Applying Attachment Theory to Clinical Practice

Pre-recorded Online Training with Dr. Ruth McConnell

Thank you for your interest in this topic.

We are now offering this training online via our Grow Learning on Demand platform, accessible to you 24/7.

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The Power of Connection: Applying Attachment Theory to Clinical Practice

Now more than ever, we are seeing that human connection is vital for our thriving not just as individuals but also as a species.

Recently developments in the field of neuroscience and developmental psychology have confirmed that we are all creatures of attachment. Attachment theory helps us understand that human flourishing happens best when secure attachment is present. However, many of our clients are not thriving and may even seem developmentally stuck, due to unresolved attachment injuries or entrenched relational patterns that keep them from connecting deeply and growing in resilience. Instead of asking what is wrong with our clients, we can ask, what happened to them and equally importantly, who was there for them? This re-framing comes from a trauma-informed, strengths-based perspective.

In this, the first of a series of on-demand online courses, Dr Ruth McConnell outlines how healthy attachment develops and what are the optimal conditions for human thriving. This trainingis for counsellors, psychotherapists, psychologists, anyone working in mental health who wants to understand the relational foundations of mental health and wellbeing and the healing power of working with attachments.

What others have said about Ruth’s presentations

“First, a big thank you for the excellent workshop you presented yesterday. I have been a psychologist for almost 30 years (12 years in New Zealand, the rest in USA) and have a very high standard for the word “excellent”. You are most definitely in that category! You are a pleasure to listen to…. your manner of delivering information is one which makes it a pleasure to receive and digest the material! It all made perfect sense to me and increased my understanding of a process that had not yet been understandable to me!!!“ – Psychologist, NZ

"Your presentation was top marks for presentation and delivery. Just loved all the work put into those slides. And I have heard only favourable comments. And so often people refer to your warmth and lovely personality. Can't better that! Thank you again!!!" – Counsellor.

"Your presentation on “Developing resilience in the heart of a leader” was one of the most outstanding presentations I have seen – anywhere! For me it was new material and has given me a new resource to refer to and to contemplate. Thanks for the insights from that workshop". CEO, Australasia company.

“Your presentations on attachment are easily absorbed and so missing (I have found anyway) where the people who are making the decisions are concerned. Ah...if only we had a sincerity, and passion, such as yours in those organisations.” Social Worker, Auckland.

“I really appreciate your warm open-hearted style, your research and digestible way of offering complex information.” Psychotherapist, Auckland.

“Thank you for sharing your wonderful knowledge, humour and inspiration with me during your awesome workshop”. Psychotherapist, Wellington.

“I was privileged in attending your seminar. I found the whole presentation flowed and you were wonderful in listening and answering everyone’s questions.” Counsellor, Tauranga.

"Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom and knowledge with us at the Professional Development day. The feedback from participants has been SO positive. Everyone thinks you were informative, easy to listen to and they all want you to come back." Organiser of Event in Christchurch for Counsellors.

About the Presenter:

Dr. Ruth McConnell

Ruth McConnell is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (Canada) and a member of the New Zealand Counselling Association and the NZ Psychological Society with over 30 years’ experience. She trained and worked in Scotland and Canada, and has been in New Zealand for the past 14 years. She has an MA (Honours) in Social Anthropology and Psychology (Aberdeen University) and a PhD (Counselling Psychology - Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, Scotland).

Ruth specialises in attachment issues both in adults and children. She works with a foster care agency supporting carers looking after children with complex developmental trauma. Ruth also has a private practice where she offers specialist supervision on attachment and trauma with adults, and parent consulting on children’s emotional and behavioural issues. Ruth has specialist training as a neuropsychotherapy practitioner and a trauma specialist working with partners of sex addicts.

Ruth's presentations include Māori and Pasifika cultural contexts. She understands and communicates the Te Tiriti o Waitangi values in her teaching approach and includes acknowledgement of indigenous peoples.

See below for Ruth's other workshops with Grow.