The value of infant observation in the psychoanalytic training

The following case report is an attempt to describe how infant-mother observation is an exercise in a psychoanalytic mode of thinking and reacting, developing knowledge of object-relation theory. The aim of infant observation is not therapeutic; however, this paper suggests that it also might have a therapeutic side effect, creating mental space for the mother and thereby, helping her from becoming too engulfed by the intensive needs of the baby.