Intergenerational Trauma and Parenting: Clinical Insight into Attachment, Risk, and Repair

Understanding attachment and healing across generations.

Dr Gwen Adshead brought decades of experience in forensic psychiatry and psychotherapy to this two-day professional workshop, with a particular focus on the emotional world of early caregiving. Drawing on her clinical work with individuals who have experienced early trauma and disruptions in attachment, she invited professionals to reflect on how the transition to parenthood can reshape the mind and emotional development of both parent and child.

The workshop explored the psychological impact of becoming a parent and examined how trauma, attachment patterns, and early relational experiences can influence the caregiver–infant bond. Dr Adshead also explored how these dynamics may contribute to emotional vulnerability or risk within family relationships, while highlighting the ways professionals can support families through repair, safety, and connection.

Participants Gained

  • A deeper understanding of early attachment and caregiver–infant dynamics
  • Insight into how the parent mind develops during the transition into parenthood
  • A trauma-informed understanding of vulnerability and risk within family relationships
  • Tools for reflective practice in emotionally complex caregiving situations
  • Opportunities for shared learning, professional reflection, and growth

The workshop was ideal for professionals working in:

  • Psychology and counselling, including individual, couples, and family therapy
  • Psychiatry, mental health nursing, and psychotherapy
  • Social work, perinatal and infant mental health services
  • General practice, paediatrics, obstetrics, and gynaecology
  • Midwifery, health visiting, and early years services
  • Students and trainees in psychology, social work, counselling, psychiatry, or other mental health related fields

A CPD Certificate of Attendance was issued to participants who attended the training.

📍 Location
Kunvent San Guzepp, VCCV 77V, Żebbuġ
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🅿️ Parking
Parking may be available along the road in the valley area near Ta’ Għaqba.
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🚌 Shuttle Service
A shuttle bus will run from the valley area to the venue at 8:30, 8:40 and 8:50 AM.
Return transport will also be available after the event, or attendees may take a short 4 minute walk back to the same area.

Day One
Friday 22nd May 2026
08:30 to 16:00

Day Two
Saturday 23rd May 2026
08:30 to 14:00

A portrait of Gwen Ashead, a professional in mental health and psychology, looking confident and approachable.
Dr Gwen Adshead

Forensic Psychiatrist · Psychotherapist · Author

Dr Gwen Adshead is a forensic psychiatrist and psychotherapist who has spent over thirty years working in secure hospitals and prisons, offering therapy to people often feared, dismissed, or marginalised. Her clinical work is rooted in compassion, curiosity, and an unwavering belief that every person’s story matters.

She trained in forensic psychiatry at St George’s Hospital and in trauma psychiatry at the Maudsley. She is also a qualified group analyst and has trained in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and mentalisation-based therapy. Her therapeutic approach focuses on early attachment, trauma, and how emotional development is shaped by the presence or absence of care.

Much of her work explores the effects of early trauma, attachment insecurity, and the parent–child bond in the development of empathy, relational resilience, and risk. She has published extensively on the psychology of violence, moral reasoning, and ethics in forensic psychotherapy.

In 2021, she co-authored The Devil You Know, a critically acclaimed book that challenges the way we view those who cause harm. In 2024, she delivered the BBC Reith Lectures, exploring the complexity of violence and its human context. Her work continues to contribute to wider conversations around trauma, attachment, violence, and human behaviour.

In May 2026, Dr Adshead led a two-day professional CPD workshop in Malta exploring the transition to parenthood, attachment, trauma, and the emotional world of parents and caregivers.

Selected Publications and Work

  • Adshead G. (2013). Clinical Topics in Personality Disorder. Co-edited with Dr Jay Sarkar.
  • Adshead G., Jacob C. (2010). Personality Disorder: The Definitive Collection.
  • Adshead G., Brown C. (2003). Ethical Issues in Forensic Mental Health Research.
  • Adshead G., Pfafflin F. (2004). A Matter of Security: Attachment Theory in Forensic Psychiatry and Psychotherapy.
  • Over 100 articles published in peer-reviewed journals and chapters in edited books.
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Willingness is a Maltese therapeutic team that brings together over 65 dedicated professionals. Since 2011, we have worked across the fields of family, sex, and health to support the emotional and psychological wellbeing of individuals, couples, and families. Our approach is rooted in compassion and backed by science, and we are proud to have received the Leaders in Mental Health Award at the Malta Business Awards.
Our team includes psychologists, psychotherapists, sex therapists, social workers, family therapists, physiotherapists, and medical professionals. We also support the growth of future practitioners through our training and internship programmes.
At Willingness, we aim to reduce stigma and make mental health care more accessible. Whether you are navigating challenges related to trauma, relationships, parenting, sexual health, or emotional wellbeing, our therapy clinics are here to help. Our services are delivered in a safe, welcoming space by people who genuinely care.
We offer support through our clinics: Family Clinic, Sex Clinic, Health Clinic, and Trauma Clinic.