Relationship-based consultation and the consultative stance describe the consultant’s “way of being.”

At its core, this descriptor represents the belief that the ways in which people are treated influence their views of themselves, and in turn, influence their relationships with others. Rather than providing direct therapy services, the consultant takes the “consultative stance,” empowering others (caregivers and family members) to become therapeutic and deliver care and interventions in the context of the child’s and caregiver’s everyday activities and caregiving.

From this viewpoint, it is important to consider strategies for mastering the consultative stance through the essential training and preparation for mental health consultants, ongoing supervision and supports for consultants, as well as Head Start and Early Head Start program administrative features to support relationship-based consultation discussed in Module 4.