In Neufeld Intensive III: Becoming Attached, Dr. Neufeld unfolds each of the six ways of attaching that are core to his comprehensive model of attachment. There are two focuses: one a deeper theoretical understanding of the material and the other the personal integration of the material. Becoming Attached is also a journey through Dr. Neufeld’s earlier theoretical development which created the puzzle pieces that ultimately came together in the six roots of attachment.
Prerequisites
The prerequisites for Neufeld Intensive III: Becoming Attached are Neufeld Intensive I: Making Sense of Kids and Neufeld Intensive II: The Separation Complex which can be taken either as a Scheduled Online Class (when available) or via Self-Paced Study.
Course Description
Attachment is absolutely fundamental to who we are and what we do. It follows then that understanding the dynamic of attachment would provide the keys to self-understanding. It also follows that our self-understanding is only going to be as good as the model of attachment we are using. Dr. Neufeld’s six-stage theory of attachment provides a comprehensive model that is universal in its application. Each way of attaching is explored to reveal a treasure trove of insights with the power to explain perplexing phenomenon as well as our own inner experience. Each way of attaching is also embedded in the psychological literature that points to it. The last way of attaching - via ‘self-disclosure’ - is also explored as the catalyst for growth through the life-span.
Each of the six ways of attaching are unpacked to understand what the various dynamics look like through that lens: alpha instincts, shyness, alarm, depersonalization, wounding, defensive detachment. We also explore the purpose of each form of proximity, the relationship with other forms of connection, and the temptations involved in each way of pursuing closeness. Issues of exclusiveness in, and the sexualization of, each mode of attachment is examined. Besides making sense of ourselves and our children, this material can be used to make sense of any attachment relationship, including marriage, friendship and the relationship to one’s God.
Suitability/Applicability
This course is universal in its application. There is not a profession or venue of application that is not informed by an understanding of attachment. People from all occupations, cultures and religions have been equally engaged by the material in this course. The best way to take the course is to come for oneself.
No previous background or formal education in the social sciences is required, although the ability to handle university-level instruction helps. This course is highly recommended for therapists and is part of the core curriculum for our internship and practitioner programs. Participants have included parents and grandparents, educators of all kinds, behaviour specialists, counsellors, therapists, art therapists, psychologists, pediatricians, university professors, psychiatrists, family physicians, nurses, social workers, youth workers, ministers, care providers and foster parents.
Formats & Fees
This course is available in the ONLINE CAMPUS COURSE format only. See Course Format Options for format delivery, access, and content details.
The prerequisites for this course are Neufeld Intensive I: Making Sense of Kids and Neufeld Intensive II: The Separation Complex.
ONLINE CAMPUS COURSE FORMAT - $750
Tuition includes an eight-month Virtual Campus study pass. See More On Online Campus Courses for further information on our two campus course formats (Self-Paced Study and Scheduled Online Class). Visit the course details page to register. If there is an upcoming Scheduled Online Class it will be posted directly above the Self-Paced Study button on the left-hand side.
Groups of ten or more receive extra faculty support if this can be arranged.
Topics/Objectives
Objectives of this course:
1. The primary purpose is to foster a deeper understanding of each of the six ways of attaching and to recognize these dynamics in oneself.
2. A secondary purpose is to expand on the theoretical origins of the main puzzle pieces that make up this model of attachment.
3. A third objective is to introduce topics, questions, primers for reflection, that can be pursued on one’s own in order to bring more consciousness to this arena.
Some themes and issues:
• how our first sense of identity forms via the quest for sameness
• how self-esteem derives from the quest for significance
• how the quest for significance results in irresistible temptation
• how the attachment conscience is formed
• the role of self-disclosure in attachment and personal growth
• the impediments to true intimacy
• the dangers of self-disclosure when out of relational context
• guilt and attachment
• growing up across the life-span
• how depression can result from attachment
• the nature of rest and security in attachment
• what wounds and alarms in each way of attaching
• what the sexualization of each way of attaching looks like
• what phenomena each modality of attachment explains
• where the topics exist in the psychological literature
• what the alpha and dependent stances look like in each way of attaching
• recognizing these attachment dynamics in marriage and religion
Course Outline
Session 1: Overview of the Intensive
Session 2: Attaching via the Senses
Session 3: Attaching via Sameness
Session 4: Attaching via Identification
Session 5: Attaching via Belonging & Loyalty
Session 6: Attaching via Significance
Session 7: Influencing the Verdict
Session 8: Significance and Self Esteem
Session 9: Conscience and Attachment
Session 10: Attaching via the Heart
Session 11: Attaching via Self-Disclosure
Session 12: Impediments of Intimacy in Adulthood
Session 13: Growth via Self-Disclosure
Session 14: Attachment and Depression
Session 15: Finding Release