Attachment is an innate biological and psychological system that develops from birth and plays a central role in emotion regulation, human connection and psychological well-being. Through early relationships with caregivers, children develop internal working models of safety, connection, emotional expression and self-worth. These relationship patterns often continue to influence coping strategies, relationships and mental health throughout the lifespan.
In an increasingly disconnected world, many clients seek support to better understand, strengthen, repair and sustain their relationships. Relational and attachment-focused approaches offer powerful frameworks for understanding how early experiences shape emotional well-being, relationship patterns and psychological functioning across the lifespan. By deepening their understanding of attachment theory and relational practice, clinicians can create greater emotional safety, strengthen therapeutic relationships and support meaningful, lasting change for the individuals, couples and families they serve.
The Relational and Attachment-Focused Practice Certificate provides a comprehensive exploration of attachment and relational practice, equipping clinicians with practical, evidence-informed approaches for understanding and addressing attachment-related concerns in diverse clinical settings.
This certificate explores four key areas:
- Attachment across the lifespan: Understanding attachment from infancy through adulthood and its impact on development, relationships and well-being.
- Viewing clinical concerns through an attachment lens: Exploring how attachment dynamics influence presenting concerns, including trauma, eating disorders, anxiety, depression and relationship difficulties.
- Attachment-focused therapeutic approaches: Learning how attachment principles inform interventions such as emotionally focused therapy (EFT), internal family systems (IFS), psychodynamic therapy, and other relational approaches.
- Developing self-awareness as a clinician: Reflecting on your own attachment patterns to strengthen clinical presence, therapeutic attunement and professional effectiveness.
Prerequisite
The certificate begins with a free, 90-minute online self-directed module: Evolution of Attachment: History, Core Concepts and Categories. This introductory module provides a foundational understanding of attachment theory and its relevance to contemporary clinical practice.
Topics include:
- The history and evolution of attachment theory
- Core attachment concepts and categories
- How early caregiver-child relationships influence emotional regulation, personality development, relationship patterns and overall well-being
- The role of attachment across the lifespan
While this module is a required prerequisite for select courses within the certificate, it is strongly recommended for anyone interested in developing a deeper understanding of attachment theory and attachment-informed practice.
Completion Requirements
To earn the Relational and Attachment-Focused Practice certificate, you must complete at least 84 course hours. The program is flexible – you can finish in as little as one year or take up to seven years. You do not have to be working toward the Relational and Attachment-Focused Practice certificate to take any of these courses.
Participation and Attendance
Full attendance and participation are required to complete these courses. You are required, as much as possible, to have your camera on. We know there are situations where this is not possible, so please send a message to your instructor or the Professional Development host to let them know that you are unable to turn on your camera. Our courses are interactive and include breakout rooms, role play, group discussions and other activities. Participation is required.
Four + Discount
Register for four or more courses at the same time to receive a 10% discount on each course. To qualify, you must complete registration and payment for all courses in a single transaction. The discount is non-cumulative and cannot be applied retroactively. If discount is not applied at time of registration, contact fswprofessionaldevelopment@wlu.ca for assistance before payment. Discounts cannot be applied after registration has been completed.
Delivery Options
The Relational and Attachment-Focused Practice certificate courses are available remotely through Zoom.
Becoming a Therapist
This Relational and Attachment-Focused Practice certificate does not qualify you for registration with any regulatory body (e.g. Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers or College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario) or to practice as a licensed therapist. To become a regulated therapist, please visit the website for the appropriate regulatory body in your province.
Registration
No application required. To register, choose a course and section to view the dates and cost. Add the course to your cart and complete payment. Please review the prerequisites above.
Contact Information
For more information about this certificate contact the Faculty of Social Work Professional Development office:
Email: fswprofessionaldevelopment@wlu.ca
Phone: 548-889-4967
See our website and Frequently Asked Questions for more information.