0685 - From Survival to Connection: Introduction to Attachment-Based Interventions for Children and Families
Course Description
Hours: 12
This two-day professional development course provides therapists with a practical and relationally grounded understanding and integration of attachment and its impact on emotional development, behaviour, identity, nervous system regulation and family relationships across childhood.
Grounded in attachment theory, interpersonal neurobiology, developmental psychology and trauma-informed practice, this training helps clinicians move beyond behaviour-focused approaches toward deeper understanding of the relational and emotional needs underlying children’s struggles.
Participants will explore:
- How early caregiving experiences shape emotional regulation, identity and relationships.
- The impact of trauma, loss, inconsistency and relational stress on children and families.
- Understanding behaviour as communication and adaptation.
- The role of co-regulation, safety and attunement in healing.
- Strengthening caregiver-child relationships as a central therapeutic goal.
The course will provide practical tools and interventions for working with:
- emotional dysregulation.
- anxiety and shutdown.
- aggression and oppositional behaviour.
- perfectionism and shame.
- school refusal and social withdrawal.
- attachment insecurity.
- family conflict and disconnection.
Participants will learn how to:
- Recognize attachment needs beneath behaviours.
- Build emotional safety and trust with children.
- Support caregivers in responding with greater attunement and regulation.
- Use the therapeutic relationship as a corrective relational experience.
- Facilitate connection, emotional expression and relational repair within families.
- Work in developmentally sensitive and trauma-informed ways.
Through experiential exercises, case examples, role plays, reflective practice and clinical discussion, therapists will deepen both their conceptual understanding and practical application of attachment-focused interventions.
This course is ideal for:
- psychotherapists
- social workers
- psychologists
- child and youth workers
- school-based clinicians
- family therapists
- mental health professionals working with children and caregivers
Participants will leave with greater confidence, clarity and practical skills for helping children and families move from protection and disconnection toward safety, connection and secure relationships.
Notes
Time Zone: All listed class times are held in ET (Ontario, Canada)
For more information contact the Faculty of Social Work Professional Development office:
Email: fswprofessionaldevelopment@wlu.ca
Phone: 548-889-4967
Cancellations and Transfers
Be sure to carefully review our cancellation and transfer information before registering.
Website: wlu.ca/fswpd
Applies Towards the Following Certificates
- Family and Couples Counselling : Family and Couples Counselling