How can attachment theory improve your social work practice with families?

3 Addressing attachment trauma

A third way to apply attachment theory in your practice is to address any attachment trauma that your clients and their family members may have experienced or witnessed. Attachment trauma is any event that disrupts or threatens the attachment bond, such as separation, loss, abuse, neglect, or violence. Attachment trauma can have lasting effects on mental health, behavior, and relationships, such as depression, anxiety, aggression, substance abuse, or attachment disorders. To help your clients and their family members heal from attachment trauma, you can use trauma-informed approaches that acknowledge the impact of trauma, create a safe and supportive environment, and facilitate recovery and empowerment. You can also use specific interventions such as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), or narrative therapy to process and reframe traumatic memories and beliefs.

4 Enhancing your own attachment awareness

A fourth way to benefit from attachment theory in your practice is to enhance your own attachment awareness as a social worker. Your own attachment style can influence how you relate to your clients and their family members, as well as how you cope with stress and burnout. By becoming more aware of your own attachment style, you can identify your strengths and areas of improvement, and work on developing a secure attachment with yourself and others. You can also use self-care strategies such as mindfulness, supervision, or peer support to manage your emotions, boundaries, and well-being.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?