A theory of normal mother-infant relationship based on Margaret Mahler's theories is the basis of a treatment program for disturbed mother/infant relationships. This theory includes the concept of symbiosis which for the child is an undifferentiated condition, a fusion with the mother where the two have a common outward border, thereby protecting the immature ego of the child against too early stress. Signs of disturbed symbiosis in the child include tenseness, jerky movements, low muscular tone, avoidance of body contact, brief or avoided eye contact, quietness, late babbling, and excessive screaming. There is a lack of synchrony in interaction between mother and child. After the symbiosis stage comes the differentiation phase which is the beginning of independence. Signs of disturbed differentiation include anxiety and the lack of desire for new discoveries on the part of the child. This treatment model aims to help the the mother and child establish a symbiotic relationship and initiate the psychological separation process. Treatment supports these processes by removing obstacles and enhancing the natural mother-child contact channels. It is vital for successful treatment to identify bonding failures early before the end of the first year. Although the therapeutic unit is the mother/child dyad, groups of mothers and children meet regularly. Five levels of therapeutic intevention are used, including direct intervention with the mother and child, work with the mother, work with the baby, family therapy, and social work. Preliminary results indicate successful achievement of goals in the majority of cases. (ABL)