Attachment, Neurodevelopment and Psychopathology  Course

You are invited to attend a 3-day course (April 11, 13 and 14) that focuses on development, prevention and treatment of psychological disorder. It weaves together theory, human development, assessment, case examples, and treatment applications to reframe maladaptive behavior in terms of strategies for self-protection. The course focuses on development from infancy to adulthood, emphasizing the process of adaptation and developmental pathways that carry risk for psychopathology. The model used is the Dynamic-Maturational Model (DMM) of Attachment and Adaptation. The DMM is relevant to individuals who are at-risk, have been exposed to danger, display disturbed or maladaptive behavior, or are diagnosed as having a psychiatric disorder. A particular emphasis will be the cultural influences on attachment.

This course will be facilitated by Dr. Patricia Crittenden. Patricia M. Crittenden studied under Mary D. Ainsworth when she received her Ph.D. in psychology. In addition to Ainsworth's guidance, her psychology master's thesis was developed in consultation with John Bowlby, the father of attachment theory. She also holds a Master's Degree in Special Education, with specializations in mental retardation and emotional disturbance. She has published more than 100 empirical papers and chapters, as well as several books including "Raising Parents: Attachment, Parenting and Child Safety" (2008) and "Assessing Adult Attachment" (2011). Currently, Dr. Crittenden's work is focused on preventive and culture-sensitive applications of the DMM to mental health treatment, child protection, and criminal rehabilitation.

Registration includes a National Symposium presented by the Menninger Clinic: "An Agenda for Psychiatry and Neuroscience," on April 12. Speakers will include Thomas Insel, Director of the National Institute of Mental Health, and national leaders in mental health research.

Participants are also invited to attend a free evening lecture by developmental pediatrician and neuroscientist, Dr. Lane Strathearn, on the neurobiology of attachment. This will be held on Wednesday April 11th at 6.30PM at Texas Children's Hospital's new Pavilion for Women.