- Learn the principles of attachment theory, as it applies across the life cycle
- Elicit information on history to establish the predominant attachment style of their patient
- Know their own attachment style and recognize how that might affect session process
- Use their knowledge of attachment to intervene in therapy to optimize outcomes
Working with Attachment Style in Psychotherapy
Dr. Gail Myhr, Associate professor of psychiatry
Excerpt:
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Overview
Therapists often refer to “attachment” in rather generic terms. However, the concept of attachment refers specifically to an individual’s behaviour within an attachment relationship; that is, how the individual uses an attachment figure as a secure base from which to explore the environment and as a source of comfort and safety when stressed. An individual’s attachment style, whether secure or insecure, affects their work performance, interpersonal relationships and psychopathology.
Individuals in crisis enter psychotherapy with their attachment systems activated, and therapists are called upon to provide the necessary secure base for comfort and exploration. While securely attached individuals have better outcomes in psychotherapy, insecurely attached individuals can get better outcomes if therapists use interventions which take into account the “deactivating” attachment strategies used by avoidant individuals or the “hyperactivating strategies” used by preoccupied individuals.
Therapist attachment style also affects the therapeutic process. Therapists should be aware of their own attachment style and monitor their own states of mind with respect to attachment in session. In this way, they can ensure their secure base behaviours strike the optimal balance between acting as a safe haven and facilitating exploration.
Accreditation
Awaiting the OPQ accreditation number
About the expert
Gail Myhr MD, CM, MSc, FRCPC, is an Associate Professor of psychiatry at McGill University and a staff psychiatrist at the McGill University Health Centre. She is also a cognitive behavioural therapist with experience treating patients with a wide range of diagnoses. She is a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, diplomate of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy, and Founding Member of the Canadian Association of Cognitive & Behavioural Therapies.
In 2021, Dr. Myhr was elected Fellow of the Canadian Association of Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies, in recognition of her distinguished contribution to the science, practice, training and advocacy of cognitive and behavioural therapies within the Canadian context. Her clinical and research interests include suitability for short-term CBT, attachment-related interventions in CBT, evidence-based CBT supervision and CBT for psychosis, including Avatar Therapy.
Learning objectives
Learning material
A theoretical course illustrated with clinical examples. This course is composed of videos of 5 to 15 minutes each. The PowerPoint of the course to download.
Syllabus
- PowerPoint
- 1. Introduction
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Foundations of Attachment Theory
- 2. What Is Your Attachment Style
- 3. What Is Attachment
- 4. Principles of Attachment Theory
- 5. Measuring Attachment in Infants and Children
- 6. Attachment Measurement in Adults
- 7. Attachment Over the Life Span
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Clinical Application and Case WorkRecognizing your patient’s attachment style
- 8. Recognizing your patient’s attachment style
- 9. Attachment & Psychotherapy
- 10. Working with Attachment
- 11. Case Example- Dismissive Avoidant Patient
- 12. Case Example- Preoccupied Patient
- 13. Working with Disorganized Patient
- 14. Therapy Outcome & Patient Attachment Style
- 15. Therapist Attachment Style- Part 1
- 16. Therapist Attachment Style- Part 2
- 17. Conclusion
- Bibliography
CE Credits
Download a certificate of successful completion.
Audience
This course is intended for mental health professionals.
Registration
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