Attachment Styles and Trauma Treatment:

Summary

Attachment theory and trauma have long been pillars of modern psychology but have been experiencing a resurgence of interest due to increased media and social media attention. Today, various research suggests that approximately 40-50% of Americans identify with an attachment style (anxious, avoidant, and disorganized) other than the ideal secure attachment style, and 70% report experiencing a traumatic event in their lifetime. While a great deal has been done to better understand how trauma and attachment wounds impact individuals, there is a need to better understand how they affect relationships and, more specifically, a couple’s ability to repair. This Webinar will examine attachment theory, attachment styles, trauma, and the implications of each in couples therapy. In addition, this Webinar will identify and discuss interventions and strategies that can be used to facilitate a greater degree of healing and connection for couples seeking repair.

References

Davis, J.L., Petretic-Jackson, P.A., & Ting, L. (2001). Intimacy dysfunction and trauma symptomatology: Long-term correlates of different types of child abuse. J Trauma Stress, 14(1):63-79.

DuCharme, J., & Koverola, C. (1997). Battle P. Intimacy development: The influence of abuse and gender. J Interpers Violence, 12(4):590599.

Feeney, J.A. (2016). Adult romantic attachment: Developments in the study of couple relationships. In: Cassidy, J., & Shaver, P.R., editors. The handbook of attachment: Theory, research, and clinical applications. 3rd. Guilford Press; New York.

Simpson, J.A., & Overall, N.C. (2014). Partner buffering of attachment insecurity. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 23:54-59. doi: 10.1177/0963721413510933.

Simpson, J.A., Rholes, W.S., Devine, P.G., Plant, A., Olson, J., & Zanna, M. (2012). Adult attachment orientations, stress, and romantic relationships. Advances in Experimental Social Psychology, 45:279-328. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-12-394286-9.00006-8.

Simpson, J.A., Rholes, W.S., & Nelligan, J.S. (1992). Support-seeking and support-giving within couples in an anxiety-provoking situation: The role of attachment styles. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 62:434-446. doi: 10.1037/0022-3514.62.3.434.

Learning Objectives

Participants will:

1. Identify and describe attachment styles, attachment theory, and trauma
2. Discuss and understand how both attachment wounds and trauma can affect romantic relationships and play a role in relational health and satisfaction
3. Identify strategies, modalities, and interventions for managing and treating attachment wounds and trauma in the context of the couple

Continuing Education Statement

Approved for 2 CEs for Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, and Chemical Dependency Counselors

Approved for 2 IBCC CEs for Pastoral Counselors, Pastors, Teachers, and Coaches

The American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) offers some psychologists, therapists, counselors, social workers, and play therapists Continuing Education (CE) credit due to good standing with certain states and a limited number of professional organizations. It remains the responsibility of each participant to be aware of state licensure and CE requirements. Participants should check their state and/or local regulations regarding required Continuing Education hours. For more information on Light University Continuing Education programs, please visit www.lightuniversity.com/continuing-education-statements/.