the relationship that they are able to build up with the practitioner delivering the programme. Key factors in helping practitioners engage parents into the intervention include: Establishing a sense that the practitioner will support the family beyond what is necessary to complete the intervention. Giving family members time to talk about their problems both during and out of appointments. Advocating for the family on issues with which the intervention is not directly concerned. Ensuring that fun forms a part of the interaction. Making family members feel cared for through the provision of clothes, food and gifts. Giving parents a lead in analysing family functioning and parenting. Carrying out the intervention in the home of the parent. Practitioners working on weekday evenings. In the case of Video Interaction Guidance, when parents were asked about their experience of the intervention, parents invariably referred to the care and support provided by the practitioner. Effectively the intervention is experienced as an aspect of the overall relationship of care. See also Video interaction guidance Attachment-based therapy Attachment theory Attachment measures Attachment in children Child psychotherapy Mental health Colwyn Trevarthen Mental illness References Parenting