Attachment Theory Informed Practice Across the Lifespan

This module aims to equip Social Workers and professionals in related health and social care fields with an in-depth and critical awareness of contemporary attachment theory.

The module is designed to inform practice with vulnerable groups across the lifespan, enabling you to apply an approach informed by attachment and trauma in both assessment and intervention work.

During this module, learner will develop the knowledge and skills that will support them to plan, assess and meet the needs of service users from an attachment perspective. The focus will be on Crittenden’s strengths-based Dynamic Maturational Model (DMM) of attachment, which is itself embedded within a systems perspective.

Learners will engage in small group and paired tasks, wider group discussions and reflective exercises designed to enhance their understanding of attachment theory and its application to practice. In addition to the use of case studies, learners will also have the opportunity to develop insight into their own attachment strategies and coping styles, thereby further enhancing their learning and reflective capabilities.

Content and delivery

The module is taught in three blocks:

Block one (three days, usually in the second week of November) starts by covering the underlying and basic tenets of attachment theory, including consideration of what attachment theory is, who it applies to and how it develops in children and adults. Crittenden’s DMM model of attachment will be compared and contrasted with the ABCD model (Ainsworth and Main). The neuroscience of attachment ideas, along with the associated concept of information processing, will also be introduced. This first teaching block concludes by considering attachment strategies in detail.

Block two (two days, usually in the last week of January) considers trauma and the relationship it has with attachment theory. The polyvagal theory and trauma informed practice will be introduced. Participants are asked to consider their own emotional coping strategies through a trauma and attachment lens. The block concludes by considering case formulation, with a focus on psychosis, other mental health conditions, and your own cases.

Block three (two days, usually in the last week of February) focuses on formal assessments of attachment with a particular focus on the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI). It also includes taught content of attachment and learning disability.

Assessment

Throughout the module you will engage in formative assessment tasks that prepare you for the summative assignment, which is awarded academic credit at postgraduate level.

The assignment is a 4,000-word assessment of your ability to apply, and critically engage with, theoretical and research-based knowledge of attachment and trauma-informed approaches.

Contact

Please contact module coordinator Paul Teverson for further information. (p.teverson@brighton.ac.uk).

How to apply

For local authority and NHS applicants and those employed by private, voluntary or independent organisations: please contact your training department and complete an application form.

For independent applicants: please contact moduleadmissions@brighton.ac.uk to request an application form.