Understanding and Working with Attachment in Children and Adolescents

Workshop Type: Introductory | Workshop Level: Five | Catering: Refreshments provided

Attachment plays a fundamental role in children's emotional development and wellbeing. In this workshop we’ll explore traditional attachment theory alongside current approaches in relation to trauma in children and young people. We'll examine how attachment develops and its connections to emotions, play, and wellbeing, and review the need for reflective practice. You'll gain practical strategies for working with children, young people, and their parents from within an attachment framework - balancing theoretical understanding with hands-on application. 

• Gain an understanding of attachment theory and how attachment is intended to develop.

• Explore the relationships between attachment, emotions, play, development, maturation, and wellbeing.

• Gain a basic understanding of attachment in relation to trauma.

• Explore practical ways of working with children and young people from an attachment framework.

• Build your knowledge of working within a child's attachments and effectively with parents.

Trusted adults working with children and youth in a variety of settings, including everyone who works with or supports children, young people, and their whānau, such as counsellors, therapists, social workers, educators, health practitioners, parents, and caregivers.

Facilitator Sandy Hitchens B.Couns MNZCCA

Sandy is a counsellor who has worked extensively with children, young people, and their parents. She currently works in primary schools and in private practice. Sandy offers workshops, seminars, and training to professionals and parents.View full profile here.

“The facilitator was lovely. Engaging the participants in the workshop was helpful, understanding others’ points of view as well as not just feeling talked at” - Private Practice Counsellor

“Sandy was engaging and explained things really well. It's a complex topic and she used plain English and good examples to help us understand” - Counsellor

1. Working alongside tāngata whaiora  >

3. Working alongside whānau  >

4. Working within communities  >

7. Maintaining learning and kamahi wellbeing  >

By registering online, you agree to our Terms and Conditions.

• MHERC may reschedule or cancel a workshop due to unforeseen circumstances or insufficient registrations. If this occurs, you may transfer to another date/workshop, receive a credit, or request a refund.
• Substitutions are free if you arrange a replacement participant.
• Cancellations more than 10 working days before a workshop will incur a $39 service fee; alternatively, we can transfer you to another date/workshop at no charge.
• Cancellations within 10 working days (or non-attendance) are non-refundable and charged in full. Transfers may be approved for extenuating circumstances and incur a $39 fee.