Class Descriptions

Attachment Theory in Clinical Practice through the Lifespan

SW746

Credits:	1
Prerequisites:	None

Pathway Associations

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

Course Description

Understanding the implications of 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 strategies that adults use to manage needs for autonomy and connection, in social, family and romantic relationships.

Objectives

Students will understand:
1) The theoretical construct of attachment patterns
2) The role of societal influences on the development of attachment templates
3) The clinical correlates of adolescent and adult attachment organization
4) How to use an understanding of the dynamics of attachment to inform clinical thinking and intervention

Design

This introductory level course will utilize lecture, small and large group discussion, use of video clips and small group practice to illuminate concepts.

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.