Looking for a family to observe

[arnosgrove]

My name is Ida, I live in Arnos Grove, and I am currently training to be a Child, Adolescent and Family Psychotherapist with the Tavistock & Portman NHS Foundation Trust in North London.
An important part of my studies is a family observation. This requires me to visit a family 3 times over a few months in their home, for about 90 minutes each visit, with 2 of the visits being recorded. Ideally, this would start in December, so I am hoping that someone will be able to kindly volunteer their family to take part. The family can be any two or more generations who live together.
The point of the exercise is for me to learn how to be a better observer, not for me to judge or 'diagnose' anything about your family. My notes and footage would be used in class to train myself and other future therapists in developing our listening, observing and communication skills.
I appreciate that this is quite a big ask, but it would be of great value to me and I will try to make it rewarding and interesting for your family. I will also share as many observations and insights about the experience as I can.
I would be happy to discuss it further and answer any questions, so I hope someone gets in touch soon. Thank you!
Ida

[MiraiDevant]

What comeback is there if the observation does not go well?

[arnosgrove]

Hi Mirai
If anyone in the family was not happy being observed at any point then I would respect that by stopping immediately and destroying any notes or footage I had already taken.
I appreciate that a family may change their minds, circumstances might get in the way, things change. I am completely flexible and appreciative of any time a family may be able to share.
Ida

[Discotits]

Recorded on film or audio only?

[arnosgrove]

Ideally recorded on film using a phone but just an audio recording would be fine too, whatever feels most comfortable for the family at the time to be honest.
Ida

[EssentialHummus]

Ida I’d be happy to help, but live on diametrically the other side of London from you (SE, zone 2). Please PM me if you like. My academic background is in Freudian psychology and I remember my friends all struggling to find families and babies to observe.

[Discotits]

Hi Ada, happy to help. I’m in E17.

[Discotits]

Oh, but I don’t have a baby; 2.8 and 4.1 year old.

[arnosgrove]

Hello again

Thank you both so much.I have a family now, but would it be ok if I pm'ed you both next week as I am certain that some of my student colleagues would be very grateful to observe you instead?
Thanks again
Ida

[Discotits]

No problem.

[EssentialHummus]

No problem!

[Allfednonedead]

We would also be happy to be observed. 6yo and 4yo twins in N16. The 6yo has suspected ASD, ADHD, just FYI.
Feel free to pm.

[Busse2017]

Hi there, my name is Alex Busse and I am also a trainee student at the Tavistock and Portman NHS trust. However, I am looking to observe an infant rather than older children. Might this be suitable for you if you are still available and interested? Do let me know.