Event Details
The Relationship is Everything: Advancing Dyadic Care in Systems
Systems have traditionally focused on the individual—but for infants and young children, development happens within relationships. This presentation makes a clear, practical case for shifting from an individual treatment model to a dyadic, relationship-based approach that centers the connection between caregiver and child as the primary site of healing and growth. Participants will explore what dyadic care and dyadic treatment actually look like, from outpatient therapy to early intervention and community-based programs. Grounded in infant and early childhood mental health principles, this session will highlight how strengthening the parent–child relationship can buffer adversity, support regulation, and promote long-term mental health outcomes. The presentation will move beyond theory to address system-level implementation: how agencies, funders, and leaders can align policies, staffing models, documentation practices, and billing structures to support relationship-based work. Real-world examples will illustrate how programs can integrate reflective practices, support the “professional use of self,” and create parallel process across teams and leadership. This session is designed for clinicians, program leaders, and system partners who are ready to move beyond treating symptoms in isolation—and toward building systems that recognize relationships as the foundation of mental health.
Speakers: Christine R. Hughes, PhD, IMH-E® and Julie Smythe, LCSW, IMH-E®
Christine R. Hughes, Ph.D., IMH-E® is a developmental psychologist and Executive Director of the Florida Association for Infant Mental Health (FAIMH), where she focuses on strengthening our infant & early childhood mental health workforce across the state. Working in early childhood systems at the local, state and national level, Dr. Hughes provides training and consultation on early development, stress, resilience, contemplative and reflective practices.
Julie Smythe, LCSW, IMH-E® is a licensed clinical social worker and Vice President at Sunshine Health, where she focuses on Medicaid, behavioral health, and specialty populations, including child welfare. She also serves as a Board Member of the Florida Association for Infant Mental Health (FAIMH).
Event Time:
November 16th, 2026
12:30 PM-2:00 PM Eastern/ 11:30-1:00 PM Central
Location: This event will be held online via Zoom.
The Zoom link is sent automatically after registration. Please check your spam folder if you don’t see it in your inbox.
Open to all FAIMH members and non-members.
Endorsement:
This event may meet IMH Competencies that support your preparation to earn the Florida Infant Mental Health Endorsement.
Registration: Free
Need CEUs?
For $10 you can purchase an add on ticket for 1.5 CEU hours for Social Work, Marriage & Family, Mental Health or Psychology (see below for more CEU information)
Certificates & Continuing Education Units
Certificate: Upon successful completion of training or training series, a certificate of completion will be earned to all those who signed in and fully attended.
CEUs:
Continuing education (1.5 hours) will be awarded for each session attended in the What Every Child Needs series for licensed clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, and mental health counselors who register with a CE ticket. Continuing education credits are provided by the Florida Association for Infant Mental Health, an approved continuing education provider for the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling (CE Provider #50-30846).
Continuing education (1.5 hours) will be awarded for each session attended in the What Every Child Needs series for psychologists who register with a CE ticket. Continuing education credits are provided by the Florida Association for Infant Mental Health, an approved continuing education provider for the Florida Board of Psychology (CE Provider #50-30846).
Technology Requirements:
To ensure the best possible experience for all participants, the program relies on online video conferencing, which has minimum requirements to work properly. You will need a desktop or laptop computer with speakers, microphone, and webcam, and a high-speed internet connection. Laptops work best because they come with all the necessary equipment and can easily be moved from room to room in your home or office to find a quiet place.
- Review the system requirements for the Zoom online meeting platform
- Try out a test meeting
- Test your audio and video in the meeting
View our Training Academy Policy on attendance, payment, cancellation and more.
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