The Marschak Interaction Method (MIM; Marschak, 1960) is a structured technique for observing and assessing the overall quality and nature of relationships between caregivers and child. It consists of a series of simple tasks designed to elicit interactive behaviors. The MIM takes from 30 to 60 minutes and is usually videotaped. Materials needed to perform the tasks are simple and readily available (such as blocks, squeaky toys, drawing paper). Obs. The copyright for the MIM is owned by the Theraplay Institute (TTI, Chicago).

D-EIS scoring system is a quantitative rating system developed specifically for scoring of the Dyadic Parent-Child MIM (Salo & Mäkelä, 2006; 2010; 2017). It consists of 9 variables rated on a Likert-Type 5-point scale tapping dimensions both from the caregiver and the child’s perspectives: Parental Guidance/Child Co-operation (Structure and Challenge, also scored separately), Engagement, Nurture, Playfullness and Parental Representation.

Combined MIM/D-EIS training includes a short clinical recap how to use the MIM with diverse clinical cases including case examples from child psychiatric setting, family guidance centers, somatically/neurologically ill children. Learning how to use the D-EIS scales may help the clinician in making accurate (more objective) observations, and focusing on strengths and difficulties in separate interaction dimensions. It may also help in Theraplay® treatment planning, assessment (relational ’diagnostics’) as well as monitoring change (pre- and post treatment evaluations). The principles of Reflective Video Feedback (RVF) – based on the parental mentalizing theory – are also presented in the training. Finally, the course includes an online reliability test after the course to be completed individually to check for one’s scoring reliability on the D-EIS.