The Solihull Approach is an integrative theoretical model used for understanding the impact of powerful emotional experiences on adults, the baby and the relationship between the two. It supports healthy brain development in the baby by focussing on enabling the relationship to be as attuned and reciprocal as it can be. It supports effective and consistent approaches across agencies by providing a shared framework.
The training is for 12 people at a time, and is suitable for all members of the perinatal mental health team, to help practitioners develop an understanding of key concepts that are central to thinking about relationships.
The Solihull Approach underpins and supports all models of therapy by focussing on the building blocks for healthy relationships, so that specific techniques can be more effective.
Solihull Approach training also enables other practitioners working in the perinatal period (midwives, health visitors, social workers, obstetric team, adult mental health workers) to identify issues early and refer appropriately.
Promotes knowledge and understanding of emotional processing for both parents and babies (containment) and promotes sensitive, attuned reading of the babies own cues and language (reciprocity)
There is a comprehensive list of research articles about the Solihull Approach generally here.
Perinatal Accreditation awarded by the Quality Network for Perinatal Mental Health Services at the Royal College of Psychiatrists – CCQI Self-Assessment Tool – gives Solihull Approach as an example workforce training
Oxford Health NHS Trust – ‘Perinatal Mental Health The Contribution of Health Visiting’ – Solihull Approach as part of workforce development strategy (p.14)
Antentatal group mentioned as an example of good practice in Warwick Infant Mental Health pathway, (p.16)
Warwickshire Parent-Infant Mental Health and Wellbeing workshop – Solihull Approach online courses and foundation training cited as part of preventative infant mental health workstream (p2, 5, & 6)
Northern Ireland ‘Supporting the best start in life’ Infant Mental Health Framework and Action Plan – Solihull Approach used in whole workforce development
This Infant Mental Health Framework and Action Plan represents a commitment by the Public Health Agency, HSCB and Trusts, as well as academic, research, voluntary and community organisations across NI, to improve interventions from the ante-natal period through to children aged 3 years old.
Halton integrated perinatal and infant mental health service – Award winning service cascade Solihull Approach training to multi-agency staff
Royal College of Psychiatry – Perinatal Mental Health Pathway: Solihull Approach given as example of targeted care
Mental Health Foundation policy report – Solihull Approach cited as example of evidence based intervention for protecting mental health in early years for families at greater risk
Royal College of Psychiatry recognises Solihull Approach as a well-evaluated training taken up by many Health Visiting services across the UK (p.57) which can contribute to parity of esteem between mental and physical health
The training was “highly relevant to our roles/team. Thank-you”
“Excellent training, a really good mix of learning and reflection. A game changer in many ways in the way to approach clinical work”
“The principles can be used in everything we do”
“How useful and helpful it is, how easy it is to use and implement in current practice. I have also used the approach in supervision and it was helpful. Very enjoyable, thank-you”
“It’s applicable to day to day working”