Genetic Alliance's Focus on Attachment Theory and Practice

There are a number of reasons for Genetic Alliance's interest in attachment theory and practice, some of which I will highlight here and then look forward to future posts from you and others for additional thoughts on why to be so focused.

Why are we advocating the value of attachment theory and practice?

First of all, we recognize the importance of asking powerful questions as we hold the space for ourselves, the organization, and our community to develop and make a difference in the world.

The original attachment question, "Will you be there for me when I really need you?" is just such a question. Our modification of the question--orienting it towards our understanding of leadership, organizational growth, and system transformation--is "Will I be there for me when I need me and therefore will I be there for you when you need me?" It too is just such a question. There are not simple answers to these questions and yet using them as filters for making sense of ourselves and the world we live in enables us to fulfill our vision and mission.

Secondly, we recognize what's at stake.

This includes the lives of our loved ones. "Who am I here for? How much of me is there to be here when I am pulled by our child who is sick, my other children who need our attention, and my spouse who is having their own personal struggle with this (just as I am), as well as maintaining the whole of life?"

It includes the relationships with our loved ones who are affected by poor health. "I know I am needed at home to "be there" for my children, and yet I recognize how much I am needed at the hospital and the difference I do make when I'm there. How do I reconcile these many needs and be sure to take care of myself so that I can be there for everyone who needs me?"

It includes the systems which support and/or inhibit the health of the whole. "My friends and community consistently reveal their needs. Many of which I know how to meet and in my passion for the whole I want to meet. And yet, I know I cannot meet their deepest need of making it all OK in the end. They have to face themselves on that one and I know I risk "failing" them in their eyes because I cannot meet that deepest need. Ultimately I realize I have to face myself on this one, and who do I turn to consistently when so many of those around me turn to me?"

How do we anticipate using the conference to raise these questions and address what's at stake?

Hopefully there will be many more answers than these four I give. However, as a start...

First, we believe it will draw your attention to the value of the attachment bond in relationships, particularly when one or more individuals are facing distress, crisis, or isolation.

Second, we are offering you a framework for understanding one's own and others' attachment identities, needs, and styles as they affect health at multiple levels (including personal, interpersonal, organizational, community, system).

Third, we will provide you experiences of applying attachment practices as a means for improving health at these different levels.

Fourth, we will assist you in generalizing the value of attachment theory and practice across the whole of your life.

What results do we anticipate?

First, that you will gain insight and a mindset change with significant consequence for your health, and health at all of the multiple levels identified.

Second, you will find ways to change your individual and organizational behavior that will produce even greater benefits for all involved.

Third, together we will create ripple effects through word of mouth and reflections on the usefulness of what's been learned and applied.