Murray & Cooper (1997) concluded that "the quality of the early maternal environment does appear to be of predictive significance" with regard to the course of development in infants.

A pilot Mother-Infant Therapy Group will be described. Four to six mothers and their infants participated over the course of eight weeks. Mothers and infants were recruited from a mothercraft residential unit. Mothers were invited to attend on the basis of high Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale scores, demonstrating some relationship difficulties with their infant as well as dyads where infants were particularly unsettled. There were two therapists, and the group utilised psychodynamic and attachment principles. They provided observations and comments on interaction occurring within the group. The aim of the group was to enhance the mother-infant relationship. Evaluation included qualitative and quantitative measures. Themes emerging from both mothers and infants will be described. Maternal empathy and the importance of attunement will be illustrated using clinical material. A further aim is to determine the direction and need for future Mother-Infant Therapy Groups.