1. Attachment: Its foundation and impact through the lifespan Alison D. Peak LCSW

2. What is Attachment?? Attachment is the relationship that develops between an infant and a primary caregiver between the age of birth and 3 Attachment, once developed, becomes the infant’s primary understanding of the world and all adults

3. Types of Attachment Secure-base Insecure ◦Avoidant ◦Ambivalent  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DH1m_ZMO7GU Disorganized ◦Approximately 85% of children from high risk/high poverty backgrounds have a disorganized attachment ◦Early histories of neglect/abuse/disruption of attachment

4. Disorganized Attachment These children view themselves and intrinsically worthless Their inner-working model causes them to want to “show you” just how awful they “know” they are Due to fear and history of loss these children will often push away those that they want to be closest to

5. Other considerations Attachment as a survival skill How does fight/flight/freeze impact attachment Attachment style vs. temperament

6. Attachment through the lifespan Avoidant ◦Characterized as difficult to build relationships with ◦Refrain from showing emotion ◦Often avoid situations that are known to cause emotion ◦Minimize Ambivalent ◦Need for increased comfort ◦“Dramatic” ◦Often seek affirmation from multiple people

7. Attachment through the lifespan Disorganized attachment is most individualized by an inability to “organize” one’s self to express a need. ◦May be erratic ◦Difficulties following through ◦Unable to articulate or maintain a goal for therapy ◦Difficulties with perspective taking/areas of responsibility housed in the frontal cortex ◦Personality disorder

8. Genetics vs. Attachment Genetic predisposition vs. attachment style in relation to mental health diagnoses. The impact of a parent with a diagnosis on the development of their child. Epigenetic link between attachment and genetics.

9. Neurological Impact The neglect/abuse/disruption of attachment in early life fosters a feeling that adults are unsafe and untrustworthy Children become in need to control their surroundings and interactions to ensure survival The brain becomes re-wired to anticipate negative reactions and disappointment

10. Attachment and brain functioning

12. Interventions Attachment difficulties have great room to be improved-throughout the lifespan!!!! Angels in the nursery Child-Parent Psychotherapy ◦Preventative work when we know there is risk Utilizing an attachment perspective with clients of all ages Relational theory

13. Interventions Becoming the external frontal cortex Providing words to the experience Social emotional vs. Chronological age Modulating our own reactions and internal states Self-care