Attachment Theory in Clinical Work with Children: Bridging the Gap Between Research and Practice

Attachment research has tremendous potential for helping clinicians understand what happens when parent-child bonds are disrupted, and what can be done to help. Yet there remains a large gap between theory and practice in this area. This book reviews what is known about attachment and translates it into practical guidelines for therapeutic work. Leading scientist-practitioners present innovative strategies for assessing and intervening in parent-child relationship problems; helping young children recover from maltreatment or trauma; and promoting healthy development in adoptive and foster families. Detailed case material in every chapter illustrates the applications of research-based concepts and tools in real-world clinical practice. This book will be important reading for practitioners working with infants and young children and their caregivers, including clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and counselors; developmental psychologists; students in these areas. It may also serve as a supplemental text in graduate-level courses in attachment and child therapy.