• Learn how personality develops (and one’s attachment style) securely or insecurely, from the quality of the parental caregiving relationship

• Identify avoidant and preoccupied attachment styles from 3 interlinking perspectives and hypothesise about individuals’ inner worlds corresponding to each style i.e their beliefs about and expectations of self, others and relationships

• Explore the essential characteristics of each of the basic human needs (motivational systems) of careseeking, caregiving, self defence (fear) and interest sharing. Learn to identify when these systems are underdeveloped or used defensively enabling clearer assessments and more targeted therapeutic interventions

• Identify various, fearful, ways in which clients come to therapy (seek care) and recognise, and prepare to meet these differing presentations

• Expand understanding of clients’ resistance to change and associated self-defeating patterns of behaviour

• Explore the process of change with emphasis on the implicit, non-verbal aspects of the therapeutic relationship

• Learn various ways to access clients’ attachment histories and identify events which significantly shape family systems and the individual’s place within the system

• Explore the impact of one’s own attachment style on the therapeutic relationship

presentation, video clips of relevant research, large and small group discussions using a case study and skills practices. Some pre course preparation will be given along with handouts and a list of additional resources or in small groups.

Because attachment theory applies to adults in intimate relationships just as much as to children, it gives therapists insight into the origins of clients' personalities, enabling more attuned interventions. The training is designed to enhance therapists' capacity for empathy and strengthen the quality of the therapeutic alliance.

• Better case conceptualisation: understanding why clients relate the way they do, not just the presenting symptoms

• Stronger therapeutic relationships: the alliance is one of the biggest predictors of therapy outcomes, and attachment theory directly informs how to build it

• Applicability across client groups:adults, couples, families, children , attachment underpins all of it

• CPD value: it counts toward a formal qualification

This module is the first step toward the Advanced Certificate in the Clinical Application of Attachment Theory, endorsed by the International Attachment Network. So it's not just a standalone workshop it's a building block toward a recognised credential.

“Clarifying misunderstandings about insecure attachment style - eg: All insecure attachments are anxious. Care seeking/care giving systems and when they are disrupted. So so much. It has already helped my practice both in school and with adults. I absolutely loved it.”

“If you want to know how to apply what you learn directly into your client sessions, without thinking ‘what next?’, then this is the course to take. I now feel confident to apply what I learnt and not just left with a note pad full of notes. Nicola takes the days at just the right pace that is easy to understand and digest.”

“It was excellent. I have done lots of cpd over my many years . It really is a good standard ”

“This is a truly in depth look at attachment and the impact on the client and their relationships.  Set at a pace that allows for exploration and understanding to develop, I feel more confident now in my application of attachment theory with my clients.”

“Nicola delivers an engaging course with robust material.  For anyone with an interest in Attachment Theory it is a must.  I was interested during my training years ago and was really pleased to come across this course.”

Download the brochure here.