

Attachment Theory in Action
The Knowledge Center
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.
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 23, 2024 • 17min
Self Care Essentials: Kirsty Ruggles
Today, our interim host Kirsty Ruggles, Lead Trainer at The Knowledge Center, dives into self-care in honor of International Self Care Day. While Jenna takes a well-deserved break, Kirsty discusses burnout, secondary traumatic stress, and practical self-care tips. Join us for an insightful talk on maintaining mental health and well-being!
Show Notes:
Submit your application to speak at our conference here!

Jul 16, 2024 • 2min
Jenna's Update
ATIA is taking a summer break until the fall as Jenna takes some well-deserved time to 'refill her cup,' and we encourage you to do the same!
In the meantime, catch up on any episodes you might have missed at attachmenttheoryinaction.com.

Jun 11, 2024 • 59min
Adoption and Addiction: LC Coppola
This week, Jenna sits down with LC Coppola, author and program director of the Voices Unheard Storytelling Program, for an intimate conversation on adoption and addiction. LC shares her own journey as an adoptee grappling with addiction, and how she now supports other adoptees facing similar struggles. Tune in for powerful stories of resilience and healing.
Show Notes:
- Instagram: @morethanjustaluckyadoptee
- Email: lcoppolastories@gmail.com
- Voices Unheard: A Reflective Journal for Adult Adoptees
- For inquiries about Boston Post Adoption Resources: info@bpar.org
- For inquiries about the Voices Unheard Program: lisa@bpar.org
- Listen to Our Episode on Adoption Unfiltered

May 28, 2024 • 54min
Restorative Justice and Attachment: Sarah-Bess Dworin
Join Jenna and educator Sarah-Bess Dworin as they explore the dynamics of rupture and repair in restorative justice and its impact on attachment. Gain practical insights for fostering stronger connections in schools, organizations, and families. Don't miss this compelling conversation on healing and growth.
Show Notes:
Sarah-Bess's LinkedIn
Get the Dolls!
Join Restoring Community's Circle!
Open and welcome to all, every Thursday from 11-12 Central Time. Come to experience an online Circle and share hopes, ideas, and support within an inclusive community!

May 14, 2024 • 1h 2min
The FAN Model: Dr. Linda Gilkerson
This week, Jenna is joined by Dr. Linda Gilkerson, a professor at the Erikson Institute, to explore the transformative FAN Model—Facilitating Attuned Interactions. Tune in as they navigate the challenges of fussy babies and delve into practical applications of the FAN Model, as well as The Fussy Baby FAN Model. Don't miss this insightful conversation on nurturing strong, sturdy and nurturing connections with your little ones.
Show Notes:
Dr. Linda Gilkerson | Erikson Institute
Learn more about The FAN Model
Graduate Programs | Erikson Institute
Masters in Social Work | Erikson Institute

7 snips
Apr 16, 2024 • 1h 10min
Ethics in Attachment: Dr. Camille Humes
*Please excuse the quality of the introduction, thank you!*
In this episode, Jenna and Dr. Camille Humes explore the ethical complexities of client-professional relationships in the mental health field. Through compelling stories and insights, they illuminate the delicate balance between ethics and empathy, offering valuable lessons for listeners on navigating boundaries and fostering trust in therapeutic settings.
Show Notes:
Email Dr. Humes
https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-English
https://www.counseling.org/about/values-statements
https://www.apa.org/ethics/code

Apr 2, 2024 • 1h 19min
Early Childhood Expulsion & Attachment: Dr. Kate Zinsser
Today, Jenna sits down with Dr. Kate Zinsser, Associate Professor at UIC, co-founder of the EMOTERS tool, and author of "No Longer Welcome: The Epidemic of Early Childhood Expulsion". Join us for a very insightful conversation about early childhood expulsion and the effects it has on both development, and attachment.
Show Notes:
www.emoters.org
www.setlab.com
Get the Book
Use code ASPROMP8 for 30% off!

Mar 19, 2024 • 1h 13min
Adoption Unfiltered: Lori Holden, Sara Easterly, and Kelsey Vander Vliet Ranyard
This week, Jenna sits down with Lori, Sara, and Kelsey, authors of 'Adoption Unfiltered,' as they share their diverse adoption experiences. From adoptee to adoptive parent to birth parent, they offer candid insights into the challenges and healing journey, exploring the power of attachment. Join us for a heartfelt discussion on love, loss, and resilience in adoption.
Show Notes:
Check out the Book!
Lori's Website
Sara's Website
Kelsey's Website

Mar 5, 2024 • 59min
From Foster to Family: DJ Johnson
This week, Jenna sits down with DJ Johnson, who shares his life story about his time before, during, and after living in the Indiana foster care system. Despite the physical and emotional trauma he's suffered, he now leads a successful and fulfilling life as a husband, father, author, mentor and specialist in helping parents ensure that their children have room to grow into the best version of themselves.
Show Notes:
DJ's Website
DJ's Instagram
DJ's Book

Feb 20, 2024 • 51min
Attachment Styles in the Workplace: Josh Carlson
This week, Jenna joins Josh Carlson, the Executive Director of the Knowledge Center here at Chaddock, for an insightful conversation about the different styles of attachment in the workplace, and how you can support your employees, co-workers and everyone in between to bring out the best in your team.
Show Notes:
https://www.tkcchaddock.org/
https://www.tkcchaddock.org/events/tirf-schools-conference/
https://attachmenttheoryinaction.podbean.com/e/david-wallin-on-the-necessity-of-the-therapists-self-revelation-part-1/
https://attachmenttheoryinaction.podbean.com/e/david-wallin-on-the-necessity-of-the-therapists-self-revelation-part-2/
https://adultattachmentlab.human.cornell.edu/HazanShaver1990.pdf
https://thecircleworks.com/