'Not for the faint hearted': working with high conflict families using an AN approach

There can be fewer psychological dangers for children than having their parents, the people they turn to for care and protection, locked in a never-ending, continuous battle. Such battles seem to place the children at the very centre and yet the children’s needs for safety and stability are all but ignored in the service of the ongoing conflict.

Using an Attachment Narrative Therapy approach, Chip will explore how the work with parents in high conflict families differs from a more traditional approach. An understanding of the dynamics of high conflict, including the neuroscience involved will be explored. Some specific techniques for work in such situations will be offered. Participants will have the opportunity to apply the learning to their own case material. Some aspects of supervision of these difficult cases will also be covered.

Dr Chip Chimera is a systemic psychotherapist and a psychodrama psychotherapist with many years’ experience of working with families and children where trauma has been a key factor in family functioning. She has recently trained in EMDR therapy. She studies the Dynamic Maturational Model of Attachment with Dr Patricia Crittenden and integrates the DMM into her understanding of family processes.

This is a non-catered event although there is a café in the grounds serving hot and cold food – see their website: eastleighlakesidecafe.co.uk

Cost: £65, £60 for AFT members, or £55 for unwaged or trainees.

Please address any additional queries to [email protected]

Travel details as follows

Located just a few minutes’ walk from Southampton Airport and Southampton Airport Parkway train

station, Just follow the red line on the map to the Lakeside centre – a 15 minute walk.

By train:

• Southampton City Centre – 7 mins
• Winchester – 10 mins
• Reading – 49 mins
• Portsmouth – 60 mins

By car:

The Centre is close to the M27 and M3 motorways, and with free onsite parking for guests and delegates.