Neurobiology of Attachment 2.0

About This Course

Attachment styles, also called relationship styles, offer an explanatory model for client relationship dynamics throughout the lifespan. Early in life, a person’s nervous system adjusts as they have attachment experiences that help inform their neural networks, and individuals adapt to the challenges life offers through four different relationship styles. Each style has unique challenges and strengths and is defined by states of mind associated with different neural networks and emotional states. In this three-module course, participants will explore the intersection of attachment and emotional intelligence, specific neural pathways correlating to the various relationship styles, and the neuroscience of the activation and deactivation of the attachment system. Furthermore, practical applications for licensed mental health professionals seeking to use attachment-informed research-based strategies to work with clients seeking to improve attachment relationships and enhance relationship dynamics will be described.

Learning Objectives   

Participants will…   

1. Identify the behavioral and neural manifestations of the four attachment styles and assessments to aid in identification of each attachment style.
2. Outline the neural mechanisms behind attachment system activation, deactivation, and the four relationship styles.
3. Develop a kit of tools to apply to attachment work for licensed mental health professionals.

Course Lessons and Descriptions 

NBAT 101: The Neurobiology of the Circle of Security
Anita Knight Kuhnley, Ph.D.
The attachment system is a behavioral system, which becomes activated during times of distress. Likewise, the exploration system is activated when the attachment system is dormant. In this module, Dr. Kuhnley will explain the underlying neurobiology for activation and deactivation as well as some neural pathways associated with the four different relationship styles.

RESL 102: Beliefs and Strategies that Make Resiliency More Likely: What to Do and Not Do 
E. John Kuhnley, M.D. 
This session will unpack the regions of the brain associated with fight-flight, rest-digest, and activation and deactivation. Dr. Kuhnley will discuss brain regions associated with anxiety and with closeness and security. In addition, participants will examine brain scans and how attachment styles have been observed in neuroimaging. Furthermore, in this session, participants will study a model of the brain to look at how these regions fit together in a concrete way, and how neural empathy may be used in session to help clients extend their sense of being understood as clinicians help them extend their awareness of neural processes. 

NBAT 103: Tools for a Teleological Toolkit for Attachment-informed Approaches  
Anita Knight Kuhnley, Ph.D.
In this session, Dr. Anita Kuhnley will explore some research based practical strategies and research evidence that help develop tools for a teleological toolkit for attachment-informed approach. This session will also include specific techniques and implications for those treating a willing Christian client and adapt the framework of the client’s attachment system to help Christian clients seek closeness to the ultimate attachment figure.  

Presenters 

John Kuhnley, M.D. and Anita Knight Kuhnley, Ph.D. 

Continuing Education   

3.0 CE Credits available for LPC, LMFT, and LCSW.  
3.0 CE Credits available for IBCC Credential Holders. 

The American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) offers some psychologists, therapists, counselors, social workers and play therapists Continuing Education (CE) credit due for good standing with certain states and a limited number of professional organizations. It remains the responsibility of each participant to be aware of state licensure and CE requirements.  

Participants should check their state and/or local regulations regarding required continuing education hours. For more information Light University Continuing Education programs, please visit: https://lightuniversity.com/continuing-education-statements/