Attachment in Practice

About the course:

This workshop offers counsellors a clear and accessible exploration of attachment as it unfolds in therapeutic relationships. Together we will look at what attachment is, how different patterns show up in both clients and practitioners, and how these dynamics subtly shape the work. Through discussion, practical exercises, and real‑world examples of what attachment looks and feels like in the room, participants will learn how to recognise the different attachment styles and the activation, distancing, pull‑toward, and repair. We will also explore how a well‑held attachment relationship can become a powerful catalyst for insight, regulation, and growth. Ideal for counsellors who want to deepen their relational awareness, strengthen attunement, and work more confidently with attachment in therapy.

About the speaker:

Caroline Walker is a UKCP Registered Child & Adolescent & Adult Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor specialising in trauma. Caroline was the Child Clinical Lead for Trust House Reading (a centre for counselling and giving advice to people who have been affected by sexual abuse) where she helped to grow the service, trained counsellors to work with this client group and supervised her team.

Caroline is passionate about working in the field of trauma and draws on her different modalities of Integrative Creative Art & Play therapy, EMDR, Somatic Experiencing and Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy to help clients find their own healing path towards a more balanced and positive way of being. She has previously been a lecturer for the postgraduate course in trauma counselling at Willows.

Caroline now works in Private Practice, room based and out in nature, with her small herd of horses using the natural surroundings to help bring clients back to self-regulation, inner strength and ultimately processing the trauma when they are ready.

With this work, Caroline takes self-care very seriously so she can continue this important work for the longevity. She engages with her own therapy, supervision and regulates her own nervous system daily with mindfulness, exercise and working with her own horses.

Practicalities:

Breaks - There will be one short refreshments break and a lunch break. Free tea & coffee will be available on site, and there are a number of shops and cafes locally that delegates may wish to use during lunch.

Parking - Limited free parking is available on site on a first come first served basis. There are a number of pay as you go car parks locally. The closest is on Prospect Place (51 Prospect Place, SN1 3LJ) 1 minute walk away.

Train/Bus - Willows Training is accessible by local bus routes. The main Swindon bus and rail stations are approx 20 minutes walk away.

Who is this workshop suitable for?

This workshop has been designed as a source of Continued Professional Development (CPD) for Counsellors, Psychotherapists, other mental health professionals, and students undertaking counsellor/psychotherapy training. It may also be helpful for anyone working in a caring, helping or pastoral profession, including Teachers, Teaching Assistants, Youth Workers and Social Workers.

About Willows Counselling and Training Service

Willows is a registered charity offering Counselling and Counsellor Training in Swindon, Wiltshire. With more than 30 years' experience, Willows is well established in both knowledge and reputation in the local area and beyond.

Willows offers the full suite of qualifying courses for Counsellors: CPCAB Levels 2, 3 and Level 4 Diploma. For qualified therapists, they run a Post-Qualifying Diploma in Trauma and a Diploma in Advanced Psychotherapeutic Practice, as well as an annual CPD programme of one-day Saturday workshops.