Simmons College

Attachment, Neurobio & SW Prac

SW-582: Attachment, Neurobiology, in Social Work Practice This course addresses the important influences of early and later attachment relationships on one's cognitive, emotional, relational, and neurobiological development. It looks at the ways that interpersonal, community, and cultural connections serve critical neurobiological functions in regulating a person's sense of security and containment, and capacities to act on her strengths. The class examines contemporary research in attachment theory, interpersonal communication, and brain development to understand many clients' presenting symptoms as products of their having had to adapt to chronic extreme stress with limited essential relational and community resources. Students look through a lens of interpersonal neurobiology at common child and adult symptoms of post-traumatic stress related learning difficulties, anxiety, and depression; dysregulation of behaviors associated with violence and addiction; and difficulties negotiating relationships. They learn about the brain's ability to change throughout one's life and specific individual and community interventions that promote these changes. Prerequisite is 421B. This course meets the requirement for a clinical practice elective.