The experience of infant observation: A theme and variations for four voices

Abstract

This paper was originally written for the 2004 World Association of Infant Mental Health Congress in Melbourne. Four interacting voices offering a blend of perspectives about infant observation include experienced psychotherapists who had never had an opportunity to do an observation. This approach, not unlike a jam session of jazz musicians, offers insight into the creative process of the seminars. The paper extols the value, for experienced clinicians, of being involved in the observer role. It shares the excitement of experiencing intensely the development of the baby's mind and internal world and of the mother–baby relationship. The seminar was conducted by telephone with three observers in one city and the leader in another. The whole process contributed significantly to the participants' thinking, reflective capacity and clinical work.

Keywords:

• Infant observation
• interactive
• hate