La Trobe University – Infant and child-led therapeutic approaches following family violence
The session will draw on the article The impact of using an infant and child-led therapeutic approach in providing in situ consultations and transferable learnings to key workers working with families identified as at risk: A retrospective Australian study by Wendy Bunston, Maureen Long, Margarita Frederico, Samantha Ware and Ania O’Brien. Read the article here.
In this webinar, the research team will present a case study illustrating the child-led therapeutic approach and reflect on the implications for practitioners and services working with families. The session will also consider how the model supports learning transfer to frontline workers and why child-centred, relationship-based practice matters in everyday service contexts.
Core practice message: You do not need to be a therapist to work therapeutically.
Frontline workers can bring a powerful infant‑ and child‑led lens into everyday interactions by slowing down, observing, wondering, and keeping the child’s perspective central—with or without a specialist present.
An infant‑ and child‑led approach complements (rather than replaces) safety, case planning and statutory responsibilities. The approach:
- Treats infants and children as subjects with agency, not just dependents.
- Actively invites their presence into conversations—in the room and “in all participants’ minds”.
- Uses behaviour, play, movement and emotion as communication.
- Positions children as powerful motivators for hope and change within families.
