Working with Attachment in the Therapy Room

Many therapists learn about attachment theory during training, but still find themselves wondering how to actually recognise attachment dynamically in the room.

Clients rarely arrive saying, ‘this is my attachment style’. More often, attachment shows up through reassurance-seeking, emotional overwhelm, distancing, shutdown, humour, urgency, or in the feelings stirred in us as therapists.

This workshop explores how behaviour often functions as protection rather than personality, helping therapists recognise attachment more clearly and respond with greater confidence and understanding.

Together, we will explore:

• how attachment patterns develop and show up in adult relationships
• behaviour as protection rather than personality
• attachment defences and the ‘attachment alarm system’
• recognising attachment in therapeutic relationships
• what happens in us as therapists in response to our clients
• practical attachment-informed ways of working, that you can integrate into your existing way of working

The workshop combines theory, discussion, case examples and relational reflection in a way that feels grounded, accessible and connected to real therapeutic work.

It is a space for therapists who want to deepen their understanding, feel more confident in the room, and begin noticing attachment patterns more clearly in themselves and their clients.

The workshop is intentionally small to support discussion, reflection and relational learning.  It is designed to feel thoughtful, accessible and clinically relevant rather than intimidating or overly academic.

Suitable for:

• qualified counsellors and psychotherapists
• final year counselling and psychotherapy diploma students currently seeing clients on placement

About the facilitator

Facilitated by Georgina Sturmer, MBACP (Accred), Psychotherapist, Lecturer & Supervisor.

Georgina is an attachment-based psychotherapist, supervisor and counselling tutor with a particular interest in helping therapists understand attachment in a way that feels relational, practical and clinically meaningful.

Her teaching style is calm, accessible and grounded in real therapeutic work. She is known for explaining complex ideas clearly, without jargon or pressure, and for creating learning spaces that feel warm, collaborative and containing.

Previous feedback from this workshop

‘It gave me a deeper knowledge and understanding, what to notice in clients, and also ways of working which I had not thought of. It was very insightful and enjoyable.’

‘It turned what had been a very flat subject into something I can see has much more depth and nuance than I had expected and filled in the gaps that I had always felt existed.’

‘Really enjoyed it all. Particularly the tangible intervention suggestions. Also appreciated the humility in sharing and inclusivity of it all.’

‘It was amazing!! Really fascinating, interactive and thought provoking, I loved it. Really good balance of theory and reflection, client examples and ideas for client work.’

‘I loved all the creative ideas to work with attachment. It was helpful to know that we are not in a box with our attachment types.’

‘It was helpful to be reflecting throughout on what we might find challenging in session.’

‘Georgina’s presentation was well structured, had a good mix of PowerPoint presentation, interactive exercises and discussions. She allowed space for all participants.’

‘It left me really interested in finding out more about this area.’

Venue and travel information

The workshop will take place at:

The Radlett Centre
1 Aldenham Avenue
Radlett
Hertfordshire
WD7 8HL

• Car parking is available just a one-minute walk from the venue
• Radlett train station (Thameslink line) is approximately a five-minute walk away
• The venue is easily accessible from London and surrounding areas of Hertfordshire

Workshop details

Date: Saturday 17th October 2026
Time: 9.30am – 1.00pm

Attendees will receive:

• CPD certificate
• workshop slides

Ticket prices

Early bird: £30 until 30th June 2026
Standard ticket: £40 from 1st July 2026

Further information

If you would like to explore more attachment-based CPD, supervision or training opportunities, you’re welcome to visit:

Georgina Sturmer Counselling & Psychotherapy
Website: www.georginasturmer.co.uk
Instagram: instagram.com/georgina.attachment.therapy

Optima Health Services
Website: optimahealthservices.co.uk
Instagram: instagram.com/optima.attachment.training

If you have any questions about the workshop, or would like to check whether it feels suitable for where you are in your practice or training, you are very welcome to get in touch.