Finding Hope in Despair: Clinical Studies in Infant Mental Health

One of the most difficult challenges face by infant mental health professionals is that not all cases have happy endings. Most case studies describe successful interventions, leaving few resources to help professionals deal with cases that can feel like “heartbreaking failures.” Whatever the cause – an abrupt end to therapy or an unsuccessful case can leave a professional with feelings of confusion, despair, and even anger. Finding Hope in Despair uses a unique format to present a series of detailed case studies of interventions that were not successful. The author of each case study provides the facts of the case and, even more important, reflects on feelings generated by the failure of the intervention. Each case study is followed by a chapter of analysis by another clinician who reviews the case, discusses the challenges and obstacles that prevented a successful resolution, highlights the emotional impact on the clinician, and summarizes the lessons that can be learned.