r/EastLondon • u/Garethydwi • 3h ago
Could you help me with my infant observation, or know someone who might be interested?
Currently looking for a family to volunteer for an infant observation in London.
Hello! My name is Gareth and I have been studying a course about infant development at the British Psychotherapy Foundation. I have over 4 years of experience supporting children and alongside my studies, I currently work in NHS mental health services supporting children, young people and their families.
As a core part of my training with the British Psychotherapy Foundation, I am seeking to find a London based family, who would be willing for me to visit and observe their newborn baby from close to birth and up until their 2 year birthday.
The observations are typically for one hour, once a week, at a regular and convenient time for the first 2 years of your baby's life. Of course there is a lot of flexibility and weeks where a visit may not always be appropriate. This includes holidays, illness or any other circumstances that can be discussed throughout.
The purpose of my visits would simply be to quietly and non-judgementally observe your baby and their interactions in your home, in the completely ordinary circumstances of your day to day life. I would be completely in the background, just listening to you and observing how your baby is behaving and communicating during that hour. The observation would happen entirely at your comfort level, for example I could leave the room during any moments that your privacy is needed, depending on what you are most comfortable with.
Overall, this experience would help me learn deeply about the early development of infants and is a long established training component for child and adolescent psychotherapy training, which I am pursuing. Previous families report to have found the experience of hosting an observer uniquely rewarding, therapeutic and enriching: a chance to notice more of the small details of their child's early life.
If this interests you, or you know someone who might be interested, please contact me at: [gvinto01@student.bbk.ac.uk](mailto:gvinto01@student.bbk.ac.uk) for more information or message me on here! There would of course be no commitment until you had all the details you needed, including a chance to meet with me beforehand if you would prefer.
Any arrangement would be subject to approval by the British Psychotherapy Foundation who would also be able to provide a reference to any interested families. I also hold an enhanced DBS certificate.
Thank you!
