A314 The Heart of the Matter: A Clinician's Guide to Attachment Theory

Attachment Theory is the first coherent, clinically relevant map of the territory of adult love. The white hot emotions and dramas that emerge in couples therapy can be understood when seen in an attachment frame. Learn how to lead the couple, step by step, toward the transforming enactments that create a secure bond between the partners. Discover how to integrate attachment theory into your work with couples to help them forgive old hurts and use their relationship as a source of strength and healing.

Meet The Instructor

Susan Johnson is professor of psychology at the University of Ottawa and director of the Couple and Family Therapy Clinic at the Ottawa Hospital. She's also a research professor at Alliant University in San Diego, California.

Course Contents

Session 1: The need for a theory of love • Research findings on attachment • Introduction to Attachment theory

Session 2: Attachment theory continued • Strengths and weaknesses of attachment theory

Session 3: Attachment in the session • Attachment theory as a map for each session • Guiding interventions with attachment theory

Session 4: Attachment, depressed couples and traumatized couples • Theory and interventions

Session 5: Attachment injuries • Maps to Forgiveness • Understanding Impasses

Session 6: Attachment case studies • Questions and Answers discussion

Learning Objectives

1. Explain attachment theory
2. Discuss the relationship between attachment and forgiveness
3. List three interventions based on attachment theory

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