Photo Diary from Director Julie McCaig and important NEWS for September, 2011.

While the focus of the observation is always on the infant observed, there is also attention given to the observer's developing containing capacity; enhancing their ability to remain in the question of the moment, while not foreclosing possibilities which are not yet evident. This work helps foster an analytic state of mind that is as valuable in treatment with infants and adults as it is in observation.
From Left: Instructor Naomi Lieberman, Susan Frankel, Co-Instructor & Notetaker, Ethan Grumbach, Observer's Observer, Vladimir Lipovetsky, Eugenie French, Alice Smith and Sharon Eshaghpour.

Dr. Ethan Grumbach works as the notetaker for the class. He records the process for each session. We can later refer to the observations and the group process notes to think together about patterns in the infant mother dyad, in the observer's developing abilities to sense and receive the experience and in the emerging patterns of the group as well. These notes also assist us in the growth of our Early Psychoanalytic Treatment EPT Program which may include infant observation in the home or other setting.

Dr. Vladimir Lipovetsky works as the observer of the observers, consulting with Naomi, Ethan and the THRIVE team about the group process and the developing themes represented in the observational material.

We work to create an atmosphere where we can

and DREAM

and PLAY together as Infant Psychoanalyst Johan Norman has suggested.