NCJ Number
94931
Date Published
1983
Length
23 pages
Annotation
This chapter describes the mothers component of a voluntary mother-toddler therapy group and discusses the conceptual framework within which the group operates, the early and middle stages of group formation, the referral process, group composition, the toddler component, the therapist's role, and termination.
Abstract
The group process enables mothers to grow through transactional experiences leading to the formation of object relationships in which each learns to identify and manage feelings. Members were referred to the group by their individual therapists. The toddler component fosters the reduction of symbiosis between mother and child and in other relationships and permits appropriate separation. Further, the playroom offers the child an area for growth in social skills, peer relationships, development of ability to accept appropriate limits, and development of gross and fine motor skills through directed play. The corrective experience of nurturance provided by the therapist and group members as a surrogate family raised each mother's level of self-esteem. As mothers are fed in areas of narcissistic entitlement, they are enabled to better fulfill their children's needs.