Element 5 of 10
Considering all levels of influence
In addition to personal perceptions, there are numerous other influences on a provider’s views of a child/family and on their ability to respond effectively.
The IECMH consultant strives to understand all of the levels of influence affecting perceptions and in turn treatment of children and families. And recognizes that:
Key points
- Some influential factors are internal, such as racialized and other traumas, personal experiences of childrearing and parenting and internalized expectations based on relational history.
- Many influential factors are external including socio-political factors, programmatic and bureaucratic pressures and program policies and philosophies.
- Interpersonal relationships with co-workers and administrators influence the provider’s perception of and interaction with children and families.
- The provider-child/family relationship cannot be meaningfully considered or addressed separately from the many systems within which it exists.
Source: Element text is reproduced from 10 Elements Comprise the Essential Core of an Effective Consultative Stance, Center of Excellence for Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (2025).