Class Descriptions

Attachment Theory in Clinical Practice with Adults

SW743

Credits:	3
Prerequisites:	None

Pathway Associations

Community Change
Global
Interpersonal Practice	Elective (Host)
Mgmt & Leadership
Policy & Political
Program Evaluation
Older Adults
Children & Families

Course Description

Understanding the implications of early childhood relationships on adult functioning can provide a powerful framework for creating goals and intervention in adult psychotherapy. Using attachment theory as the foundation, this course will address relationship-based intervention with adults. Students will learn the role of attachment in the development and maintenance of cognitive, emotional and behavioral strategies that adults use to manage needs for autonomy and connection, in social, family and romantic relationships.

Objectives

Students will:
● Study the theoretical construct of attachment patterns and styles of attachment
● Gain an understanding of the cultural norms in development of attachment
● Understand the clinical correlates of adolescent and adult attachment organization
● Learn the neurobiology of attachment
● The clinical utility of attachment theory
● Understand how to use an understanding of the dynamics of attachment to inform clinical thinking and intervention with diverse populations
● Develop the capacity to utilize concepts of transference and countertransference in therapy
● Employ conscious use of self in attachment and mentalization-based practice
● Learn the limitations and gaps in attachment research

Design

Designed as an integrative seminar, this course will involve extensive participation on the part of the students. To promote clinical skills including critical thinking, emotional attunement and thoughtfully derived interventions, this course will employ a variety of pedagogical strategies, including experiential exercises, small and large group discussion, didactic lectures, videos, role plays, fishbowl supervisions, and reflective writings.

Intensive Focus on Privilege, Oppression, Diversity and Social Justice (PODS)

This course integrates PODS content and skills with a special emphasis on the identification of theories, practice and/or policies that promote social justice, illuminate injustices and are consistent with scientific and professional knowledge. Through the use of a variety of instructional methods, this course will support students developing a vision of social justice, learn to recognize and reduce mechanisms that support oppression and injustice, work toward social justice processes, apply intersectionality and intercultural frameworks and strengthen critical consciousness, self-knowledge and self-awareness to facilitate PODS learning.