The therapeutic potential of holding in the Bick Observation Method

Lisiane Machado Oliveira-Menegotto; Amanda Wecker; Maiquélen Silva; Ana Letícia Gerhardt

doi:10.5020/23590777.rs.v25i3.e17225

Authors

Lisiane Machado Oliveira-Menegotto Feevale University, Novo Hamburgo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5670-9332
Amanda Wecker Feevale University, Novo Hamburgo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5573-3928
Maiquélen Silva Feevale University, Novo Hamburgo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9180-5853
Ana Letícia Gerhardt Feevale University, Novo Hamburgo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9644-7207

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5020/23590777.rs.v25i3.e17225

Keywords:

holding, Bick Observation Method, therapeutic potential

Abstract

This article aims to discuss the observer’s holding function as established through the Bick Observation Method. Accordingly, it seeks to understand holding within the observational field based on excerpts from four observation reports of mother–infant relationships drawn from a study involving nine infants and their families. The observations followed the procedures recommended by the Bick Observation Method, which was applied in three stages: observation itself, conducted weekly on the same day and at the same time; the observation report, written descriptively and with attention to the observer’s subjective involvement; and the supervision seminar, during which the observation reports were read and discussed. The observation reports and notes taken during the supervision seminars were used as research materials. The findings highlight the therapeutic potential of the Bick Observation Method, as the observer, through sensitive listening and an empathic stance, provides emotional support to families during moments of distress and helplessness. Furthermore, the earliest stages of childhood constitute a fertile field for studying elements and indicators of mental health and may contribute to a preventive perspective by enabling the early identification of risks to healthy development.

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Translation

This article is a translation in English of the article: O potencial terapêutico do holding no Método Bick de Observação

Author Biographies

Lisiane Machado Oliveira-Menegotto, Feevale University, Novo Hamburgo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

PhD in Developmental Psychology from Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Professor in the Undergraduate Program in Psychology, the Master’s Program in Psychology, and the Graduate Program in Cultural Diversity and Social Inclusion at Feevale University.

Amanda Wecker, Feevale University, Novo Hamburgo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Master’s degree in Cultural Diversity and Social Inclusion from Feevale University, Novo Hamburgo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. PhD candidate in Cultural Diversity and Social Inclusion at Feevale University.

Maiquélen Silva, Feevale University, Novo Hamburgo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Psychologist. Currently participates in the scientific training program at Feevale University. Completed an internship in Clinical Psychology at the Integrated Psychology Center (CIP), working from a psychoanalytic perspective. During the internship, she also worked with the Novo Hamburgo League Against Cancer and at the municipality’s Mental Health Outpatient Clinic.

Ana Letícia Gerhardt, Feevale University, Novo Hamburgo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Degree in Psychology from University of Vale do Rio dos Sinos (2003). She currently maintains a private psychology practice. She works as a psychologist at Estrela Mágica Early Childhood Education School and Duda Lelê Early Childhood Education School. She also works as a volunteer psychologist at municipal early childhood education and elementary schools in Novo Hamburgo and Campo Bom. She has experience in Psychology, with an emphasis on Psychoanalytic Psychology.

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