Breakout Session

Restoring Connection: Attachment-Based Interventions for Young Children and Parents Impacted by Trauma

Debra Wesselmann
Breakout Session F
Wed, Jun 17, 2026 | 10:20 - 11:20am CDT

Session overview

Track:

Trauma and Resiliency of the Developing Child

Audience level: 

Enhanced

Intended audience:

Anyone who interacts directly with young children and/or their families

Session materials: 

This session does not have any session materials currently.

Session Description

Early trauma and disrupted attachments can derail healthy development, leading young children to struggle with mistrust, self-protection, and insecure attachment patterns. Parents often carry similar wounds from their own histories, which can make connection and co-regulation difficult. This session focuses on “holding the minds” of both parent and child—creating emotionally safe spaces and modeling secure-based responses to non-secure behaviors. Participants will learn practical methods, including the use of music and therapeutic storytelling, to foster connection, emotional healing, and stronger attachment relationships.

Learning objectives

  1.  Identify the 5 building blocks to secure attachment between young children and their parents or caregivers.
  2. Name at least 3 characteristics of a reflective, attuned approach to interacting with young children and their parents.
  3. Identify 3 essential characteristics of an effective therapeutic story.
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