Clinical Topics & Methods Category

Beyond Attachment: A Collaborative Model of Relationship for Complex Developmental Trauma

1.5 CE Hour
5 members have taken this course
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About the Course

One of the more challenging problems of working with complex developmental trauma is how to effectively manage the therapeutic relationship. We are directed to help the client develop secure attachment; yet close relationship activates the insoluable dilemma of the client's history: needing to attach while feeling threatened. Intense dependency, avoidance, and aggression may subsequently become difficult to manage. We will take a fresh look at how to conceptualize several intrinsic motivational systems that impact the therapeutic relationship, and the problems that ensue when activation of one system impedes others in both client and therapist. Participants will be invited to a thought-provoking examination of not only the advantages, but the disadvantages and challenges of using the standard "parent-child" model of attachment for adults in psychotherapy whose caretakers were the source of threat. The over-activation of attachment-seeking in the client naturally inhibits curiosity and also elicits the therapist's caretaking system, potentially leading to a derailment of therapy into a rescue endeavor. We will explore the roles of the motivational systems of exploration, attachment, caretaking, collaboration, competition, and defense in the therapeutic relationship. Participants will learn practical strategies for managing the therapeutic relationship from this perspective.

This course is based on the recorded webinar, Beyond Attachment: A Collaborative Model of Relationship for Complex Developmental Trauma created by Kathy Steele, MN, CS in 2019.

Publication Details

Publication Date: 2019

Course Material Author

Kathy Steele, MN, CS

Kathy Steele, MN, CS has been in private practice in Atlanta, Georgia for over three decades, specializing in the treatment of complex trauma, dissociation, attachment difficulties, and the challenges of complicated therapies. She is an adjunct faculty at Emory University, and a Fellow and past President of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation. Ms. Steele teaches internationally and consults with individuals, groups, and trauma programs. She has received a number of awards for her work. She has published numerous journal articles and book chapters, and has co-authored three books on dissociative disorders.

Kathy Steele, MN, CS authored the material only, and was not involved in creating this CE course. They are identified here for your own evaluation of the relevancy of the material this course is based on.

Course Creator

Sandi Cardaman

Sandi Cardaman has been a Licensed Mental Health Counselor for more than 15 years. She has worked with eating disorders, domestic violence and clients who are working with the dependency system.

Target Audience

Counselors, marriage and family therapists, psychologists and social workers. This course is appropriate for all levels of knowledge. This content is at an intermediate level.

Learning Objectives

After taking this activity, you should be able to:

  1. 1 Discuss the pros and cons of the standard parent-child model of attachment in the psychotherapy of adults with complex developmental trauma disorders.
  2. 2 Identify intrinsic motivational systems in both therapist and client that impact the therapeutic relationship.
  3. 3 Employ at least three interventions to minimize activation of the client's attachment system, and promote a more collaborative relationship that focuses on mutually shared goals and interest/curiosity.

Disclosure to Learners

CE Learning Systems adheres to the ACCME's Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Medical Education. Any individuals in a position to control the content of a CE activity – including faculty, planners, reviewers, or others ― are required to disclose all relevant financial relationships with ineligible entities (formerly known as commercial interests).

The following relevant financial relationships have been disclosed by this activity's planners, faculty, and the reviewer:

Planners and Reviewers

The planners of this activity have reported that they have no relevant financial relationships.

Material Authors

There are no known relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Course Creator

Sandi Cardaman – None to report.

Commercial support

There is no commercial support for this distance-learning course.

Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling (FL CSW, MFT, MHC)

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Eligible until Jul 29th, 2026
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New York Education Department Board of Marriage and Family Therapy

1.5 CE credit hour
Eligible until May 30th, 2027
CE Learning Systems, LLC (d/b/a impactce.com) is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed marriage and family therapists #MFT-0045.
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