WHY ATTACHMENT DISORDERS LOOK, FEEL, AND RESPOND DIFFERENTLY THAN OTHER TRAUMA CONDITIONS
Children who have experienced continued disruption in the formation of primary attachments require a unique set of approaches that will often appear counter-intuitive to what most care providers feel is normal or comfortable for them. Primary caretakers and direct service providers often find themselves relying on the use of coercion or non-contingent restraints for attachment purposes due to frustration when the child does not respond to traditional methods. These techniques can actually be re-traumatizing of children, and work against positive engagement and bonding. This workshop will address the underlining developmental, neurorelational and psychosocial variables contributing to healthy attachment, while exploring what happens when there are disruptions in the process. Strength-based strategies for caretakers and direct care providers will be discussed and evidence-based models presented.
- Learners will review the historical evolution of attachment studies and what is currently known from a bio-psycho-social standpoint, as well as from a neurorelational foundation.
- Learners will understand the diagnostic distinctions between attachment disorders and other conditions that fall on the Stress and Trauma-related Conditions continuum.
- Learners will gain knowledge on strategies in helping the attachment-disordered child to heal and be able to form healthier relationships.
