Using the Adult Exploration of Attachment Interview (AEAI) to Break the Cycle of Intergenerational Trauma: Illustrations from a Family Reunification Program

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dc.contributor.authorAmos, J.
dc.contributor.authorTodd, B.
dc.contributor.authorGibson, B.
dc.contributor.authorCarpenter, S.
dc.contributor.authorMalvaso, C.G.
dc.contributor.authorDelfabbro, P.H.
dc.date.issued2022
dc.description.abstractFamily reunification is an area of high policy importance for child protection systems. The safe return of children from out-of-home care to their biological parents or relatives and long-term family preservation can potentially mitigate the subsequent detrimental effects of separating children from their families. In this paper we describe one type of family for whom reunification was considered; namely, families who have been affected by intergenerational trauma. To assist families affected by intergenerational trauma and abuse requires an understanding of the mechanisms and processes that maintain intergenerational trauma and how these might inform therapeutic approaches for working with children and their families. This paper utilises case studies to illustrate the use of the Adult Exploration of Attachment Interview (AEAI) as part of a broader therapeutic reunification program in an Australian state. The AEAI focuses on supporting parents to become aware of the impact of previous experiences in their childhood; the mitigation of feelings of shame, self-blame, and inadequacy by helping the parent confront the negative experiences of the past. The aim is to assist the parent to recognise the significance of the past, to consolidate their strengths, and to develop more nurturing relationships with their children. Case illustrations demonstrate that this therapy was a component in addressing the causes of behaviour and psychological distress that had been barriers to reunification from care in two families. This was achieved through a process of reflection and self-awareness, rather than one focused on guilt or shame, with the therapist there to help verbalise and articulate what otherwise might have been hidden or implicit processes. In both cases, this awareness was used to help reframe the parent– child relationship and led to observable behavioural changes in parenting practices.
dc.description.statementofresponsibilityJackie Amos, Bryan Todd, Bryony Gibson, Samuel Carpenter, Catia G. Malvaso, and Paul H. Delfabbro
dc.identifier.citationAustralian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy: innovative and contextual approaches to human problems, 2022; 43(2):168-181
dc.identifier.doi10.1002/anzf.1490
dc.identifier.issn0814-723X
dc.identifier.issn1467-8438
dc.identifier.orcidMalvaso, C.G. [0000-0003-1227-5434]
dc.identifier.orcidDelfabbro, P.H. [0000-0002-0466-5611]
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/2440/146336
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherWiley
dc.rights© 2022 The Authors. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Australian Association of Family Therapy (AAFT). This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
dc.source.urihttps://doi.org/10.1002/anzf.1490
dc.subjectreunification; intergenerational trauma; therapy; child protection
dc.titleUsing the Adult Exploration of Attachment Interview (AEAI) to Break the Cycle of Intergenerational Trauma: Illustrations from a Family Reunification Program
dc.typeJournal article
pubs.publication-statusPublished

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