We are proud to be one of the first pilot sites for the ATTACH™ program which has since scaled internationally and has become a staple program at Radiance. ATTACH™ offered presently to women and their children here at Radiance, is a research-backed parental education program co-created by Dr. Nicole Letourneau and Dr. Martha Hart at the University of Calgary, geared at strengthening the parent’s capabilities and improving the child’s mental health. Through ATTACH™, we are promoting and strengthening the attachment between parent and child by teaching parents the important skill of reflective functioning. Our team is excited to be a pilot site for ATTACH™ for youth and online.
What is reflective functioning?
The ability to understand behaviour, including your own, by identifying underlying mental states such as feelings, desires and intentions behind the behaviour is defined as reflective functioning. Reflective functioning allows a parent to better understand the ‘why’ behind their child’s behaviour, rather than just labelling it as negative or positive. Parents who are able to practice reflective functioning promote secure attachment with their infant.
ATTACH™ sessions
ATTACH™ sessions are facilitated by Radiance team members who are trained in the ATTACH™ program. Both mother and child attend these sessions, that focus on helping parents to develop their reflective functioning skills so they can better reflect on their own feelings, as well as understand their child’s feelings and mental state. The target outcome for these sessions would be strengthening the bond between parent and child and growing the parent’s confidence and abilities. Through ATTACH™, parents become more confident in discussing feelings and are able to stay calm when negative feelings and stressful situations arise.
The benefits to the child
The mental health of a child is heavily influenced by their relationship and connection with their parent. By strengthening these bonds through the ATTACH™ program, we are equipping parents with tools to help their child feel more understood and facilitating positive conversations about thoughts and feelings. Propelling a parent’s capability to build attachment with their child will help improve the child’s mental health and development.