Working with Attachment Trauma Using Lessons from the AAP, Failed Mourning, Disorganized/Dysregulated Attachment with Dr. Carol George (210)
Aug 1, 2023
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Explore attachment trauma with attachment assessment expert Dr. Carol George. Topics include failed mourning, disorganized attachment, and the unique aspects of the Adult Attachment Projective Picture System. Discover insights into applying the science of attachment and trauma, and the transformative power of close relationships in rewiring insecure attachment.
The Adult Attachment Projective Picture System (AAP) offers a trauma-sensitive assessment of attachment patterns and reactions, providing valuable insights for therapy and empowering clients to address unresolved loss, trauma, and mourning experiences.
Failed mourning is a type of attachment trauma that arises from unmet attachment needs, and using the AAP can assist in identifying and healing this trauma by helping clients acknowledge and express anger, reconcile with unresolved emotions, and create new narratives.
The podcast emphasizes the different forms of pathological mourning, including chronic mourning, failed mourning, and preoccupation with personal suffering, each requiring different therapeutic approaches to address the dysregulated patterns.
Deep dives
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Clinical Application of Adult Attachment Projective Picture System
Dr. Carol George, a leading expert in attachment assessments, explores the clinical application of the Adult Attachment Projective Picture System (AAP). This technique, based on attachment theory, provides a quick and trauma-sensitive assessment of an individual's attachment patterns and reactions. George's book, 'Working with Attachment Trauma,' presents real-life case studies and examples of using the AAP in clinical settings, demonstrating its advantages over interview-based methods. The AAP helps uncover hidden emotions and attachments, providing valuable insights for therapy and empowering clients to address unresolved loss, trauma, and mourning experiences.
Identifying and Addressing Failed Mourning in Therapy
Dr. Carol George discusses the concept of failed mourning, a type of attachment trauma that arises from situations where attachment needs are not met. Failed mourning can stem from various experiences, such as parental conflict, parental mental health issues, or exposure to violence. The Adult Attachment Projective (AAP) is a powerful tool for identifying failed mourning and assisting clients in the healing process. By exploring AAP stories and emotions, therapists can help clients acknowledge and express anger, reconcile with unresolved emotions, and create new narratives to promote integration and move towards secure attachment.
Different Forms of Pathological Mourning
There are three forms of pathological mourning discussed in the podcast: chronic mourning, failed mourning, and preoccupation with personal suffering. Chronic mourning is characterized by living in constant terror and preoccupied attachment to personal suffering. Failed mourning involves disconnecting entirely from trauma and using deactivation as a primary defense. Preoccupation with personal suffering is associated with cognitive disconnection and a smokescreen around traumatic experiences. Each form has its own pattern of dysregulation and requires different therapeutic approaches.
The Complexity of Attachment Patterns
The podcast explores the different attachment patterns and their relationship to traumatic experiences. It discusses how unresolved individuals can become flooded by their trauma, whereas chronic mourners live in constant fear. The discussion also delves into disorganized attachment, highlighting the need to use the term dysregulated instead. The podcast emphasizes that life experiences and the presence of trauma or difficulties can impact attachment patterns, and that therapy can help individuals transform from insecure to secure attachment styles.
Sue Marriott and Dr. George explore her inspiration for writing her new book, tips for applying the information in a clinical setting, as well as deeper dives into concepts like failed mourning and the relationship with dysregulated attachment. With her decades of research, Dr. George offers thorough insights into the world of attachment, trauma, and building security.
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