This presentation equips therapists with practical tools to recognize and address attachment patterns in their clients. Grounded in attachment theory, we will examine the four primary attachment styles—secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized—and how these patterns manifest in relationships, behaviors, and emotional regulation.
Participants will learn to identify attachment-related dynamics through client history, verbal cues, and relational behaviors in therapy. The session will emphasize the developmental roots of attachment styles and their influence on mental health, self-esteem, and interpersonal relationships.
The presentation also explores evidence-based strategies to support clients in building healthier attachment behaviors. These include fostering secure therapeutic relationships, using mindfulness and emotion regulation techniques, and implementing interventions tailored to each attachment style. Case studies will provide hands-on experience in applying these concepts to diverse clinical scenarios as time permits.
Whether you are working with individuals, couples, or families, this presentation offers insights to help clients deepen their self-awareness, improve relational patterns, and enhance emotional well-being. By understanding attachment as a core component of human connection, therapists will leave feeling better equipped to support their clients in creating lasting, meaningful change.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to
- Understand Attachment Theory: Explore the foundational principles of attachment theory, including the four primary attachment styles—secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized—and their developmental origins.
- Identify Attachment Patterns in Clients: Develop the ability to assess and recognize attachment-related behaviors, relational dynamics, and emotional regulation patterns in diverse clinical settings.
- Examine the Impact of Attachment on Mental Health: Analyze how attachment styles influence clients’ self-esteem, interpersonal relationships, and overall emotional well-being.
- Apply Tailored Therapeutic Interventions: Learn and implement at least two evidence-based strategies, such as fostering secure therapeutic relationships, emotion regulation techniques, and interventions specific to each attachment style.
Syllabus:
Introduction
- Welcome and Overview
Objective #1: Understand Attachment Theory
- Foundations of Attachment Theory
- Four Attachment Styles and Clinical Characteristics
Objective #2: Identify Attachment Patterns in Clients
- Clinical Characteristics of Attachment Styles
- Assessment
- Attachment Dynamics in Therapy: Transference, Assessment, and Case Examples
Objective #3: Examine the Impact of Attachment on Mental Health
- Mental Health & Attachment Styles
Objective #4: Apply Tailored Therapeutic Interventions
- Intervention Strategies for Anxious, Avoidant, and Disorganized Clients
- Therapist Role as a Secure Base
- Case Vignette
Key takeaways/Q&A
- Key takeaways and reflections
- Open discussion and final thoughts
Social workers completing this course receive 2 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 2 hours of Clinical continuing education training.
Instructor: Samantha Silverberg, M.A., L.P.C.
Recording Date: April 2, 2025
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 2hrs 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.
System Requirements: Firefox, Chrome, Brave, Safari, Edge on any modern operating system (Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS). A desktop browser is recommended. We do not provide support resources for issues encountered using a mobile device.
Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com