Writing as a challenge in the observer's journey through the Bick method of infant observation

Abstract

This paper discusses certain challenges in the observer's journey throughout the three stages of the Bick method of infant observation (observation, written report and seminar group discussion), with special emphasis on writing. One of the biggest challenges of writing, in this context, is communicating something which was experienced in a predominantly sensory and solitary way. The observer finds him or herself exposed to a series of sensations that emerge again at the stage of the written report, and which are shared with the seminar group. In this journey, we could consider a fourth, optional stage in the method – the publication of the observational material for research purposes. As in the second stage, once again, the observer is confronted with the challenge of writing and communicating an experience. It is relevant to note that the challenge of writing is present throughout the observer's journey, especially when this writing needs to be published.

Keywords:

• applications of infant observation
• written reports
• seminar
• research in infant observation
• psychoanalysis
• support

Notes

1. Observers are both male and female, but for simplicity we have used ‘she’ and ‘herself’ throughout when referring to the observer.