Attachment and Adoption:
What is It and Why is It so Important?
Lark Eshleman, Ph.D.

“Attachment and Adoption:  What is It and Why is It so Important?” presented by Lark Eshleman, Ph.D. provides an overview of the importance of attachment in adoption including what “attachment” is, why it is important, causes of breaks in attachment, implications for international adoption, recognizing attachment challenges, and the four attachment styles. “Attachment and Adoption” has two parts: a recorded webinar and a recording (audio only) of the Q&A session Dr. Eshleman held with pre- and post-adoptive parents on 2/7/07. There is a charge for this course, and you must register to access this material.

Watch the Recorded Webinar Listen to the Q&A Session Additional Reference Material

1) Watch the Recorded Webinar

Attachment and Adoption w/ Lark Eshleman, Ph.D.
Click on the link below to watch the recorded webinar, “Attachment and Adoption” presented by Dr. Eshleman.  The webinar is approximately 60 minutes in length.  You may stop the webinar and restart at any point, and may watch the webinar as many time as you wish. Note that you will need speakers or headphones on your computer in order to listen to the audio.
Watch the Recorded Webinar “Attachment and Adoption”

View or Print the Slides in Adobe PDF Format
Click on the link below to open the slides in Adobe PDF format.  This will allow you to view or print the slides on your own computer.
View “Attachment and Adoption” Slides in Adobe PDF Format

2) Listen to the Q&A Session w/ Dr. Eshleman

Through your computer’s speakers
Click the link below to open an audio player to listen to the audio replay of the live Q&A session Dr. Eshleman held with adoptive parents on 2/7/07 on ThinkingOfAdopting.com through your computer’s speakers.  Please note that this recording has been edited for content, length, and to respect the privacy of the participants.
 

3)  Additional Reference Material

Books Referenced by Dr. Eshleman

1) Connecting With Kids Through Stories:  Using Narratives To Facilitate Attachment in Adopted Children by Denise Lacher, Todd Nichols, and Joanne May
2) Becoming A Family: Promoting Healthy Attachments with Your Adopted Child by Lark Eshleman, Ph.D.
3) Theraplay: Helping Parents and Children Build Better Relationships Through Attachment Based Play by by Ann M. Jernberg and Phyllis B. Booth. Referenced by Dr. Eshleman during the Q&A session.

Note: Additional books on Attachment can be found in the Attachment Section of our Adoption Books Page

Links Referenced by Dr. Eshleman

Association for the Treatment and Training in the Attachment of Children (ATTACh)  http://www.attach.org
Includes listings of registered attachment therapists.

The International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies
http://www.istss.org

The Institute for Children and Families
http://www.instituteforchildren.org

The Adverse Childhood Experiences Study
http://www.ACEStudy.org
Provides research on the medical effects of long term early trauma.

Maya Wrap
http://www.mayawrap.com
Baby slings and baby carriers referenced by Dr. Eshleman during the Q&A session..

BrainGym.com (Edu-Kinesthetics On-line)
http://www.BrainGym.com
Exercises you can do with your child to help overcome the effects of attachment trauma.  Referenced by Dr. Eshleman during the Q&A session.

Note: Additional Attachment related links can be found on Attachment Section of our Adoption Links Page and on the “Healing Hannah” Course Resource Page.