
Attachment Theory in Action
If you work with kids, families, or clients impacted by trauma, you’re in the right place.
The Attachment Theory in Action Podcast is your go-to podcast for real conversations about trauma, attachment, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of those you serve.
Every other week, host Kirsty Nolan sits down with experts in attachment, trauma, and child development to talk about the stuff that really matters—how trauma shapes behavior and development, how to build stronger relationships, and how to bring these insights into your daily work.
Looking for practical tips you can actually use? Wondering how to better support your clients? Curious about the latest research in attachment and trauma? We’ve got you covered.
With nearly 2 million downloads, over 300 episodes, and a loyal community of listeners, the Attachment Theory in Action Podcast helps professionals like you grow and learn—all in under an hour, every other week.
Whether you’re a therapist, counselor, social worker, parent, or simply someone who cares deeply about helping others, this is a space for learning, growth, and inspiration. Hit follow, and let’s dive into the work that changes lives.
The Attachment Theory in Action Podcast is brought to you by The Knowledge Center at Chaddock. The Knowledge Center has equipped thousands of educators, clinicians, and helping professionals on the latest trauma-informed, attachment based strategies. Visit TKCChaddock.org to learn more.
Want to jump behind the mic and share your expertise? Visit AttachmentTheoryInAction.com to fill out our form to be a guest.
Latest episodes

Apr 15, 2025 • 48min
Caring for the Neuro-Diverse Child: Mandi Freger
This week, Kirsty speaks with Mandi Freger, author of "From Exhausted to Energized" and a licensed behavioral specialist and licensed professional counselor. Together, they speak about children with mental illnesses with a focus on ASD, energy psychology, and ways to help your child through their difficult behaviors.
Show Notes
Get Mandi's Book!
https://link.edgepilot.com/s/f499c0c8/9PoHSmJjNkqyZ0jKK_W5Lg?u=http://www.mandifreger.com/
https://link.edgepilot.com/s/4cf16363/zNuXqkVI90WXXiVjEcjOjg?u=https://www.facebook.com/mandifreger
https://link.edgepilot.com/s/ce69036a/Ye2teQ3J-ESexIZTRvrhxA?u=http://www.linkedin.com/in/mandifreger
https://www.attachmenttheoryinaction.com/
https://www.tkcchaddock.org/events/atiawebinar/
https://shop.tkcchaddock.org/
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19Xm5Nhk2K/
https://www.facebook.com/TKCChaddock
https://www.linkedin.com/company/tkcchaddock/posts/?feedView=all
https://www.instagram.com/tkcchaddock
https://www.facebook.com/krugglesatchaddock
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstynolan84/

Apr 1, 2025 • 45min
It Doesn't Have to be Catastrophic: Dr. Nima Rahmany
In this episode, Kirsty sits down with Dr. Nima Rahmany, a previous chiropractor who is now a leading expert in shadow work, emotional regulation and healing attachment wounds. Together, they talk about his healing journey and how to create deeper connections in relationships.
Show Notes:
Take the Attachment Style Quiz!
https://link.edgepilot.com/s/bc9a349c/PFxK6ZmAn0G3duKrpw-ZmQ?u=https://www.facebook.com/drnimarahmany/
https://link.edgepilot.com/s/1e7ada24/2qn_s2hN-0ehZRCgRfqoQw?u=https://www.instagram.com/drnima/?hl=en
https://link.edgepilot.com/s/88ff8d41/x6fboMgJ6kyIV2a7lZ7FPA?u=https://www.youtube.com/c/drnimarahmany
https://www.attachmenttheoryinaction.com/
https://www.tkcchaddock.org/events/atiawebinar/
https://shop.tkcchaddock.org/
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19Xm5Nhk2K/
https://www.facebook.com/TKCChaddock
https://www.linkedin.com/company/tkcchaddock/posts/?feedView=all
https://www.instagram.com/tkcchaddock
https://www.facebook.com/krugglesatchaddock
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstynolan84/

Mar 18, 2025 • 48min
Hungry for Connection: Chef Kibby
This week, Kirsty sits down with Chef Kibby, a biological, foster, and adoptive father with 25 years of culinary experience. Together, they talk about the parallels between hunger and attachment and how you can connect with your own children through food.
Show Notes:
chefkibby.com
facebook.com/chefkibby
instagram.com/chefkibby
https://link.edgepilot.com/s/da007f99/D7b4OQpVNEyFVvBpRDPZvA?u=https://www.youtube.com/@chefkibby
https://www.attachmenttheoryinaction.com/
https://www.tkcchaddock.org/events/atiawebinar/
https://shop.tkcchaddock.org/
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19Xm5Nhk2K/
https://www.facebook.com/TKCChaddock
https://www.linkedin.com/company/tkcchaddock/posts/?feedView=all
https://www.instagram.com/tkcchaddock
https://www.facebook.com/krugglesatchaddock
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstynolan84/

7 snips
Mar 4, 2025 • 51min
Tailoring Treatment to Attachment Patterns: Karen Pando-Mars
Karen Pando-Mars, a Licensed MFT and founder of the Sandtray Network, shares her expertise on attachment theory in therapy. She delves into the transformative power of poetry in addressing trauma and emphasizes client empowerment. The nuances of sensitivity and responsiveness in caregiving are explored, as well as the complex interplay of attachment patterns and adult relationships. Karen provides practical strategies for therapists to cater to different attachment styles, highlighting the importance of recognizing emotions in both children and adults.

Feb 18, 2025 • 55min
Early Trauma Protocol: Dr. Rachel Aarons
Today, Kirsty sits down with Dr. Rachel Aarons LCSW, a psychotherapist, certified EMDR therapist, and author, to discuss The Early Trauma Protocol—her groundbreaking methodology for healing trauma at its roots. With over 45 years of clinical experience, Dr. Aarons helps therapists understand the profound impact of preverbal trauma by examining the earliest developmental stages of childhood.
In this conversation, she shares how addressing early attachment injuries—traumas formed before conscious memory—can lead to deep, lasting transformation for both therapists and their clients. She also provides insight into her Practicum Training for therapists and clinicians. More details on the next CE credit approved training in the spring can be found at earlytraumaprotocol.com. You will also find access to Dr. Aarons upcoming free webinar on her website
Show Notes:
https://www.rachelaarons.com/about-the-author2.html
https://www.earlytraumaprotocol.com/
https://www.attachmenttheoryinaction.com/
https://www.tkcchaddock.org/events/atiawebinar/
https://shop.tkcchaddock.org/
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19Xm5Nhk2K/
https://www.facebook.com/TKCChaddock
https://www.linkedin.com/company/tkcchaddock/posts/?feedView=all
https://www.instagram.com/tkcchaddock
https://www.facebook.com/krugglesatchaddock
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstynolan84/

Feb 4, 2025 • 54min
Anatomy of a Meltdown: Dr. Jennifer Rosinia
This week, Jenna is back as our guest host and she's joined by Dr. Jennifer Rosinia, an occupational therapist and President of Kid Links Unlimited. Together, they break down the stages of a meltdown, explain how it differs from a tantrum, and explore ways to strengthen attachment through positive reactions to a meltdown.
Show Notes:
- Jennifer's Email
https://www.attachmenttheoryinaction.com/
https://www.tkcchaddock.org/events/atiawebinar/
https://shop.tkcchaddock.org/
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19Xm5Nhk2K/
https://www.facebook.com/TKCChaddock
https://www.linkedin.com/company/tkcchaddock/posts/?feedView=all
https://www.instagram.com/tkcchaddock
https://www.facebook.com/krugglesatchaddock
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstynolan84/

Jan 21, 2025 • 1h 1min
Educators and Attachment: Lesley Koplow
Kirsty is joined by Lesley Koplow, an expert in children's mental health and founder of the Schools That Heal Network. They dive into how childhood experiences shape educators’ interactions with students. Lesley shares insights on creating emotionally responsive classrooms, emphasizing the importance of supportive environments for fostering creativity. They discuss the role of cultural understanding in connecting with diverse children and highlight the balance between structured routines and inviting exploration in educational settings.

Jan 7, 2025 • 44min
Addiction and Family: Karla Gomez
Karla Gomez, a mental health professional specializing in addiction, discusses the profound impact of addiction on family relationships. She shares her journey from a culinary career to advocating for mental health, shaped by her Puerto Rican roots. The conversation explores the importance of viewing addiction through the lens of family dynamics and emphasizes a holistic treatment approach. Karla also highlights the necessity of fostering secure attachments in therapeutic relationships and the cultural differences in addressing mental health within families.

Dec 31, 2024 • 3min
Happy New Year: Kirsty Nolan
This week, Kirsty sits down to reflect on her time as host over the past year, and hints at what's to come in 2025! Happy New Year from Attachment Theory in Action!
Show Notes:
https://www.attachmenttheoryinaction.com/
https://www.tkcchaddock.org/events/atiawebinar/
https://shop.tkcchaddock.org/
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19Xm5Nhk2K/
https://www.facebook.com/TKCChaddock
https://www.linkedin.com/company/tkcchaddock/posts/?feedView=all
https://www.instagram.com/tkcchaddock
https://www.facebook.com/krugglesatchaddock
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstynolan84/

Dec 24, 2024 • 3min
Happy Holidays: Kirsty Nolan
Happy Holidays from Attachment Theory in Action! Tune in next week for a New Year's Eve special with Kirsty and Jenna where they recap 2024!
Show Notes:
https://www.attachmenttheoryinaction.com/
https://www.tkcchaddock.org/events/atiawebinar/
https://shop.tkcchaddock.org/
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19Xm5Nhk2K/
https://www.facebook.com/TKCChaddock
https://www.linkedin.com/company/tkcchaddock/posts/?feedView=all
https://www.instagram.com/tkcchaddock
https://www.facebook.com/krugglesatchaddock
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstynolan84/
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