325 – Applying Attachment Theory

Counselling Tutor

325 - Applying Attachment Theory Neurodivergence and Eating Disorders - Managing Overwhelm In Episode 325 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, your hosts Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly take us through this week's three topics: Firstly, in 'Ethical, Sustainable Practice,' we look at applying Attachment Theory in therapy and how understanding attachment styles helps build a strong therapeutic relationship. Then in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Bernie Wright and Lisa Smith about the connection between eating disorders, disordered eating, and neurodivergence. Lastly, in 'Student Services, Rory and Ken discuss how counselling students can manage overwhelm and stay motivated through their training journey. Applying Attachment Theory [starts at 03:06 mins] This segment of the Counselling Tutor Podcast is sponsored byWebHealer.net WebHealer are the go-to provider of websites for private practitioners in the UK. Established over 20 years, WebHealer offers a non-technical and fully supported service to help therapists grow their private practice. Just one customer from your website each year pays for their service. Go to WebHealer.net and use coupon CT100 for £100 off their "Do it for me" service. Visit WebHealer.net Rory and Ken discuss the key components of applying Attachment Theory and how understanding different attachment styles can enhance our work with clients. Attachment theory forms the foundation of human bonding, and understanding it allows therapists to work more effectively with clients, especially those who struggle with relationships. This discussion highlights the following key points: Secure Attachment: Individuals with secure attachment are typically comfortable with themselves and others, handling differences with ease. Avoidant Attachment: This attachment style involves emotional distancing and difficulty in trusting others. Anxious Attachment: Individuals with anxious attachment often experience difficulties with trust and emotional regulation in relationships. Disorganized Attachment: A more complex style, where the individual has difficulty trusting both themselves and others, leading to internal conflict. Being aware of your own attachment style will help you to better understand and support your clients. Theory to Practice is sponsored byCounselling Skills Academy Learn counselling techniques by seeing counselling skills used in real sessions by qualified therapists.Real sessions - real-life presentations - real skills. Click Here for More Information Neurodivergence and Eating Disorders [starts at 32:20 mins] In this week's 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Bernie Wright and Lisa Smith, who discuss their work on eating disorders, disordered eating, and neurodivergence. They explain how neurodivergent conditions such as autism and ADHD can lead to unique challenges in eating behaviour, often requiring specialised therapeutic interventions. The key points of this conversation include: ADHD and Eating Disorders: Many individuals with ADHD struggle with impulsivity and emotional regulation, which can manifest as disordered eating. Autism and Eating Disorders: Autistic individuals often have rigid behaviours and sensitivities that can make eating challenging, such as avoiding certain food textures or using food as a form of stimming. The Role of Dopamine: Neurodivergent individuals may experience imbalances in dopamine, which contributes to impulsivity and the pursuit of behaviours that provide a dopamine rush, such as overeating or restrictive eating. Creating a Bespoke Approach: Bernie and Lisa stress the importance of tailoring therapeutic interventions to the unique needs of neurodivergent clients, taking into account both psychological and physiological aspects of eating disorders. Counselling Study Resource:Assignment Guidance & Study Support for Counselling Students Academic Lecture Library - Lectures that cover key theor...