Attachment Based Clinical Work With Children And Adolescents

Attachment-Based Social Work with Children and Adolescents is a wide-ranging look at attachment theory and research, its application to youth populations, and its natural fit with the social work profession. This book covers the applicability of attachment theory to the profession’s various domains that include human behavior, practice, policy, research, and social work education. In particular, it addresses the broad spectrum of clinical social work, including practice in a variety of public and private settings and with a number of diverse populations. The book highlights the contribution of the social work profession to the development of attachment theory and research.

Attachment-Focused Family Play Therapy presents an essential roadmap for therapists working with traumatized youth. Exploring trauma and attachment through a neurobiological focus, the book lays out a flexible framework for practitioners treating young clients within the context of their family relationships. Chapters demonstrate how techniques of play and expressive therapy can be integrated into work with different developmental stages, while providing the tools needed to fully incorporate the family into the healing process. The book also provides clinical examples and guidance on the ethical decision-making needed to effectively implement attachment work and facilitate positive change. Written in an accessible style, Attachment-Focused Family Play Therapy is an important resource for mental health professionals who work with traumatized children, adolescents, and adults.

Attachment-Focused Trauma Treatment for Children and Adolescents brings together two powerful treatment directions that exponentially expand the knowledge and skills available to child and adolescent trauma therapists. The book provides theoretical knowledge, clinical approaches, and specific, detailed techniques that clinicians will find indispensable in the treatment of the most challenging and high-risk young trauma victims. Also included are case studies, developed from over three decades of experience, that show the reader how to use the techniques in real-life settings. The treatment approach described here is flexible enough to adapt to real clients in the real world, regardless of trauma and attachment histories, family and living situations, or difficulties engaging in supportive therapeutic relationships. Clear and cohesive, the model presented here allows room for the individuality and approach of each therapist so that the therapeutic relationship can evolve in a genuine and unique way. An appendix of photocopiable worksheets gives interactive tools for therapists to immediately use with clients.

The first volume to showcase science-based interventions that have been demonstrated effective in promoting attachment security, this is a vital reference and clinical guide for practitioners. With a major focus on strengthening caregiving relationships in early childhood, the Handbook also includes interventions for school-age children; at-risk adolescents; and couples, with an emphasis on father involvement in parenting. A consistent theme is working with children and parents who have been exposed to trauma and other adverse circumstances. Leading authorities describe how their respective approaches are informed by attachment theory and research, how sessions are structured and conducted, special techniques used (such as video feedback), the empirical evidence base for the approach, and training requirements. Many chapters include illustrative case material.

Attachment research has tremendous potential for helping clinicians understand what happens when parent–child bonds are disrupted, and what can be done to help. Yet there remains a large gap between theory and practice in this area. This book reviews what is known about attachment and translates it into practical guidelines for therapeutic work. Leading scientist-practitioners present innovative strategies for assessing and intervening in parent–child relationship problems; helping young children recover from maltreatment or trauma; and promoting healthy development in adoptive and foster families. Detailed case material in every chapter illustrates the applications of research-based concepts and tools in real-world clinical practice.

Over recent decades, attachment theory has come to be seen as fundamental to understanding not only childhood development and how people survive and grow, but also the capacity of partners, parents and carers to offer safe and consistent care, particularly under difficult conditions. Attachment-based Practice with Children, Adolescents and Families integrates attachment theory with other key concepts to explore the ways in which we understand and respond to troubled young people. Drawing on psychiatry, psychotherapy, social work, clinical psychology, systemic therapy and multi-modal assessment and intervention, and combining theory, practical guidance and illustrated case studies, the authors present an attachment-based, integrative, biopsychosocial approach to working with individuals and families that is designed to promote improved outcomes for all involved.

Written with the practicing psychotherapist in mind, this invaluable book presents cutting-edge knowledge on adult attachment and explores the implications for day-to-day clinical practice. Leading experts illustrate how theory and research in this dynamic area can inform assessment, case formulation, and clinical decision making. The book puts such concepts as the secure base, mentalization, and attachment styles in a new light by focusing on their utility for understanding the therapeutic relationship and processes of change. It offers recommendations for incorporating attachment ideas and tools into specific treatment approaches, with separate chapters on psychoanalytic, interpersonal, cognitive-behavioral, and emotionally focused therapies.