Beginnings, endings and transitions. Work with families in the perinatal period: the value of observation

ABSTRACT

This paper focuses on the lifelong significance of beginnings, endings and transitions and the way in which early experience affects the individual's capacity to manage change, separation and loss. It draws on examples from infant observation and from a postgraduate course for the perinatal mental health workforce. It underlines the value of observation and reflects on the importance of beginnings and endings in professional practice.

KEYWORDS:

• Observation
• beginnings
• endings
• transitions
• reflective practice
• perinatal mental health
• perinatal workforce
• training

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Biddy Youell

Biddy Youell is a Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist who is retired from clinical work, but continues to teach and supervise at the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust. She also teaches on an Observation Course and Clinical training in Florence, Italy. She has published widely, particularly on topics of interest to a multi-professional readership.