Attachment Theory in Clinical Work with Children: Bridging the Gap between Research and Practice [Hardcover]

David Oppenheim PhD (Editor), Douglas F. Goldsmith PhD (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 8, 2007 | ISBN-10: 159385448X | ISBN-13: 978-1593854485 | Edition: 1

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.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This invaluable presentation of cutting-edge clinical applications, seamlessly integrated with the most recent research data, is a remarkable achievement. It is a highly convincing testament to the profound relevance of attachment theory for therapeutic work and prevention."--Peter Fonagy, PhD, Sub-Department of Clinical Health Psychology, University College London, UK

 

"This groundbreaking volume brings the ideal of a scientifically informed dynamic psychotherapy practice a step nearer. Cutting-edge clinician-researchers, backed by a sophisticated array of evidence on the assessment and therapy of children and their parents, show how the universal psychotherapeutic values of mentalization, boundedness, and building on strengths can enhance security and happiness. This moving work is essential reading for child psychotherapists and trainees, and I strongly recommend it for all therapists who are open to the continuing impact of attachment theory on our discipline."--Jeremy Holmes MD, FRCPsych, School of Psychology, University of Exeter, UK

 

"Attachment Theory in Clinical Work with Children jumps right into the real world of clinical practice. The balance between practice and theory is rarely so well equilibrated. Each chapter reveals clinical reality in a different context, with a different population, and with a fresh theme. This book will be essential reading for therapists from all schools, for students, and for all interested in development."--Daniel N. Stern, MD, Department of Psychiatry, Weill Medical College of Cornell University

About the Author

David Oppenheim, PhD, is Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Haifa, Israel, and Associate Editor of Infant Mental Health Journal. He has been involved in attachment research for more than 20 years, focusing on the importance of secure, emotionally open parent-child relations for children's development and mental health. Dr. Oppenheim has also studied how secure attachments are fostered by parental insightfulness into the child's inner world, and has applied attachment concepts and methods in research on clinical populations. He is actively involved in lecturing and writing on the clinical applications of attachment.
 
Douglas F. Goldsmith, PhD, is a practicing psychologist and Executive Director of The Children’s Center, in Salt Lake City, Utah, which specializes in the treatment of families with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. His work focuses on the assessment and treatment of attachment problems, and he has published several articles regarding the application of attachment theory to clinical practice. Dr. Goldsmith holds adjunct faculty appointments in the Departments of Educational Psychology, Psychology, and Psychiatry at the University of Utah.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: The Guilford Press; 1 edition (March 8, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 159385448X
• ISBN-13: 978-1593854485
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #775,196 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book tackling attachment issues, May 14, 2008

By 

bethie (mi) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Attachment Theory in Clinical Work with Children: Bridging the Gap between Research and Practice (Hardcover)

As a social worker, this is one of the best Attachment Theory books. I would recommend pairing it with a Child Developmental text, such as Doug Davies work. In conjunction, excellent material with concrete practicalities.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Very Good Clinical Resource, February 1, 2009

By 

Christopher J. Alexander, Ph.D. "Christopher ... (Rio Rancho, NM USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Attachment Theory in Clinical Work with Children: Bridging the Gap between Research and Practice (Hardcover)

As a child psychologist who works primarily with foster and adopted children and their families, this is a book I turn to as a reference quite often. Clearly, foster and adopted kids are not the only one's who struggle with attachment-related concerns, but much of our understanding about the process stems from research with this population. This book includes the writing from top names in the field and it lays out the theoretical basis for attachment in a clear manner. Parents will probably find the information too dry and clinical, but practitioners should have a copy, especially if they are working with at-risk populations of children and families.

Christopher J. Alexander, Ph.D. (Author, 'Diagnosis, Assessment, and Treatment of Foster and Adopted Children; A Guide for Parents and Practitioners,' 2009).

4.0 out of 5 stars Attachment Theory in Clinical Work with Children, December 16, 2011

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Julie Ferguson - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Attachment Theory in Clinical Work with Children: Bridging the Gap between Research and Practice (Paperback)

This was a inspiring book. Oppenheim and Goldsmith have pulled together some of the best known researchers and therapists in this field to write an up to date book on attachment in clinical practice. It is certainly worth a read for any clinician working with children or families in the transition to parenting such as the perinatal period. Arrietta Slade has provided a thought provoking clinical case to highlight her work with Disorganised mothers.