An individual’s attachment style develops in early childhood and continues throughout the lifespan as a working model for the relationships that we may be established in the future. Such attachment style influences how we maintain a relationship because often, it is what impacts the way we may perceive or react to a current situation or how we pursue our needs. In this webinar, we will briefly explore the four attachment styles and their impact on how an individual develops and manages interpersonal relationships.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:
- Define core characteristics of Secure Attachment and its role in relationship development
- Define core characteristics of Ambivalent Attachment and its role in relationship development
- Define core characteristics of Avoidant Attachment and its role in relationship development
- Define core characteristics of Anxious Attachment and its role in relationship development
- Identify strategies for helping clients identify destructive attachments and develop effective interpersonal relationships.
Syllabus:
Objective #1: Foundations of Attachment Theory
- Introduce the origin of attachment theory by John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth
- Discuss the role of early caregiver relationships in shaping emotional development
- Explain the Strange Situation study and the identification of secure attachment
- Connect early attachment behaviors to survival mechanisms and relational patterns
Objective #2: Secure Attachment
- Define characteristics of secure attachment in children and adults
- Describe parenting behaviors that cultivate secure bonds: consistency, emotional attunement, and safety
- Identify signs of secure attachment in adult relationships: emotional regulation, effective communication, trust, comfort with closeness and autonomy
- Explore the role of culture and emotional modeling in shaping attachment
Objective #3: Avoidant Attachment
- Define avoidant attachment and its development through emotionally distant or unresponsive caregiving
- Describe the child’s experience of suppressed emotional expression and unmet relational needs
- Discuss adult behaviors: emotional withdrawal, discomfort with intimacy, and superficial relational bonds
- Explore journaling prompts and mindfulness tools to increase vulnerability and relational safety
Objective #4: Anxious Attachment
- Define anxious attachment as a result of inconsistent or unpredictable caregiving
- Explain the child’s struggle to anticipate responses and their heightened emotional vigilance
- Describe adult patterns: low self-worth, fear of abandonment, dependence on reassurance, and difficulty being alone
- Identify practices to develop emotional regulation and self-soothing strategies
Objective #5: Ambivalent (Disorganized) Attachment
- Define ambivalent attachment as a result of trauma, abuse, or fear-based caregiver relationships
- Explain the child’s experience of seeking safety from a caregiver who is also a source of fear
- Highlight adult symptoms: desire for intimacy mixed with fear of betrayal, emotional unpredictability, and difficulty trusting others
- Differentiate between avoidant and ambivalent attachment patterns
Objective #6: Clinical Strategies for Supporting Attachment Repair
- Increase awareness of attachment styles through psychoeducation and self-reflection
- Explore personal relationship histories and cultural influences on emotional expression
- Use journaling prompts tailored to specific attachment styles
- Apply mindfulness and body-based awareness to identify and interrupt attachment triggers
- Utilize the Drama Triangle to identify relational roles and shifts
- Support the development of secure attachment behaviors through therapy
Objective #7: Therapist Role and Relationship Dynamics
- Recognize how early attachment patterns are re-enacted in therapeutic relationships
- Help clients examine attachment behaviors that emerge in therapy
- Explore the impact of childhood experiences on adult relational expectations
- Provide a safe space for clients to express separation anxiety, fears, and emotional needs
Objective #8: Building Secure Attachment in Relationships
- Teach clients how to communicate needs assertively and non-defensively
- Encourage boundary setting, emotional self-awareness, and conflict resolution skills
- Promote trust and intimacy through consistent relational practices
- Use structured interview questions (e.g., Adult Attachment Interview) to deepen insight
- Discuss how clients and their partners can reduce stress and reassure connection
Resources for Continued Exploration
- Share recommended readings on attachment theory and practical application
- Provide reflection questions and videos for deeper integration
- Support clients in long-term development of healthy, secure relational templates
Social workers completing this course receive 1.5 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 1.5 Clinical continuing education training.
Instructor: Dreya Blume, LCSW
Recording Date: June 14, 2024
CEUS On-Demand, LLC, provider #2274, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/7/2026 - 08/6/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 1.5hrs Clinical continuing education credits.
CEUs On-Demand, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7091. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CEUs On-Demand, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
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Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com