Three Attachment-Based Family Therapy Interventions You Can Use Tomorrow
Ever find yourself mid-session thinking, “Okay… what do I do next?” In this episode of The Gritty Mental Health Therapist, we kick off a “tomorrow-ready” series, complete with a FREE PDF download (grab yours HERE) just for you! As mental health therapists we know you want more confidence, more grit, and less imposter syndrome with practical interventions you can use right away. Because well, that's what we need too!
This month’s focus is attachment-based, relational work, because when clients are wounded in relationship, they often need to heal in relationship. Drawing from years of clinical experience and the Integrative Attachment Trauma Protocol (developed alongside Deb Wesselmann), we share three simple-but-powerful interventions that strengthen connection between kids, teens, and caregivers (and can be adapted for adult work too).
In this episode, you’ll learn 3 relational/attachment interventions you can use tomorrow:
Start every session with “What went well this week?”
A consistent opener that helps rewire the brain for glimmers, shifts the parent-child dynamic, and builds safety before tackling the hard stuff.The “Magical Cord of Love” (or Caring) exercise
A visual, somatic-friendly attachment tool that supports connection through separation anxiety, travel, bedtime struggles, and relationship ruptures—while staying clinically mindful about safety and stability.The “Old Photos” intervention
Invite families to bring in pictures from early connection points (or early memories) and narrate positive relational meaning, an often emotional, bonding practice that strengthens attachment and softens conflict cycles.
If you’re a therapist who wants concrete therapy interventions, attachment-informed tools, and a more grounded way to support families in session (without overcomplicating it), this episode is for you.
Mentioned in the episode:
Integrative Attachment Treatment Protocol (and related parenting resources)
Deb Dana’s concept of “glimmers” (as a cue for safety and connection)
Training and consistency: why these tools work best when repeated session-to-session. Don't forget to grab your FREE PDF download of the interventions covered in this episode.
Want to feel more confident using interventions like these?
We also share how therapists can build “gritty confidence” so tools don’t fall flat when it’s time to actually use them in the room.
THE GRITTY THERAPIST SHOP
More Resources Made For Therapists
A simple, in-the-moment reset for therapists when imposter syndrome shows up.
This free ACT-based tool guides you through awareness, connection, and grounded action so you can interrupt the spiral and return to presence in session.