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Mother and Infant Observation (September Entry) - Short Course

Starts:
Finishes:
Venue: Birkbeck Main Building, Malet Street

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Course timetable and cost

The course will span thirty weeks, taking place weekly from Saturday, 27th of September. Each Saturday from 10:00 - 11:15. Information on the in-person location for each session will be provided in due course. The full course cost is £990.00. 

Please note: Participants are required to complete 30 hours of mother-infant observations outside of course hours. While Birkbeck academics can assist in identifying available families, participants are also expected to independently find suitable families for their observations.

 

Course Content and Syllabus:

This short course is designed to equip delegates with the knowledge and skills to apply psychodynamic and psychoanalytic concepts and theories to the understanding of infant development.

 

Weeks 1-5: Beginnings
In the first weeks, students will learn how to set up and conduct Infant Observations. This includes identifying a suitable observation, establishing boundaries, creating contracts, and embracing the role of the observer.

Weeks 6-25: Observations
During this period, students will take turns presenting their Infant Observations. The focus will be on exploring the developing relationship and dynamics between the infant and caregiver(s). Students will apply psychodynamic concepts to interpret these observations.

Weeks 25-29: Endings
Students will continue presenting their observations, with particular emphasis on the ending phase and the relationships they have formed. These reflections will be examined through a psychodynamic perspective.

Week 30: Review
In the final week, students will reflect on their learning throughout the course within the seminar group, identifying recurring themes and insights they have encountered over the past year.

 

Learning Outcomes

  • Understand the critical role of early infant development and relationships.
  • Recognize the lasting impact of early relationships on later stages of human development.
  • Develop a practical understanding of psychodynamic concepts and their application to early developmental processes.

 

Who is this course suitable for?

  • Professionals in the helping fields who wish to deepen their understanding of infant development through the lens of psychodynamic theory and concepts.
  • Qualified and trainee counsellors and psychotherapists interested in undertaking an Infant Observation.
  • Individuals looking to incorporate the course into their ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

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