Hi SE23 folk.
My name is Owen and I’m a mental health nurse working with children and young people, and an SE4 resident. It’s nice to meet you all!
I have recently started my child psychotherapy training at the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust, and as part of this I am in the privileged position of arranging and carrying out an infant observation.
An infant observation is viewed as an integral part of the training, and involves me identifying a family who has a baby under the age of 2, and arranging with them to visit on a weekly basis for 1 hour, for 20 weeks. During these visits, I will observe the baby and build an understanding of how they develop emotionally, physically, and mentally, and the way they form relationships with their caregivers/family in this context. It is also about me developing my skills as an observer, and what such a role brings up for me. I am not there to analyse, diagnose, or carry out any professional function, just to learn as a student.
I appreciate the above may sound strange and that people are likely to have questions or queries if they are interested. All students have an enhanced DBS in place with the university, and I have official documentation from the university about the process.
If anyone is interested in finding out more, or know anyone who may be interested in volunteering for such a role, please do send me a message and I would be very happy to have a chat.
Thank you to anyone who has given the above a read. Take care.