Observing infants together: long-term experiences of observers and families

Abstract

ABSTRACT Infant observation is a key component of many psychotherapy and psychoanalysis training programs. Observers and families have described the intensity of this unique experience. However, there has been limited investigation of the subsequent experiences of infant observation on observers and on families who had taken part. In the present study, the experiences of observers and families several years following the infant observation period were investigated. We recruited a total of 10 participants, consisting of 7 observers (mean age 53.7 years) and 3 parents (mean age 51.7 years). The length of time since the infant observation was an average of 10.0 years (range 2–16 years). Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and the overarching themes and subthemes were explored using thematic analysis. Both observers and families were able to vividly reflect on the infant observation period. All participants reported developing their observation and reflective skills, which observers who work as psychotherapists described as being crucial to their current practices. Participants keenly felt the loss during the observation period, with some parents feeling a more unresolved loss. In summary, the experience remains present and impactful for both observers and parents for years following the infant observation period.