Nara Amália Caron

O método Bick de observação de bebês como método de pesquisa

The article presents a discussion concerning the potentialities of the Bick method of infant observation as a research method. A description of the method since its creation is presented, and the possible approximations with clinical work and research are highlighted. In addition, the ethical aspects of the Bick method applied to research are discussed. The application of the Bick method to research has achieved increasing recognition due to its potential for generating new ideas and for contributing to theoretical discussions in the area of developmental psychology, and especially in psychoanalysis.

The baby and his majesties: some considerations on human helplessness

Abstract Observation of obstetric ultrasound and of the setting in which it takes place, through an application of the Bick method, demonstrates aspects of the transition process to parenthood, siblinghood, and grandparenthood. The image and the setting provoke an intense emotional response which prompts regression. The idealised security of the baby inside is shattered by the dramatic intensity of primitive emotion aroused. Caught in intergenerational ties, the baby ends up being the target of massive parental projections, and is not able to assume the position implied when Freud talks about ‘His Majesty the Baby.’ The members of the babys family become ‘Their Majesties’ instead. Since the doctor offers a containing setting, in which there can be a shared interpretation of images, he or she may facilitate the process of becoming a father, mother, sibling, grandparent, by helping to organise the creation of ties with the baby.Abstract Observation of obstetric ultrasound and of the setting in which it takes place, through an application of the Bick method, demonstrates aspects of the transition process to parenthood, siblinghood, and grandparenthood. The image and the setting provoke an intense emotional response which prompts regression. The idealised security of the baby inside is shattered by the dramatic intensity of primitive emotion aroused. Caught in intergenerational ties, the baby ends up being the target of massive parental projections, and is not able to assume the position implied when Freud talks about ‘His Majesty the Baby.’ The members of the babys family become ‘Their Majesties’ instead. Since the doctor offers a containing setting, in which there can be a shared interpretation of images, he or she may facilitate the process of becoming a father, mother, sibling, grandparent, by helping to organise the creation of ties with the baby.

An observer's intense and challenging journey observing the short life of an extremely premature baby in Neonatal Intensive Care

An extremely premature baby can teach us a lot about the depths of human nature, helping us to put words to some primitive emotional phenomena. A two and a half month observation of a very premature baby in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, using the Bick method of infant observation created the possibility of being in touch with the experience of the baby in the artificial environment of his incubator. Taking care of this baby was not an easy task. Not only was he born extremely premature and with major physical disabilities, but the care he also required easily turned into serious environmental impingements on him. Some vignettes taken from the observers written reports illustrate the intensity of her emotional experience in contact with this babys increasingly slender hold on life. The observers painstaking journey is described in detail and illustrates the difficult task of tuning into the world of an extremely premature baby and trying to make sense of it.

A place where verbalisation has no meaning

Abstract This paper, which is based on observations of women in labour in the obstetric centre of a public hospital, describes the challenges for mothers, as well as for the observer, who enters the ‘sacred place’, a place where verbalisation has no meaning. We hope to show that perhaps the greatest challenge for the observer is to reconnect with the helplessness which accompanies human beings from the beginning to the end of life. In childbirth, we suggest, the experience of both physical and emotional regression psychically challenges most women to the limit. The paper draws on previous experience of applying Bicks infant observation method and on Winnicotts theory of primitive emotional development. The paper assumes that the mothers primitive psychic and physical experiences during labour and delivery reflect a state of regression which develops during pregnancy and continues for some time after delivery. This is assumed to enable the mother to connect with her baby and his state of helplessness.

Writing as a challenge in the observer's journey through the Bick method of infant observation

Abstract This paper discusses certain challenges in the observers journey throughout the three stages of the Bick method of infant observation (observation, written report and seminar group discussion), with special emphasis on writing. One of the biggest challenges of writing, in this context, is communicating something which was experienced in a predominantly sensory and solitary way. The observer finds him or herself exposed to a series of sensations that emerge again at the stage of the written report, and which are shared with the seminar group. In this journey, we could consider a fourth, optional stage in the method – the publication of the observational material for research purposes. As in the second stage, once again, the observer is confronted with the challenge of writing and communicating an experience. It is relevant to note that the challenge of writing is present throughout the observers journey, especially when this writing needs to be published.

O método Bick de observação da relação mãe-bebê: aspectos clínicos

The Bick infant observation method: clinical aspects The article presents the Bick infant observation method as a clinical tool, based on a research application of the method to the psychoanalytic investigation of the relationship of a mother and her Down syndrome baby. We discuss the therapeutic potential of this method, based on the observers holding function. The case presented shows the observers silent, subtle and empathic attitude, which served as holding for the mothers helplessness condition.

When the internal setting becomes more important than the therapist/analyst's interpretative capacity: extending the infant observation method to the prenatal and perinatal period

The authors continuing work over several years with Esther Bicks method of infant observation has created a strong sense of its usefulness as a tool for developing the capacity to ‘listen’ with increasing refinement to primitive psychic phenomena – as well as developing the receptive and containing capacity of professionals trained in observation. These capacities are essential for dealing with primitive transference/countertransference phenomena where the analysts internal setting, her consistency, reliability, constancy and preoccupation is more important than her ability to interpret or her theoretical knowledge. The authors have begun to apply the method in longitudinal observational studies of obstetric ultrasound examinations, from the 12th week of gestation, up to delivery. The paper includes a brief case illustration of how the trained professionals internal setting, enriched by the original infant observation experience, may facilitate developmental processes, especially integration, during the delicate period of gestation, further helping parents to prepare for delivery with all its inherent anxieties.

Making space for a fourth, unplanned child with the help of the observer's holding and receptive capacity

Creating a space for more than one child is a challenge for the mother that already has other children at a pre-school age. The present case study was carried out based on a research application of the Bick method of infant observation. The baby and his family were observed weekly, for 12 months. He belonged to a family, consisting of a mother, a father and their four boys, a baby and three siblings aged two, three, and four years old. The mother gradually created a space for welcoming the observer as well as the baby. The observer′s countertransference reactions were essential and the receptiveness of the observer enabled the mother to use her for expressing her feelings albeit silently.

Learning about human nature and analytic technique from mothers and babies

In this paper, observational material is presented from a mother–infant pair observed from pregnancy up to the babys third birthday. Two observers accompanied the mismatched steps of Tânia and Julie, who had to be born ahead of her time because of her mothers pre-eclampsia. This provoked a huge challenge to their sense of continuity and of connection, a basic pre-condition for human development. This observation underlines the importance of the mothers flexibility in adapting to changes and interruptions. The observation provides a fascinating glimpse into the mother–baby couples creative recovery within a tailor-made protective, caring space of mutual growth. The authors see this longitudinal study, which extends the standard Bick method to include pregnancy and delivery, as a great opportunity to learn more about human nature. It also enables further development of knowledge and understanding of the basic principles of therapeutic and preventative work in the early years, with the principal goal of facilitating the natural pull towards integration and growth, in the mother–infant couple who illuminate its care-cure aspect.

The challenge of becoming supervisor/seminar leader in infant observation

ABSTRACT Becoming an infant observation supervisor/seminar leader is a complex challenge, generally experienced in a solitary way. Despite the various, creative local solutions that have been tried in different parts of the world, the issue of the training of new supervisors remains open to discussion. No formal training exists for this demanding function that includes the responsibility of maintaining and transmitting the technique, as well as sustaining the dynamic and continuity of the group. In the last several years, we have witnessed a number of colleagues who have sought to prepare themselves in different ways for this new function of supervisor: a second supervised observation, supervision in pairs of supervisors, joining a group led by an experienced supervisor, and, more recently, supervision of supervision. Based on the latter experience, the aim of this paper is to present some reflections on the training and function of the infant observation supervisor. Maintaining a certain distance, the supervisor of the new supervisor/seminar leader is in a privileged position to take a more experienced and, perhaps, calmer, detailed look at the primitive unconscious observation material. This enables the new seminar leader/supervisor the opportunity to listen to herself and to simultaneously train her psychoanalytic listening of primitive psychic phenomena.