Attachment in Practice: What it is, what it isn’t, and why it still matters
Attachment in Practice: What it is, what it isn’t, and why it still matters
Attachment theory in practice
Attachment theory is considered one of the ‘cornerstones’ for understanding the development of family and social relationships. However, ideas surrounding attachment have evolved over the past few years.
Join a workshop that will provide practitioners with current evidence on attachment theory in social care practice. It will explore key principles for practice, supporting practical application and considerations.
The workshop will utilise and build on the resources that have been recently developed, as well as other relevant resources.
Participants will explore:
- The key concepts of attachment theory.
- The ABC+D and Dynamic Maturational Model (DMM) models and use.
- Considerations for its use in professional contexts.
- The practical application of attachment theory for practitioners.
- Using a mentalising approach.
- Using the family network to support relationships.
This interactive session will provide space for discussion, using a mix of case studies, tools and other media.
Learning outcomes
As a result of taking part in this event, participants will:
- Know the major principles of attachment theory and its development in recent years including the models of ABC+D and DMM.
- Understand the key components of secure base, safe haven, sensitivity, and alarming behaviour, and how these can guide practice with children and families.
- Be aware of attachment theory's misconceptions and occasional misapplications in social care practice.
- Understand how to use attachment theory in practice.
Audience Types
Principal Social Worker (PSW)
Residential / care home workers
Senior practitioners
Social workers
Team leaders
Workforce development teams
Practitioners
Professional Standards
PQS:KSS - Child development | Child and family assessment | Purposeful and effective social work | Confident analysis and decision-making | Creating a context for excellent practice
PCF - Knowledge | Intervention and skills
Attachment theory for children’s practitioners
Three videos explaining the fundamental principles of attachment theory for children and family practitioners.
Using attachment theory in children’s social care: Frontline Briefing (2025)
Attachment theory is an important theory in supporting children and families, but has been misapplied at times. These resources provide an overview of the theory and how practitioners can use this to guide their work with families.
Using a mentalising approach in social care: Frontline Briefing (2025)
Mentalising helps practitioners understand their own and others’ thoughts, feelings, and intentions. It plays a vital role in building relationships and supporting effective social care practice. This briefing explores how mentalising develops, why it matters, and ways to strengthen it in ourselves and those we work with.
If the above event (or occurrence of an event) is displaying as 'Event Full' and you would like to be added to a waiting list, please email events@researchinpractice.org.uk detailing the required event title, event time and date.
We will contact you should places become available.