Esther Bick's legacy of infant observation at the Tavistock—some reflections 60 years on

Abstract

This paper reviews the development of Infant Observation from its inception in 1948. It revisits Bick's original 1964 paper and explores current divergences from her original practice in the context of contemporary theories of psychoanalysis and adjacent disciplines and of relevant changes in society. It draws on the personal recollections of Bick's early students as well as the expanding published literature. It discusses seminar technique, the training of seminar leaders, and clinical and research applications of the observational method.

Keywords:

• child psychotherapy training
• technique of observation
• cultural context
• preparation of teachers
• clinical and research applications

This paper was originally presented at the International Congress of Infant Observation in Buenos Aires in August 2008.

This paper was originally presented at the International Congress of Infant Observation in Buenos Aires in August 2008.

Notes

This paper was originally presented at the International Congress of Infant Observation in Buenos Aires in August 2008.