0687 - Therapeutic Presence and Attachment Dynamics in Clinical Practice
Course Description
Hours: 12
This experiential two-day professional development course is designed for therapists who want to deepen their clinical presence, relational effectiveness and understanding of how their own attachment histories and relational patterns shape the therapy process.
While attachment theory is often applied to understanding clients, clinicians themselves also bring attachment strategies, relational expectations, protective patterns and emotional vulnerabilities into the therapeutic relationship. These dynamics can profoundly influence attunement, rupture and repair, boundaries, emotional reactivity, countertransference and the capacity to stay regulated and connected in moments of intensity.
Grounded in attachment theory, interpersonal neurobiology, experiential therapies and relational psychotherapy approaches, this course explores the therapist not simply as an observer of healing — but as an active participant in a co-created relational process.
Participants will examine:
- How their own attachment patterns emerge in clinical work.
- The impact of nervous system regulation on therapeutic attunement.
- Relational enactments and unconscious protective strategies in therapy.
- How shame, over-functioning, rescuing, withdrawal, perfectionism or emotional distancing can appear clinically.
- The role of authenticity, presence and emotional safety in fostering change.
- The therapeutic relationship as a corrective emotional and attachment experience.
Through reflective exercises, experiential learning, case discussion, mindfulness practices and relational process work, therapists will strengthen their ability to:
- Remain grounded and emotionally present during challenging clinical moments.
- Recognize and work with countertransference in attachment-informed ways.
- Repair relational ruptures with clients.
- Cultivate deeper therapeutic safety and trust.
- Embody a more secure, authentic therapeutic presence.
This course invites therapists into deeper self-awareness and relational integrity, recognizing that the therapist’s nervous system, emotional availability and capacity for connection are central tools in the healing process.
Ideal for:
- psychotherapists
- social workers
- psychologists
- counsellors
- interns/qualifying therapists
- relational and trauma-focused practitioners
This training is especially relevant for clinicians working with trauma, attachment wounds, emotional dysregulation, adolescents, couples and complex relational dynamics.
Course Outline
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