Workshop: How an Attachment-Informed Approach Can Make Our Inner Worlds Visible

Description: John Bowlby found that our first and most fundamental need is to connect to our parents (primary caregivers) and that this need, aka the attachment or careseeking system, exists from “cradle to grave.’ The corollary of this is that attachment theory is as applicable to adults generally and intimate relationships, as it is to children. Central to this workshop will be exploring insecure attachment styles and how to identify them. I shall draw on research which formulates attachment styles and explore how the development of individuals’ unique internal working models (IWMs) (‘personal attachment style’) are formed and endure causing the problems which are brought to therapy.

Aspects of attachment theory which will be considered and explored include infant development, the Adult Attachment Interview and narrative style and the impact of insecure attachment (avoidant and preoccupied) on reflective function (mentalisation) and defensive strategies. Also discussed will be the range of emotional responses, memory systems and the intergenerational transmission of attachment styles and trauma.

This workshop will demonstrate how an attachment-informed approach opens windows onto our patients’ inner lives and their IWMs enabling therapists to better guide the therapeutic dialogue. Key research will be mentioned and a bibliography provided with additional material for further reading.

Facilitator Profile: Nicola Jones is an experienced relationship and individual psychotherapist in private practice, a supervisor and trainer. She qualified with and worked for Relate Richmond and Kingston and Relate Avon, studied at The Bowlby Centre for 2 years and has an MA in Gender Studies, SOAS, University of London (2008). Nicola has been supervised by those who worked with or were supervised by John Bowlby, is a trustee and Vice-Chair of the International Attachment Network and member of the Association for Exploring the Dynamics of Adult Attachment (AEDAA). Nicola also lectures and provides training in attachment theory for various training organisations.

Price: Free to CaPPP members (Join CaPPP for just £30 a year and take part in this event for free) * We ask that you only book your place if you can commit to attending the event and, to reduce food waste, we reserve the right to charge you £15 to cover the catering cost for your place if you do not attend or cancel by 31st October.

All places must be booked in advance by 18.00 on Sunday 5th November

Registration & refreshments: 9.00 to 9.30 refreshments are available throughout the day

Lunch: Lunch and refreshments are included in your booking

Venue: Penny Brohn Centre, Chapel Pill Lane, Pill, Bristol BS20 0HH

AGM: The AGM will be held after lunch between 13.30 to 14.30 with the second part of Nicola’s workshop to follow.