“Attachment in the 21st Century” 2023 Workshop | Dr. Gwen Adshead
Speaker — Dr. Gwen Adshead
Dr. Gwen Adshead, a distinguished forensic psychiatrist and psychotherapist, is renowned for her pioneering work in forensic psychiatry. She has held pivotal roles in leading institutions such as Broadmoor Hospital and explores topics including family attachment, trauma, and personality disorders within criminal behavior.
Family Attachment Workshop Audience
The workshop welcomed 40 participants from diverse backgrounds, including counsellors, psychologists, psychiatrists, psychotherapists, educators, therapists, psychology trainees, and university students.
Family Attachment Theory in Modern Mental Health
During the three-hour workshop, Dr. Gwen Adshead examined how family attachment theory remains a valuable paradigm in mental health. She highlighted attachment as a foundation for mentalizing and maternal sensitivity, showing its role in understanding and regulating emotions. Dr. Adshead also explained how family attachment influences relationship dynamics, distress management, and interpersonal distance.
Practical Dimensions of Attachment
Practical aspects included methods to measure attachment, its links with embodiment, and its relevance to disorders of reality testing. The session offered a broad perspective on the long-term impact of early family attachment experiences on mental health.
The Crucial Balance for Therapists
A key insight for therapists was recognizing the crucial balance needed when working with clients. Adults with insecure attachment may struggle to provide a secure environment for their children. Therapists, therefore, have a duty to address possible neglect while maintaining professional boundaries.
Discussions with Dr. Gwen Adshead
The final 45 minutes focused on an open discussion between Dr. Gwen Adshead and the participants. Questions covered topics such as health anxiety in adulthood linked to anxious attachment, factors supporting secure family attachment in adulthood, and the impact of parental alienation.
Service Breakdown
This Workshop with Dr. Gwen Adshead offered participants an in-depth understanding of attachment theory and its practical application in modern mental health care. Attendees gained evidence-based insights into how early attachment patterns shape emotional wellbeing, relationship dynamics, and therapeutic approaches. The workshop balanced theoretical knowledge with real-life examples, interactive discussions, and practical guidance relevant to clinical practice.
Top 5 Benefits
- Deeper understanding of family attachment theory in clinical practice.
- Practical tools for assessing and addressing attachment issues with clients.
- Strategies to support secure attachment development in families and adults.
- Opportunity to engage directly with a leading expert in forensic psychiatry.
- Enhanced confidence in managing complex relationship and attachment cases.
Attachment Workshop Summary
The Family Attachment Workshop provided a unique opportunity for mental health professionals to explore the critical role of attachment in psychological wellbeing. Dr. Gwen Adshead’s expertise and interactive approach allowed participants to deepen their knowledge and apply it directly to therapeutic work with diverse client needs.
Family Attachment Workshop Conclusion
In conclusion, the Attachment Workshop delivered rich insights and practical skills essential for professionals working with attachment-related challenges. Participants left with a clearer understanding of how to foster healthy attachment patterns, navigate complex family dynamics, and support clients in building secure relationships for better mental health outcomes.
