Our Programs

Infant Observation is a process involving observing a baby from soon after birth to the time they are either 12 months of age or 2 years old.  It involves hour long visits to the baby’s home each week to observe the infant, and seeing first hand an infant’s psychological and physical development. It provides an opportunity to be able to follow their developing relationships with parents, siblings and others who may play an important role in their early life.  It offers the possibility for the observer to discover the process of infant development first hand rather than reading about descriptions and theories of infant development in books.  It also presents the opportunity to develop one’s capacity to experience primitive anxieties and processes in another, and to familiarise oneself with the the turbulence families can experience with the arrival of a new baby.  

Infant Observation is considered an important part of psychotherapy training because it can enhance the observer’s capacity to identify, be receptive to and better manage intense feelings and anxieties, and to be able to observe and reflect on what they notice before acting; to be receptive to what is before them, to be able be patient and to tolerate not knowing exactly what is happening for the other, while being interested and curious about that. These are considered important skills for a psychotherapist. 

Opportunities for infant observation programs are made available from time to time, and enquiries are welcomed. 

Reading groups usually focus on the work of a particular psychotherapist or psychoanalyst, or on a specific topic or book that is of interest to those within the group. There is an expectation that the reading is undertaken prior to each meeting and then the material discussed together in the group.  Meetings may be scheduled weekly, fortnightly or monthly according to the group’s needs and circumstances.  Depending on the focus of the group, clinical material may be discussed to highlight or better understand what has been read.   Reading groups can be online or in person depending on the needs and circumstances of those involved.  

From time to time, short courses and seminar series are offered that focus on a particular topic.  It might be about psychoanalytic psychotherapy practice, or psychoanalytic theories or some other aspect of clinical work, for example Child and Adolescent Assessment.  Short Courses and Seminar series can be online or in person depending on the needs and circumstances of those involved.  Please see information below for current and forthcoming programs.