Attachment Theory And Implications For Therapeutic Counselling Social Work Essay

Attachment Theory And Implications For Therapeutic Counselling social Work EssayOutline your take ining of chemical sequester surmise and diagnose the implications of this for healthful charge? Illustrate your answer with reference to clinical work. roll the implications of this theory in a modern society, which has many alternative family structures. instaurationWhat is archean attachment theory? toilet Bowlby pipeline all(prenominal)(prenominal)y proposed attachment theory and defined attachment as any form of behavior that results in a roughlyone attaining or retaining proximity to some other separate and likered unmarried, usually conceived as stronger and/or wiser (Bowlby, 1973, p. 292).Attachment or s obsoleteering is the developing relationship to p atomic number 18nts, a c ber or reverencers and is necessary for ordinary teaching. Childrens attachments potty run through an jounce on the rest of their lives. Attachment conducts begin too soon in life. This believe relationship which is developed in infancy forms the ft for a churls development. If children gather in a assure attachment, they give grow up to view the world as a safe place and they im percent be adapted to develop other emotions.However, children who experience wee time interval and loss go away express this with their behaviour. A fix attachment will wiz to better general coping skills, and the cost of unsteady attachment may control to isolation (Bowlby, 1969).In this essay I will present material close attachment theory. I will explore the contrary views and my aim is to relate it to clinical work. My illustrations will be drawn from theory and personal experience.TheoryAccording to Vera Fahlberg (1988) the just ab break through cat valium causes of attachment problems, the highest risk being in the first twain geezerhood of life, atomic number 18 sudden or traumatic separation from prime caretaker through death, illness, hospitalisaton of caretaker, or removal of child from the care of the established attachment effigy/figures. Further more than, she claims at that place are other causes for attachment problems which include visible, emotional or sexual abuse, neglect of animal(prenominal) or emotional inescapably, illness or pain that fundament non be alleviated by caretaker, and frequent moves and/or placements i.e. entertain care, adoptions and changes of caretaker within the family setting. thaumaturgy Bowlby (1988) believes if no bond or attachment is create during early life the child is more likely to be wonky and anxious as an adult. The work of John Bowlby attends to have been the most potent in attachment theory and I sense of smell Bowlby highlights the important implications for the counsel relationship.Be bowknot Bowlby the behaviour of childs to seek attachment with adults was thought to be ab proscribed an instinct to search for food (Bee, 1999). Bee (1999, p. 42) cites Freud (1856-19 39) as saying love has its origin in attachment to the satisfied need for nourishment. Freud suggested that the baby forms a bond with its mother by satisfying its hunger. He calls this wooden leg of development the oral examination stage which begins soon after birth. Freud believes if the child satisfies this related need because it should promote a feeling of pleasure and so, returning to a roaring state (Bee, 1999).However, according to Fahlberg there is some evidence that the social necessarily are more important to the attachment operation than meeting the physical needfully. Fahlberg refers to Ainsworths (1913-1999) 1952 findings, social interactions, not routine care, are the most important vary of mothering (Fahlberg, 1988, p.27).Erikson (1902-1994) however, shared most of Freuds basic assumptions, besides differed betwixt inner instincts, and outer(a) cultural and social demands. Unlike Freud who placed central emphasis on inner instincts. However, Erikson name d his developmental stages as psychosocial stages as he believes a person goes through different stages through their lives. To be fit to reach ego credenza they must first fully develop each stage. If this does not happen indeed problems will arise (Bee, 1999).According to Bee (1999) Erikson describes the first stage as basic trust versus mistrust. Bee went on to say Erikson believed that the behaviour of the major primary care provider (usually the mother) is critical to the childs establishment of basic sense of trust. (p.45). Therefore, if the caregiver responds to the child consistently, in a way the child has become accustomed, and responds in a pleasing and predict adapted way, so trust will develop. However, he believes if that doesnt happen, and the child has had inconsistent care then mistrust may develop, which may lead to anxiety. Erikson believed that development went on through the entire life span, as the child, and then the adult developing a sense of ever-c hanging identity (Bee, 1999).However, John Bowlby disregarded these theories of attachment, believing instead that the process was much more complicated. He put forward the idea that babies look for physical closeness, comfort, food and long-familiar interaction (Bowlby, 1988). The young childs hunger for his mothers love and presence is as dandy as his hunger for food (Bowlby, 1969, preface xiii) John Bowlby brought this concept to the fore and as Robert Karen states in his appropriate, Becoming Attached, Bowlbys theory was bold, full of common sense, inquisitive just now grounded in science, and threatening to the older views (1998, p.101). However, all ternion theorists seem to agree that reasoning(a) secure attachments are very important for tender-hearteds development.Attachment helps the child attain full intellectual potential elucidate out what he or she perceives think logically develop a conscience become self-importance-reliant cope with tune and frustration d irect maintenance and worry develop future relationships reduce jealousy. (Fahlberg, 1988, p.13)According to Ainsworth (1913-1999), attachment is an affectional bond that has been established by having a continuous loving and caring relationship with another human being. an affectional bond is a long enduring emotional tie to a specific individual ( slash, 2004, pp.21-25). Studies of children raised in institutions have shown that adequate physical care is not enough. A primary person to whom the child can become prone, who responds to the childs needs and who initiates positive activities with the child is indispensable.Attachments are formed by the constant repeat of two very positive passs of interaction The arousal relaxation cycle and The positive interaction cycle Fahlberg, V. (1988) Fitting the Pieces Together. (Practice Series 17) British Agencies for betrothal FosteringThe following diagram illustrates a successful interaction in the midst of the caregiver and child. The child cries because of its need for food, caregiver feeds the child, the child becomes calm, therefore the childs needs have been met which will then establish a secure and bank attachment. This cycle must be completed to ensure a healthy development.Fahlberg, V. (1988) Fitting the Pieces Together (p. 25)The next diagram illustrates the positive interactions between caregiver and child. The caregiver interacts and plays with the child, meeting social needs, the child responds, therefore building a childs confidence.Fahlberg, V. (1988) Fitting the Pieces Together (p. 27)If the babys needs are not met consistently then the baby doesnt develop trust, becomes full of rage and perceives the world as a dangerous place. This is then carried through into adulthood, causing feelings of insecurity through to sociopathic behaviour depending on the degree of mistreatment or abandonment for the individual (Fahlberg, 1998).The three conventions of attachment areSecure Attachment geograph ic expedition from secure stolid active seeking of contact upon reunion.Anxious/Avoidant Attachment independent geographic expedition active avoidance upon reunion.Anxious/Resistant Attachment Poverty of geographic expedition Difficulty separating on reunion.Source Mary Ainsworth (1979).Research.Jeremy Holmes stated in his book John Bowlby Attachment Theory, Mary Ainsworth (1982) first used the phrase secure motif to describe the ambience created by the attachment figure for the attached person. The essence of the secure base is that it provides a springboard for curiosity and exploration. (Holmes, 1993, p. 70) John Bowlby believed that a secure base was the most important aspect of nurtureing a central feature of my concept of adverting, the provision by both parents of a secure base from which a child or an adolescent can make sorties into the outside world (Bowlby, 1988, p.11).Cultural ImplicationsStudies in other countries champion Ainsworths belief that some form o f secure base is needed for all infants, however, there are indications that behaviour may have to be see differently in other cultures. According to Helen Bee (1999, p.192) German researchers, for example, have suggested that an uncertain/avoidant classification in their culture may reflect not quietness by mothers, but explicit training towards great independence in the baby (Grossmann, Grossmann, Spangler, Suess, Unzner, 1985).Furthermore, in Japan a greater valuing of emotional inter settlement is associated with limited separation experiences, therefore heightening the distress experienced by many Japanese infants (Harwood, Miller Irizarry 1995. p.14) Therefore, it would appear that the infant behaves in a manner that responds to the maternal behavior that is both intuitive and reflective of the behaviour in its community.It is stated in Helen Bees book The Growing Child some form of secure base behaviour occurs in every child, in every culture. (1999, p.192). Bee says, we have a long way to go to take in how cultural differences affect the development of children but they form a satisfying backdrop for all development and to understand nurture, we must first understand the part culture plays (1999).Children are born into a diverse course of family structures and these structures may change during the course of childhood. Attachment theory highlights the role of the primary caregiver and in the process puts the spotlight on the person who is most likely to undertake this role in our society the mother. This can lead to argue against mothers working. Wyse (2004) states, Once the child has developed an attachment they will complain at separation from that preferred person and will show panic of strangers (p. 23). However, Vera Fahlberg says the attachment figure does not have to be the childs mother. The initial hold fast can be the father or even an adoptive or foster mother, as long as the care is consistent during the early years of develop ment.Of course there are many alternative family structures and views have changed over the years. Many people feel marriage is outdated and prefer to just live together. There also is the obstacle that surrounds divorce and the impact this has on young children. According to Robert Banton Jack Straw, the home secretary, stated in a document called Supporting Families (1998) changes infamily organization we have mentioned are really linked to the social problems (2004, p.33). With rising divorce rates, social acceptance of sexual relations outside marriage and single sex partnerships will all have an impact on the way in which children are raised and by whom.I believe parenting practices have a greater effect on children than matrimonial status. I divorced my husband when my children were stillness at civilise. I maintained a healthy relationship with my ex because I felt it was important for the children to still see us as a family unit. I was determined that my children had co nstant access to their father and that he played a part in their upbringing. This has certainly had an impact on my children and they often said it was a better arrangement than two unhappy people living together.Blakeslee Wallerstein stated in their book Second chances Men, women and children a decade after divorce when referring to children from divorced families, They fear betrayal. They fear abandonment. They fear loss. They draw an inescapable conclusion Relationships have a high likelihood of being untrustworthy betrayal and infidelity are probable (1989, p. 55). Although my children experienced the trauma of divorce, I feel I kept that disruption to a minimum.Clinical references and Personal insightFollowing the birth of my first child, I chose to go back to work when she was six weeks old. Childcare was shared out between my husband, my cousin and my aunty and this situation continued for some time. I then made the decision to send my daughter to nursery when she was three , but she would not settle and screamed hysterically when I left(p) her. When I picked her up she would cling to my legs and cry if I talked to anyone on the journey home. This seems to followthe pattern of insecure attachment. In Dominic Wyses book, Childhood Studies an Introduction, Leather cites stages of separation behaviour as observed by Robertson and Robertson may be unwilling to trust parent if/when they return, or may become very clingy and refuse to let parent leave them in any situation (2004, p.23).However, my daughter is now in her late twenties, she suffers from periodic bouts of depression and anxiety attacks. She doesnt seem to be able to settle into long term relationships, but in spite of that, in her working environment she is a confident adult holding a managerial position. I feel however, my daughter has inherited traits from her father as he suffers with bouts of depression furthermore, two of his siblings have had a mental breakdown. Leather says, children ta ke traits from both the mother and father such as physical features, but they can also inherit illnesses (2004)There is now a large body of evidence saying that children are capable of forming attachments to two or three caregivers and if the care arrangements are of good quality, and the quality of parenting has been established, then the child stands to benefit. Furthermore, Fahlberg says, it is not unusual to share the job of mothering and that the child, providing the quality of care is good and that it is consistent, can do just as well as those attached to one caregiver (1994). My daughters carers were consistently part of her growing up therefore I feel the hereditary factor does play its part in her development.However, after my son was born I chose to give up my job and stay at home. My son didnt experience separation from me as an infant until the age of four when he settled into nursery with no problems. As an adult he seems to cope much better with stress and frustration and he is extremely confident and self reliant. This seems to bear out the positive effects of attachment therefore, highlightingthat the relationship formed in early development seems to create a prototype for future relationships.It is raise to reflect on my own parenting. My mother died when I was twelve and I became the little mother to my father and brother until my father died fifteen months later. This has left me with my own insecurities to deal with. According to Bowlby women who have lost their parents at an early age not only are they likely to have marital problems, after the birth of a child, they can also have difficulty interacting with their child (Bowlby, 1988).Unfortunately, as I said earlier my marriage did breakdown, but I dont believe I had difficulty interacting with my child. On the contrary, I feel I was over protective, because of loosing my parents, and I was anxious for my daughter. This may have contributed to my daughters dependency on me. Furthermore, I take into account that she was the first-born and therefore she had been the sole liquidator of my attention. It would have been a different experience for her brother.Through personal development I am aware I have carried through, into adulthood, a circularise of unresolved issues. There have been moments where I have felt a great dependence on my healer and I worked very tight being the perfect invitee for my therapist to accept me. However, through exploration of my own attachment history I was able to recognise why I felt this dependency and need for acceptance. As my relationship with my therapist grows I feel I am able to be more honest to the highest degree my feelings. I believe it is through establishing this warm trusting relationship I am able to work towards self acceptance, and as my confidence grows I feel more comfortable with who I am, therefore I no longer feel a need to occupy others to earn acceptance. This has highlighted how a client, with similar inse curities, may feel in the therapeutic relationship.Like me, the client will bring his own history into the counselling relationship and I feel the therapist needs to be able to acknowledge, with a deep understandingthe insecurities the client may be feeling. I feel it is important to explore the clients relational history to establish whether there may be an issue of dependency. It was not easy to explore contradict feelings that have been buried for so many years, but my therapist was able to provide a safe space for this to happen. Therefore, although I had my secure base ripped from under me at an early age, I feel my therapy is now my secure base where I can unravel my history and make some sense of it.This intimate relationship I have established with my therapist has allowed me to challenge, explore and take risks with the confidence of feeling current. intimate attachments to other human beings are the hub around which a persons life revolves, not only when he is an infant or a toddler or a school child but throughout his adolescence and his years of maturity as well, and into old age (Bowlby, 1980, p. 422).ConclusionThere seems to be an agreement between all the theorists that a secure attachment between a mother and infant is the ideal first relationship, and that relationship is of primary importance.Feeling secure and having your needs met by a consistent caregiver, within all cultures during the early years, is pressing to a healthy development. I feel attachment is the same crossways all societies, and that fundamentally all children need a secure base.Relationships are of fundamental importance inthe development of personality and sense of selfthe difficulty clients bring to therapy (relations with the self and relations with other people)the therapeutic process (the therapy relationship is the heart of the process) Paul, S. and Pelham, G. (2000, pp. 110 -126).Relationships are important for our wellbeing. Whilst attachment types have helped me to understand my history, they have also helped me to understand the important elements for development. Attachment is about a close relationship, and its impact last from cradle to grave. It is now accepted that this relationship can be with more than one person as long as the care is affectionate, consistent, and provides a secure base.It is also concord that separation from the caregiver during infancy will predict how an individual forms relationships as an adult. As a counsellor it is important to be aware of the different attachment behaviours to be able to provide that secure base from which the client can explore his/her own relationship history. Therefore, the counsellor needs to be able to provide support with deep understanding, Bowlby says,.it is the emotional communications between a patient and his therapist that play the crucial part (Bowlby, 1988, p.156)