Attachment theory and therapy have established themselves as major constructs in foster care and adoption practice. The depth of the explanatory power of attachment theory and research have done much to both identify the source of developmental difficulties in adopted and fostered children, and of the significant changes that can be made when these children are placed with `autonomously' classified carers. However, the power of the concept has also led to a proliferation of ideas, particularly therapeutic models that can, in some cases, stray a long way from the core of what is effective, safe and ethical clinical practice. Holding therapy is one of these models. The British Association for Adoption and Fostering developed a position statement on this practice, setting it within a broader framework of assessment and intervention. But like the model, the development of the position statement became controversial in its development. The article charts some of the critical issues and identifies the very significant dilemmas for parents and carers caught up in the maelstrom of challenging behaviours and disturbing feelings. The conclusion turns to one of the key components of an attachment-based idea: The critical importance of finding the space to think and to feel what the child is communicating without resorting to dangerous retaliation.
Archer, C. (2000). Making holding time. Adoption UK, 54—68.
2.
Balbernie, R. (2001). Circuits and circumstances: The neurobiological consequences of early relationship experiences and how they shape later behaviour . Journal of Child Psychotherapy, 27(3), 237—255.
3.
Berlin, L., Ziv,Y.,Amaya-Jackson, L., & Greenburg, M. (2005). Enhancing early attachments: Theory, research, intervention and policy. London: Guilford Press.
4.
Bond, H. (2005). `If you don't stick with me, who will?' The challenges and rewards of foster care. London: BAAF.
5.
Bowlby, J. (1982). Attachment and loss. London : Hogarth Press
6.
Bowlby, J. (1988). Developmental psychiatry comes of age. American Journal of Psychiatry,145, 1—10.
7.
British Association for Adoption and Fostering. [BAAF]. (2006). Attachment disorders: Their assessment and intervention/treatment. Downloaded from http://www.baaf.org.uk/ about/believes/ps4.pdf.
8.
Cline, F.W. (1992). Hope for high risk and rage filled children. Evergreen, CO: EC Publications.
9.
Department for Education and Skills. [DfES]. (2004). Practice guidance on assessing the support needs of adoptive families. Nottingham: Author.
10.
Fonagy, P. (2001). Attachment theory and psychoanalysis. London: Karnac.
11.
Fonagy, P., Gergely, G., Jurist, E., & Target, M. (2002). Affect regluation, mentalization and the development of the self. New York: Other Press .
12.
Green, V. (2003). Emotional development in psychoanalysis, attachment theory and neuroscience. Hove: Brunner-Routledge.
13.
Hirst, M. (2005). Loving and living with traumatised children: Reflections by adoptive parents. London: BAAF .
14.
Hodges, J., Steele, M., Hillman, S., Henderson, K., & Kaniuk, J. (2003). Changes in attachment representations over the first year of adoptive placement: Narratives of maltreated children. Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 8(3), 351—367.
15.
Howe, D., & Fearnley, S. (1999). Disorders of attachment and attachment therapy . Adoption and Fostering, 23(2), 19—30.
16.
Hughes, D.A. (1998). Building the bonds of attachment: Awakening love in deeply troubled children. London: Jason Aronson.
17.
Kaniuk, J., Steele, M., & Hodges, J. (2004). Report on a longitudinal research project, exploring the development of attachments between hard-to-place children and their adopters over the first two years of placement. Adoption and Fostering , 28(2), 61—67.
18.
Kirkwood, A. (1993). The Leicestershire inquiry 1992. Leicester: Leicestershire County Council.
19.
Levy, A., & Kahan, B. (1991). The pindown experience and the protection of children . Stafford: Staffordshire County Council.
20.
Lyon C., & Pimor, A. (2005a). Carers' guide to physical interventions and the law. Kidderminster: BILD.
21.
Lyon C., & Pimor, A. (2005b). Physical interventions and the law. Kidderminster: BILD.
22.
Mercer, J., Sarner, L., & Rosa, L. (2003). Attachment therapy on trial. Westport, CT: Praeger.
23.
O'Connor, T., & Zeanah, C. (2003a). Attachment disorders: Assessment strategies and treatment approaches. Attachment andHuman Development, 5(3), 223—244.
24.
O'Connor, T., & Zeanah, C. (2003b). Current perspectives on attachment disorders: Rejoinder and synthesis. Attachment andHuman Development , 5(3), 321—326.
25.
Rushton, A., Mayes, D., Dance, C., & Quinton, D. (2003). Parenting late placed children: The development of new relationships and the challenge of behavioural problems. Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 8(3), 389—400.
26.
Sroufe, A., Egeland, B., Carlson, E., & Collins, W. (2005). The development of the person. London: Guilford Press.
27.
Welch, M. (1988). Holding time: How to eliminate conflict, temper tantrums, and sibling rivalry and raise happy, loving, successful children . New York: Simon & Schuster .
