The Meaning of the Child Interview Book Launch Evening

The University of Hertfordshire Doctorate in Clinical Psychology invites you to an evening workshop to celebrate the publication of 'The Meaning of the Child Interview: Making Sense of Parent-Child Relationships' by Dr Ben Grey, Principal Lecturer (for Research).

We hope for an informal and informative evening, including an interview with Dr Grey about the book by Arlene Vetere, Professor Emeritus of Family Therapy and Systemic Practice, VID Specialized University, Oslo and a panel-led discussion on how attachment theory can best contribute to clinical and child welfare practice. The panel will include guest experts in the field of adult and child attachment in practice and research, and is likely to include:

• Rudi Dallos , Emeritus Professor of Clinical Psychology, University of Plymouth, author of Attachment Narrative Therapy, and Don’t Blame the Parents.
• Robbie Duschinsky, Professor of Social Science & Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge
• Dr Steve Farnfield, course founder, Attachment Studies postgraduate programme, University of Roehampton, co-editor ‘The Routledge Handbook of Attachment’
• Eadaoin Bhreathnach, Occupational Therapist, Clinical Director of the Sensory Attachment Intervention Centre, Northern Ireland.

and others, in addition to Professor Vetere and Dr Grey.

A light meal and refreshments will be provided (including vegetarian and gluten free options). Information on how to get to the campus can be found here: https://www.herts.ac.uk/contact-us/where-to-find-us/college-lane-maps-and-directions.

This workshop is free, but please book a ticket on Eventbrite to register your attendance (and amend if your plans change) so we have accurate catering numbers.

Parking is free after 5pm (if you arrive earlier you will need to register with the Hozah app and will be charged £3). Please use a Visitor car park (see map)

Further information will be provided to ticket holders.

The Meaning of the Child Interview: Making Sense of Parent-Child relationships

The Meaning of the Child Interview is the most important development in the field of attachment and caregiving since the Adult Attachment Interview.

Dr Steve Farnfield, course founder, Attachment Studies postgraduate programme, University of Roehampton, co-editor ‘The Routledge Handbook of Attachment’

This handbook provides an accessible and thought-provoking guide to the Meaning of the Child Interview (MotC), a tool for understanding family relationships. It is edited and written by the MotC’s developer, with contributions from leading researchers and practitioners using the MotC in innovative contexts to support families. This book offers a practical guide to applying attachment and caregiving research for child welfare and mental health professionals. By focussing upon how parents story their experience, and their child’s, in the context of ongoing challenges, this book facilitates practice based on understanding struggling parenting as a relationship situated in adversity, rather than an individual failing, worthy of blame.

Dr Ben Grey is a social worker, psychologist, and Principal Lecturer (for Research) on the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, University of Hertfordshire. He has conducted training, worked in, and published widely on attachment, parenting assessment, family court, and child-welfare practice, developing the Meaning of the Child Interview within this practice context.