ONE-YEAR INFANT OBSERVATION SEMINAR

offered by the  Anni Bergman Parent-Infant Program of the Contemporary Freudian Society  and the Institute of Psychoanalytic Training and Research
Tuesdays, 12-1:30pm, September 15, 2026-May 25, 2027
Online Format

This infant observation seminar is offered as an elective course to candidates in IPTAR’s Adult and Respecialization Programs and as a required course in IPTAR’s Adult and Child Integrated Track, and to candidates in The Contemporary Freudian Society Adult and Child Analytic Programs. It is also open to candidates and members of other institutes and programs and to those with experience in the field of parent-infant work who may be considering psychoanalytic training. This one-year seminar is separate from the Anni Bergman Parent-Infant Program three-year training.

The close observation of a parent and baby in their home provides a powerful learning experience and has formed the basis for further psychoanalytic training and work in many psychoanalytic institutes around the world. Infant observation offers a unique opportunity for understanding primitive mental states, the origins of the development of the mind and relationship, the nuances and complexities of preverbal communication, and the intensity and intimacy of transference and countertransference phenomena. There are parallels between the observers’ and the parents’ roles in processes of containment, affect regulation, and timing, and these elements also can be further thought of as they apply to the analytic situation. The model of infant observation follows the model originated by Esther Bick at the Tavistock Clinic and also is informed by the observation method developed by Margaret Mahler at the Masters Childrens’ Center.

For this class, each candidate will observe a parent–baby dyad for one hour each week in the family’s home (or other agreed location), write detailed process notes on the observations, and present the notes for discussion on a rotating basis in the weekly one and a half hour seminar. Observing the evolution of development during the first year of life in the context of the family, and finding ways to think about this with colleagues is an intensive, unique and gratifying learning experience.

This seminar will be led by Suzan Sayder and held on Zoom on Tuesdays from 12-1:30pm In addition to her work with ABPIP, Suzan Sayder, L.P., trained at the Tavistock Institute in the UK, has taught infant observation in both London and New York, and is involved with many ABPIP initiatives.

If you are interested or have any questions, please contact Suzan Sayder at ssayder11@gmail.com or 917.751.0307 as soon as possible as space is limited.

The fee is $1800 for 32 classes.

Sally Moskowitz, PhD and Rita Reiswig, MS

Co-Directors, The Anni Bergman Parent-Infant Training Program