eiseEducation

Attachment Theory has provided a vast research foundation for understanding lifespan development. Attachment Theory informs how therapists can create a safe and caring relational environment and how this in turn can support the exploration and reconstruction of the client’s internal working models (IWMs) of self and others. Knowledge of Attachment Theory will also foster deeper therapeutic alliance and better positive therapeutic outcome related to change and growth for a client. More recently, the field has begun to impact the practice of adult psychotherapy. After a brief general introduction to attachment theory, focus will be given to four points: (1) the use for attachment theory for general assessment in therapy with adolescents and adults, (2) attachment-informed relational/ psychodynamic therapies, (3) specific application of the ‘distance management’ within therapy for attachment anxiety and avoidance, and (4) emotion focussed therapies.  The session will identify resources for further exploration as well as briefly highlight similar trends across other contexts and earlier lifespan.