Infant Observation Course
Infant Observation has been part of the AGIP training since 1974.
Much can be learnt from the process of observation, including the observer understanding the power and role of counter-transference.
With effect from the October 2025, the Infant Observation has been made a more significant and stand-alone course. Those being offered a place on either the Foundation Course or Clinical Training will find full details in the Infant Observation Handbook available from the Training Organiser.
Below are brief details of the course:
- This course remains compulsory for all candidates wishing to take the clinical training and qualify as a psychoanalytical psychotherapist.
- Students on the Foundation Course can apply to take the course. Certain conditions will apply for Foundation students including: they must have been in personal therapy with an AGIP approved psychotherapist for at least 12 months before applying for this course; they must obtain DBS clearance (for which there is a fee); they must have the support of their personal tutor; they must pay the fee for this course; and acceptance will be subject to a further interview.
- The course is a rolling programme where trainees and students may apply to join at any time. Being offered a place at a particular point will depend in part on there being a space in an observation supervision group.
- Participants are required to undertake weekly 1-hour observations of a baby and family in the family’s own home for the period of one year.
- Observation supervision groups of 4 students will meet weekly, online, for one hour where participants will take it in turns to read their observation log and discuss the experience.
- Before commencing their observations, participants are required to attend a supervision group as an observer for 2 months so that they understand how the observations work and what is required.
- Participants are expected to keep a full and accurate log of their observations which are used in the supervision group. The group supervisor may ask to see the log at any time.
- Under certain circumstances, the Course Co-ordinator may ask some candidates to postpone starting their observations. This will usually be because anyone undertaking the observations needs to be free from emotional stress within their own family setting (e.g. trainees and students who have had recent additions to their own family may not yet be settled enough to observe another family).
- There is a written assignment for this course. It is compulsory for trainees wishing to qualify. However, for Foundation students not planning to apply for the clinical training, this essay is optional. It is a 5,000 words essay which is not marked pass or fail, but which is read by an experienced reader who writes a report. This is then discussed with the trainee’s/student’s personal tutor.
How to Apply
If you wish to apply for a place on the foundation or clinical psychoanalytic psychotherapy courses, click the button below for more details on how to apply.
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