Emotional ties that bind :

Judith Morris

doi:10.9791/ajpanz.2002.05

Judith Morris

DOI: https://doi.org/10.9791/ajpanz.2002.05

Abstract

The paper presents therapeutic work with a child, directed towards repairing his capacity to form secure attachments, and demonstrating the use of symbolism woven into play therapy sessions. Attachment theory is used as the framework for analysing the process of therapy, the interface between the therapy and the day-to-day care of the child, and the overall decision- making context when the child is in the care of the state (Department of Child, Youth and Family). The weaving together of these strands aims to create a healing tapestry for the child to attain secure attachments to the emotionally significant adults in his life and to reach his potential in other aspects of his development.

Author Biography

Judith Morris

As recorded in 2002.

Judith Morris is a New Zealander. She trained as a psychiatric social worker in Britain, where she worked for the majority of her 25 years in social work. She specialised in working therapeutically with children in the care system, including those placed with permanent out-of-family caregivers as well as children being rehabilitated with their family of origin. She has a particular interest in applying attachment theory to this work. In 1994, Judith returned to New Zealand and initially worked as a lecturer at Massey University, training social workers. She now works privately, undertaking research about foster care, providing training for professionals and working as a therapist with a small caseload of children with attachment disorders.

Emotional ties that bind

Weaving a healing tapestry for an attachment disordered child

Abstract

Author Biography