Introduction to Attachment Disorder

This course provides a comprehensive overview of Attachment and Attachment Disorders.  We look at what psychological theory tells us about what attachment is and how it develops.  We love on to explore what happens when things go wrong and attachment does not develop.  Specifically we look at Reactive Attachment Disorder, what the symptoms are, the signs, behavioural and psychological consequences for the child or young person and how Attachment Disorder (if left untreated) can develop into problems for the child later on in life when they become an adult.  We explore psychological theory from researchers such as John Bowlby and Sigmund Freud.  The course tutor (Kevin O’Doherty) practices as a Cognitive Behaviour Therapist, alongside his Forensic work, so the course has a CBT flavour but not exclusively so.

We look at some of the psychological and psychotherapeutic interventions for children and young people with Attachment Disorder, the theoretical and practical applications of these treatments.  We explore how attachment disorder can lead to the development of problems later on in life when the child grows up into an adult.

The course does discuss themes around abuse and neglect of children and young people in order to explain how these issues can play a part in the development of Attachment Disorder, but no graphic description of neglect or abuse is included.

Finally we look at a number of core guidance principles for staff who work with children and young people who may have an attachment disorder, specifically we look at what they can do to help clients with Reactive Attachment Disorder.

The course tutor, Kevin O’Doherty is a Forensic Mental Health Expert Witness and Psychologist.  He is always happy to be contacted by students and colleagues with any questions or queries they may have.