Notes on the technique of psychoanalytic infant observation: A group-analytic training perspective

Recent developments in the field of psychoanalytic infant observation are considered as a basis for extending the dyadic focus of the technique to encompass a group orientated perspective. A provisional method of 'group-as-a-whole infant observation' is presented using illustrative material and is accompanied by a contextualizing analysis. It is posited that group observation of infants and children may highlight group dynamics in unrefined forms and may therefore be a useful resource not only in the training of group practitioners but also as a way of deepening group and social theory

Psychiatric intensive care nursing - psychoanalytic perspectives

Based on unobtrusive observations a parallel is drawn between general and psychiatric intensive care milieu. The correlation between the bedside skills and incidence of phyical contact is considered in each setting. The phenomena of physical attacks on nursing staff and other carers is considered, as is the process of restraint in the psychiatric intensive care unit (PICU). It is suggested that the attack and subsequent process of physical restraint is a re-enactment of a skin-on-skin object relation and can be functional in re-establishing a sense of bodily ego in the psychotic patient. Some thoughts are offered on how the intensive care of psychotic patients might be carried forward in the future

The unconscious impact of caring for acutely disturbed patients: a perspective for clinical supervision

This paper is concerned with the emotional experience of working with acutely disturbed patients examining how the disturbance of the patient unconsciously impacts upon the nurse. Using a model of the unconscious, based upon classical psychoanalytic theory, a psychodynamic approach to clinical supervision in a group setting is described. This supervision process was found to be helpful in the therapeutic process, identifying unconscious dynamics as well as alleviating some of the distress of the clinical work. Vignettes illustrating this process of psychodynamic group supervision are presented

The formation of objects in the group matrix: Reflections on creative therapy with clay

In this article describes an experimental group experience where five people worked in silence for 20 minutes around a 2 ft square slate using clay as a medium for communication as part of a creative therapy session on an inpatient psychiatric ward. The interaction culminated in a group sculpt. It is suggested that the process of the sculpting may throw some light on the formation of objects in the unconscious group matrix. The article is intended as a contribution towards the debate about the potential symbiosis between group analysis and the creative therapies (Waller) as well as the basis for further investigation into Rey's question about the formation of group matrix

Policy Options For Improving Economic Opportunity and Mobility

America's economic recovery is finally taking hold and current deficits are down from the record highs during the recession. At the same time, far too many American families are being left out of the recovery, and our nation still faces an unsustainable long-term fiscal outlook. Lower unemployment and improvements in growth are fueling renewed optimism, yet the nature of the recovery is uneven and the longer term trends of income stagnation are of great concern. On everyone's minds is the questionable state of opportunity in America.In the interest of enriching the discussion on the state of economic opportunity in America today, the Peter G. Peterson Foundation asked two experts, representing different viewpoints, to recommend policy options to foster greater economic opportunity and mobility

Disentangling dynamics: group sensitivity and supervision

In order to contextualize Altschul's interest in group dynamics we present a brief history of staff group work approaches in the UK and USA. Using case examples, the work of staff group sensitivity and group supervision is described. The difficulties of working in staff groups are highlighted and the antipathy towards group practice is discussed. It is argued that learning about conflict resolution in staff groups prepares nurses for dealing with conflicts in clinical practice. The case for re-invigorating interest in group theory and practice is presented. In presenting our reflections on staff group work, we hope not only to re-kindle the type of interest in groups that inspired Altschul but also to re- present the case that it is ill conceived to attempt the work of mental health nursing without recourse to the supervisory resources of group theory, practice and support. It is through group feedback that mental health nurses and other health professionals can extend their learning about interpersonal relations, achieve quality standardization through peer feedback and reflect on practice in truly collaborative ways (Schon 1983)

Ups and Downs: Does the American Economy Still Promote Upward Mobility?

Examines trends in absolute intragenerational mobility by analyzing short- and long-term income fluctuations from 1967-2004, rates of recovery from declines, recovery time, and rates of gains compared with those of declines