toddlers ages 0-2 years.

Child care is available! Call Yasmin Welch at 337-781-6661 or Paula Zeanah at 504-236-3279 to register. Enrollment is limited.