The national Alliance for the Advancement of Infant Mental Health honored Christopher Watson, PhD, IMH-E®, with the 2020 Deborah J. Weatherston Award on November 16. Dr. Watson is the co-director of the Reflective Practice Center. He is only the second recipient of the award, which Deborah J. Weatherston received in 2019 as the inaugural recipient. Dr. Watson was recognized for his leadership in the field, including developing the Reflective Interaction Observation Scale™, described as “groundbreaking” by the Board of Directors of the Alliance.

Deborah Ottman, Associate Director of Professional Development and a longtime colleague of Dr. Watson, attended the virtual presentation of the award.

“I noted that the presenters called attention to the patient and careful listening and observation skills that Christopher demonstrates. These are skills that invite colleagues’ connection and participation,” says Ottman. “I thought their description was spot on! In my experience working with Christopher, the only things that they may have missed were the kindness, humor, and thoughtfulness he brings to interactions and to our work space. This award is richly deserved.”