Attachment Conference-Hosted by Harvard Medical School

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Attachment theory, which highlights early infant-caretaker interactions, has had a profound impact on the understanding of mental health and illness. There is abundant evidence that individuals who lack secure attachment are at higher risk of developing a mental disorder, and many hypothesize that this lack of secure attachment may, in fact, be the primary cause of a variety of disorders, especially personality disorders. Psychotherapy can employ attachment theories in the process of healing. The field of attachment theory has evolved from principles of psychoanalysis, cognitive behavioral therapy, evolutionary biology, physiology, and neuroscience. Unfortunately, many clinicians fail to recognize attachment issues in practice and just assume the patient is "difficult" or "resistant." Recent advances in both the neuroscientific and psychological understanding of attachment are transforming the ways to utilize attachment theory to more effectively help people.

McLean Hospital and Harvard Medical School are delighted to offer this conference in order to bring you the latest information in the field and help you apply it to better help your patients/clients. Many of the foremost, leading authorities in the field have agreed to participate in this conference. Our world-renowned faculty will bring you the latest developments and insights, and share their knowledge and wisdom of applying this information in a practical way to help people improve their lives.

Two optional, half-day-long workshops will allow for indepth exploration of two evidence-based treatments, Mentalization Based Treatment and Good Psychiatric Management. These interactive workshops will be limited in size in order to allow for active participation.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

At the conclusion of this conference, participants will be able to:

• Evaluate attachment theory and apply appropriate treatment therapies
• Recognize healthy and unhealthy types of attachment.
• Analyze biological and neuroscience developments in the attachment field and their relevance to your practice.
• Discuss types of psychotherapy that utilize attachment principles.
• Apply attachment theory to psychotherapy work.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

Physicians, Psychologists, Nurse Practitioners, Social Workers, Other Mental Health Professionals, Nurses

To Register: Attachment Conference Event Registration