Attachment Matters
Understand behaviour through the lens of attachment and neurobiology
Human beings are wired for connection and belonging
Whether you work in healthcare, education, or any profession that supports others, understanding the theory and neurobiology of attachment is essential.
In this innovative and practical course, you’ll explore how attachment adaptations shape our sense of self, relationships, and interactions throughout life. More importantly, you’ll gain strategies to foster co-regulation, helping you build attuned, meaningful connections with those you support.
Join us to deepen your understanding of neurobiology, attachment, and human connection – and elevate the way you engage with others.
Foundational
Gain a deep understanding of attachment theory and neurobiology, and how they shape behaviour, emotional regulation, and relationships.
Practical
Learn practical, evidence-informed strategies to identify and respond to varying attachment adaptations.
Integrative
Link attachment theory with trauma-informed practice, therapeutic use of self, and modalities like EMDR, CBT, SI and IFS.
Captivating
Be guided by internationally respected teacher Kim Barthel, whose warmth, clarity, and storytelling bring complex theory to life.
“Attachment is both a biological and relational process - it shapes how we experience safety, trust, and connection.”
- Kim Barthel -
Two day in person workshop
Friday 14th November
Saturday 15th November
9am to 4:30pm
Morning Tea provided
Afternoon Tea provided
Venue: University of Melbourne in Carlton (on the edge of Melbourne CBD)
Workshop Price
Early bird price saving until 30th June
Student discounts available
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
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Describe the neurobiological foundations and role of attachment in emotional and relational development across different environments and contexts
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Discuss the different theoretical models of attachment and how they can assist with understanding oneself and others
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Explain attachment through a spectrum of attachment adaptations with flexibility, and their impact on self-awareness for both the clients and the therapists as they relate to self-regulation
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Develop individual therapeutic strategies for responding effectively to the various shades of attachment adaptations, enhancing effective therapeutic use of self and co-regulation
Who is this workshop for?
This course is designed for any professional working in relational fields, including:
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Allied Heath & Mental Health Professionals – OTs, psychologists, speech pathologists, social workers, counselors
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Medical Professionals – Doctors, nurses, and professionals working in trauma-informed care
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Professionals working with children and families
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Coaches and professionals in relational fields
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Educators
Friday 14th November 2025
Workshop Outline - Day 1
Module 1: The Neurobiology of Attachment & Attachment Disruptions
Foundations of Attachment Theory (Drs. John Bowlby & Mary Ainsworth)
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The evolutionary purpose of attachment in survival and species development
Neurobiology of Attachment
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Limbic system, Amygdala, Hippocampus, Prefrontal Cortex
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The role of the Vagus in co-regulation
Autonomic States & Attachment
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Fight, Flight, Freeze, and Fawn
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Cortisol, Oxytocin, and the impact of early stress
Impact of Early Attachment Disruptions
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Developmental Trauma and Attachment Insecurity
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Epigenetic and intergenerational influences
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Neurodiversity and how individual differences impact attachments
Module 2: Classic & Emerging Attachment Models
Explore the different models of attachment and how they can assist with understanding oneself and others.
Overview of Classic Attachment Theory
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Secure, Insecure Avoidant, Insecure Connection-Seeking, Disorganized
Examining and Expanding on Original Attachment Models
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Limitation of focus on pathology rather than understanding attachment as adaptations dependent on the immediate circumstances
Introduction to the Dynamic Maturational Model (DMM) (Dr. Pat Crittenden)
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A focus on adaptive behaviours rather than firm and set patterns
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Developing problem solving skills in assessing the roots of an individual's behaviour (sensation, cognition, emotion) and attachment strategies, allows us more clarity when developing interventions
Saturday 15th November 2025
Workshop Outline - Day 2
Module 3: Adaptive Shades of Attachment
Observing the various shades of attachment
Avoidant tendencies
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Low-risk avoidant adaptations
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High-risk avoidant adaptations (compulsive caregiving, people pleasing, compliance)
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Physiological states and embodied presentation associated with avoidance
Preoccupied tendencies/Connection-Seeking
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Low-risk connection-seeking adaptations
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High-risk connection-seeking strategies (aggressive/controlling behaviours)
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Physiological states and embodied presentation associated with connection-seeking
Disorganized Adaptations & Developmental Trauma
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Physiological states and embodied presentation of disorganized attachment (developmental trauma) adaptations
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The connection between attachment and interoception (internal body awareness)
How Attachment Adaptations Unfold Over Time
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Developmental pathways of attachment adaptations
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Individual differences: addressing neurodiversity
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Adult attachment & relational dynamics
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How attachment behaviours vary across different cultures (e.g., independence-focused vs. collectivist caregiving styles)
Module 4: Therapeutically Responding to the Varying Shades of Attachment
Therapeutic Principles for Attachment-Based Work
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The role of co-regulation in relationships
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Self-awareness related to own prominent attachment adaptations
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Therapeutic Use of Self
Interventions for Different Attachment Strategies
Avoidant Adaptations
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Foster emotional awareness and connection without overwhelming
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Supporting trust and interdependence
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Sideways approach
Connection-Seeking Adaptations
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Connect before they seek connection
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Encourage cognitive reflection and balanced emotional expression
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Clarity with kindness
Disorganized Adaptations & Trauma-Sensitive Approaches
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The importance of somatic approaches to support regulation
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Potential to integrate attachment theory with Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP), Psycho-Sensory Intervention (PSI), Sensory Integration Therapy SI), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Personal & Professional Integration
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How attachment theory informs our therapeutic presence
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Importance of self-reflection: participants’ own attachment adaptations
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Applying attachment knowledge to real-world scenarios