What is MIO?

Mothering from the Inside Out (MIO) is an evidence-based individual psychotherapy designed to help caregivers in recovery build stronger relationships with their children.

Caregivers who are in recovery from addiction or other adversities could often benefit from support. However, research has shown that most widely available parenting supports are not always the most effective option for caregivers who are in recovery. There are likely many reasons for this, but one important reason is that many parenting interventions focus on behavior rather than the emotions that drive behavior.

Research suggests that the emotional quality of the parent-child relationship is an important predictor in children’s psychological development. Based in attachment and mentalization theory, we therefore believe that instead of teaching or coaching caregivers, children benefit most when their caregivers can reflect on their own (and their children’s) thoughts, emotions, wishes, and intentions.

In MIO, caregivers are helped to build their ability to reflect on their own mental states and how they arose. Often, we find that the thoughts and feelings that drive caregiving behavior are actually triggered by early experiences of being cared for. MIO thus aims to provide a safe, therapeutic space where caregivers’ internal experiences are taken seriously and clinicians are genuinely interested, curious, and collaborative. MIO also involves helping caregivers to reflect on the possible mental states underlying their children’s behavior. We find that by providing some information about child development through an attachment lens, this can help parents see through their children’s eyes and feel less stressed.