Attachment-based Practice with Children, Adolescents and Families

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.

Table of Contents Foreword by Professor Panos Vostanis PART ONE: Introducing attachment theory and the integrative approach Introduction and how to use this guide 1. Introducing attachment theory; 2. The three basic patterns; 3. The Dynamic-Maturational Model (DMM) of Attachment and Adaptation; 4. The integrative, bio-psycho-social approach PART TWO: Principles, guidelines and tools for assessment, formulation, planning and treatment 5. Ten principles for attachment-based practice; 6. Essential planning and preparation; 7. The goal of treatment; 8. The LEARN model, and purposeful adaptation of treatment PART THREE: The case studies 1. Amelie and Charlie (1): Trying to love through depression and trauma; 2. Lucas (14): Changing sexual behaviour; 3. Jacob (8): Adoption breakdown; 4. Azim (14): Seeking safety in a new country; 5. Suchita (22): In search of independence; 6. Rob (20): Strong feelings in autism; 7. Jessica (14): On the edge and in need of guardian; 8. Gretchen (7): In search of safety, family and belonging; 9. Asha (16): Complex trauma and unresolved grief; 10. Marie and Evelyn (2): A mother and daughter trying to connect; 11. Beth (15): Struggling to understand sexual feelings; 12. Calum (20): Leaving care, entering adulthood and becoming a new parent.