When we recently launched our training services to all professionals working with children and families we commissioned three attachment theory training courses provided by Terence Simmons.

Terence has been with WillisPalmer for nearly a decade providing independent assessments as well as being one of our quality assurance consultants.Terence has over 35 years experience in social work including work as a Children's Guardian and has a strong interest in Attachment Theory, in particular, the Adult Attachment Interview.

The courses are separated into three modules which focus on particular aspects of attachment including Attachment Theory, Observation & Alternative Care. Each module is independent of one another, allowing attendees to choose which aspects interest them.

Our first module was held on the 5th October at Stratford Circus Arts Centre and was very well received by those attending. Owing to the success of this course we will be repeating this module in 2017, if you are interested in attending you can join the wait list from the Attachment Theory page. This course looked at the concept of attachment devised by John Bowlby as well as ideas and theories that predated Bowlby's work and more modern interpretations.

Our the second module will be Attachment & Observation being held on the 10th November at Stratford Circus Arts Centre. This course will explore attachment in the context of observation –  so that professionals observing parents or other carers with children can develop their thinking and be able to recognise what individual interactions represent within a validated framework of understanding. The day will also offer the opportunity to develop additional skills to help the practitioner organise their thinking around observed parenting behaviours that contribute to secure attachment and child-compliance and those that contribute to the development of non-compliance and insecure attachment.

On the 7th December we will be holding the final module Attachment & Alternative Care which focuses upon alternative care – especially relevant when undertaking assessments with special guardians or foster parents. This course will be different from the two previous modules in that more emphasis than hitherto will be placed on asking participants to think about their own attachment experiences and the way this shapes their interviewing and assessment style.

If you have any queries in regards to our courses or would like to commission an in-house training course for your practitioners please contact us by email