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1

Apply knowledge of attachment theory and research, as well as developmental theories, to counselling and psychotherapy case planning and practice;

2

Employ an increased understanding of the relationship of attachment theory with life stages, such as infancy, adolescence and adulthood, in the context of counselling and psychotherapy practice;

3

Recognise the relationship between attachment issues and life events and influences, such as childhood trauma and adult relationship challenges, as well as socio-cultural influences;

4

Integrate skills in the application of attachment theory and the treatment of attachment disturbances within counselling and psychotherapy practice;

5

Illustrate knowledge of the challenges that can emerge for clients and counsellors as a result of early attachment patterns, through small-group discussions and written assignments;

6

Demonstrate advanced ability to formulate, communicate and apply attachment theory and its therapeutic relevance across the lifespan, through written assignments and class discussion.

Topic

Seminar

Attachment Theory Overview

Overview and foundation of Attachment Theory  

Patterns of Attachment

Overview and details of basic attachment patterns;

Emotional and Brain Development

Emotional regulation; the developing brain;

Socio-cultural issues

Differing cultural views of attachment;

Trauma and Attachment

Trauma and disorganised attachment

Adolescent Attachment

Counselling needs of adolescents

Adult Attachment

Adult attachment patterns; implications for counsellors

Therapeutic Alliances

Therapeutic attunement to different attachment patterns; common factors in therapy;

Applications of Attachment Theory

The impact of theory on treatment; Case studies; Practical implications of attachment

Small-group Learning Tasks

Therapist responses to attachment styles; Mindfulness as a support for attachment issues.

Assessment Task

Assessment Type

Weighting

Learning Outcome(s) being addressed

Class Participation

Summative

10%

5, 6

Online quiz 

Summative

20%

1, 2, 4-6

Written Assignment 1

Summative

30%

1-6

Written Assignment 2

Summative

40%

1-6

1 Class Participation 10%

Assessment by instructor. Students are expected to attend and actively participate in the class discussions and small-group learning tasks. Assessment of class participation is based on consideration of the student's attendance record, their ability to manage time (in terms of attendance and assignment submission), their engagement in developing and fostering group norms for the class, their willingness to offer questions in class, engagement in small-group discussions and learning tasks, their respectful and professional engagement with peers and staff, evidence of their tolerance with peers and clients, and their ability to modify behaviour in response to feedback from peers or staff.

2 Online Quiz – Understanding Attachment 20%

Assess knowledge of terms and concepts that underpin the theory of attachment, based on readings and lectures from classes 1 to 4 (text book chapters 1 to 7).

3 Written Group Assignment 2 – Clinical Application of Attachment 30%

Word count 1,500 words

Work in pairs or trios. Describe and critically reflect on a clinical application of Attachment Theory in conjunction with several contemporary articles. You will be expected to demonstrate: understanding of the clinical application, critical thinking in relation to the suitability of the application, a coherent argument of use of the application.

4 Written Assignment - Attachment pattern challenges 40%

Word count 2,500 words

Choose one attachment classification as described in the course text, and discuss the possible origins of this attachment pattern. Outline the challenges that a person with this relational style may encounter in childhood, adolescence and into adulthood (including parenthood).