A video-linked professional development event in Argentina, discussing infant observation in the style of Esther Bick: a discussion of two online observations of a baby in her family, during the COVID-19 lockdown, 13th August 2020. Issue 3 (1st September 2020) - Magagna, Jeanne
ABSTRACT: In May 2020, an online video event for about 200 participants, took place during the global Covid 19 lockdown, organised by Monica Cardenal, supported by the International Psychoanalytic Association (IPA) Child and Adolescent Psychoanalysis Committee and the Buenos Aires, Argentina, Italian Hospital Paediatric Mental Health Service and its University Institute. The aim was to discuss two detailed online infant observations and the effects of the pandemic–induced social isolation on the baby and family. The observer was part of an observation seminar led by Cardenal. Jeanne Magagna was invited to lead the discussion with Monica Cardenal and the large group. Magagna had been able to present observations of a baby, each week over three years, to with Esther Bick. Other participants attended but were not observers themselves at the time. Bick encouraged the group to pause during the reading of an observation in order to discuss that part in detail and Magagna wanted, as far as possible, to follow Bick's method.