9th International conference for infant observation 2024

Psychoanalytic observation, intersectionality and the social matrix: implications for infant observation and its applications

Date: 5 April

Location: Tavistock Centre

Cost: £140 – £240

5 – 6 April 2024

This conference is now fully booked.

Returning in-person at the Tavistock Centre in London, the 9th International conference for infant observation and its applications will focus on how social forces and structures (including social class, gender, race, sexuality, neurodiversity and disability) influence the infant’s emotional experience and developing social identity within their family and wider community. Across two days, speakers from across the world will consider how these structures inform and shape the observer’s and seminar group’s capacity to observe unconscious processes.

For the very first time, the initial day will be open to both teachers and students of infant observation. The second day, which focusses predominantly on the teaching of infant observation, will be open to teachers only.

Conference programme:

Friday 5 April 2024

Activity	Time	Presenter and presentation
Registration and refreshments	09:15
Welcome and introductions	09:45
Plenary paper	10:00–11:00	Considering complex intersections: psychoanalysis, infant observation and the social matrix Presenter: Dr Matthew Chuard Chair: Trudy Klauber
Coffee break	11:00–11:15
Parallel papers	11:15–12:15	Perceiving anew: an exploration of infant observation as continuing professional development for experienced clinicians Presenter: Dr Darren Bull Chair: Alex de Rementeria	Thinking about race in the teaching and learning of infant observation in South Africa Presenters: Shayleen Peake, Katharine Frost and Belinda Spalding-Jones Chair: Dexter Benjamin	Use of fixed fantasies in treatment of intergenerational trauma Presenter: Dr Sujatha Subramanian Chair: Matthew Chuard
Lunch	12:15–13:15
Plenary paper	13:15–14:30	Psychoanalytic observation and group life Presenter: Lydia Hartland Rowe and Rajni Sharma Chair: Biddy Youell
Small group reflective spaces	14:35–15:20
Break	15:20–15:30
Plenary paper	15:30–16:45	Turning our good eye: Oedipus, sameness and difference in infant observation Presenter: Dr Alexandra de Rementeria Chair: Katie Argent
Panel or final plenary discussion	16:45–17:45
Networking reception

Saturday 6 April 2024

		Presenter and presentation
Registration and refreshments	09:15–09:45
Reflections on day 1 of the conference	09:45– 10:30
Plenary paper	10:30–11:45	Observing mothers: an exploration of maternal identities in an infant observation seminar Presenter: Fanny Lena Chair: Katie Argent
Coffee break	11:45–12:00
Parallel Papers	12:00–13:00	Infant observation in the training of professionals working with children with disabilities and their families: experiences from teaching infant observation as part of a Master’s programme at the University of Vienna Presenters: Wilfried Datler and Margit Datler Chair: Matthew Chuard	“Flapjacks, tangerines, coffee and tea”, ingredients for a post-natal parent and baby support group; the application of infant observation methodology and psychoanalytic technique within the wider community Presenter: Alison Bruce Chair: Alex de Rementeria
Lunch	13:00–14:00
Workshop/round table discussion	14:00–15:00	Reflections on unconscious factors and identifications in infant and young child observation and their impact on exploring issues of difference and diversity: obstacles and opportunities Presenter: Amanda Mintowt-Cyz Chair: Margaret Lush
Final plenary and panel discussion	15:00–16:00

Conference chair: Dr Matthew Chuard

During the conference, we will hear international perspectives on how psychoanalytic observation, with its emphasis on close attention to detail, unconscious processes and the emotional impact upon the observer, can deepen our understanding of infant development. Drawing upon their own experiences, our speakers will also explore the role that wider social forces play, and their interaction with internal and interpersonal experiences that shape the infant’s developing subjectivity.

In particular, the conference will focus upon how our identities as teachers and students of infant observation shape and inform our psychoanalytic pedagogy and learning experience.

Who is this conference for?

The first day of this conference will be open to both teachers and students of infant and psychoanalytic observation, whilst the second day will only be open to teachers of infant and young child observation.

Date and time:

Friday 5 and Saturday 6 April 2024

Arrival for registration between 9.15am and 9.45am both days

Close: 6pm Friday 5 April and 4pm Saturday 6 April

Fees and booking:

This conference is now fully booked.

If you are interested in attending please contact cpdevents@tavi-port.ac.uk and we will contact you should a place become available.

Friday 5 April and Saturday 6 April 2024: Attend the full conference. Open to teachers of infant observation only – Fee £240
Friday 5 April 2024: Attendance at the first day of the conference only. Open to both teachers and students of infant observation – Fee £140