Attachment

Common Questions & Concerns: Transition and Attachment

In our ongoing series, Common Questions & Concerns, we address the challenges that parents often face as they help their children transition to their “new world,” learn to trust and development secure attachment:

Question: We returned home with our child (adopted internationally) about 3 weeks ago. We are finding the adjustment much more difficult than we expected. For example, she is nearly 10 months old and is still not sleeping through the night. In addition, she cries what seems like all the time and is very irritable and unhappy in general. Frankly, it is making it very difficult for us to feel bonded with her and we are growing frustrated and tired. What are we doing wrong and what should we consider in order to get things back to normal?

By Michael Monroe, ago

Children from Hard Places: What Everyone Needs to Know

“Children from Hard Places.” This is the phrase used by Dr. Purvis and others to describe children that have experienced some type of abuse, neglect or trauma during their lives (including prenatal exposure to substances or high levels stress, difficult labor or birth before or medical trauma). Obviously, this phrase applies to most children who were adopted or spent time in foster care.
audio recording of this presentation (mp3 file)

By Dr. Karyn Purvis, ago

Dr. Purvis Lecture Series DVDs

Our desire is to make available highly relevant information and resources through this site and to do so free of charge. However, occasionally we share with you great resources which are only available for purchase. Such is the case with Dr. Purvis’ Lecture Series DVDs. This DVD series contains footage from campus lectures given by Dr. Purvis and can be ordered online. The cost is $60 per DVD (or $250 for the complete set of five DVDs) plus shipping.

By Dr. Karyn Purvis, ago

The Attachment Dance: How Abuse & Neglect Drive Attachment Problems

Over 100 people joined Texans Care at the Texas Capitol on October 3rd to hear Dr. Karyn Purvis speak on The Attachment Dance: How Abuse and Neglect Drive Attachment Problems.

Opening the presentation, Dr. Purvis analyzed drawings that children had made of their families and pointed out indicators that a child either feels a part of a healthy family unit or disconnected from other household members. She then explained the attachment cycle and how it affects a child behaviorally and neurochemically when he or she expresses a need that is met or, conversely, when that need is not met. The impact of this cycle on a child’s behavior, self-regulation, and mental health were discussed, as well as the importance of touch and sensory stimulation in forming healthy attachment between a baby and caregiver.

Click here to listen.

By Dr. Karyn Purvis, ago