Attachment Disorder

I'm back after a busy month. Vacations, etc. got in the way. The attachment disorder diagnosis continues to be a serious issue for many families. The new referrals continue. I do not spend a lot of time working with these families any more, but I still do what I can, although I know it's not enough.

I have seen a number of families helping each other out. I think those P-cwad and C-cwad ) (parents and caregivers of children with attachment disorder) can be very supportive to each other as you all share common experiences and one of the best supports is talking to others who live through it or are living with it, and also those who have seen improvements. I also have had several parents who have been willing to provide some respite for others. I only recommend the respite if I think the respite caregiver will follow a structured, tight childcare. NONE of my P-cwad and C-cwad have ever wanted the child to go away and come home worse!! Makes things worse at home and child then feels superior. Many things in the cwad realm are mysteries - I often say I don't know why and, again, we could go crazy trying to get in the minds of these children and trying to understand them with our minds. Sometimes it is best to let go, shrug your shoulders, say it "just is" but discipline

June 25 and here i am. It has been a busy time. This year I have been involved with a number of court cases this year. The need continues. I am hoping to provide services in different ways that I can reach more people, parents, professionals, etc. Parents continue to appreciate someone who understands, believes, offers some guidance, etc. I believe there is a difference in therapists who "say they understand attachment issues" and those who "truly understand attachment disorder behaviors." There are the shy, withdrawn people with attachment "fears" but the children I work with are those who have internalized many negative behaviors which push family members away, especially Mom. And these behaviors do not respond to more love and kindness. It calls for an alternative way of being and parenting. So many parents - P-CWAD - are so frustrated and lost because nothing is working, and because no one understands what they are doing and why they are

I continue adding to the blog. I wanted you all to know that I have set up a google group entitled kids with attachment disorder. It currently has no participants but it is brand new. Who knows where this will all go. As stated previously, I also have a website titled The Attachment Group.org. That's all for now!! In peace, Chris

1. I recently went to a hearing for a family who had charges filed against them because of their child. 2. I recently spoke to a police detective investigating a family for charges made against them - again, a child with RAD- 3. I recently consulted with juvenile state's attorneys re: a case in court - 4. I recently provided information to an elementary school who has a child they believe to have attachment disorder because of his behavior - **This school knew about the disorder because of a training I did in that district for social workers, psychologists, and other staff - 5. I recently received a new referral who heard about me from a school social worker who also had attended a different training I did for school social workers, etc. - This is all good news!! What if I hadn't been around? This does make me aware that I am accomplishing something, although this disorder leaves quite a wake. We all need to do what we can do. Peace, Chris

I find that I have clients come from everywhere for therapy for attachment disorder and the need is GREAT. I am hoping to provide more trainings through video and audio cd, so more people, such as school people, etc. can access this information and I hope to make that information more applicable to these populations specifically. Truly, I have had people drive 3 hours for my services because it is so important that they have the support of someone who understands and can validate the parents' experiences, especially those of the mother, as her experience is often different than those of the father. As I continue this blog, I hope to provide more information about all this. In Joy, Chris Appell, LCPC

I continue receiving requests from many clients seeking help with their children struggling with attachment disorder - rather the parents are suffering, as the children really don't care. I always enjoy helping as much as I can and I get refreshed by new clients. As I stated previously, I have made a difference as children have moved forward and families have stabilized. I am astounded by the severity and numbers of people experiencing the effects of attachment disorder in one way or another. I am hoping to come up with other ways to help and to affect larger numbers of people, as the need is global and the support is minimal. I have found that people have sought help from people who stated they worked with attachment disorder, but when attending the session, the therapist just didn't get it. That is why people are willing to drive 2/3/4 hours for help. I have begun to work in the schools because I could not do attachment therapy all the time, as it can be difficult, even with

I continue my work with children with attachment disorder and their families. My practice is reduced because of my other job, and I am now excited about new, exciting opportunities - is this what kids with ADHD feel like? There is so much to do and so much to get out there. I am hoping to create some cd's and DVD's for training and support purposes. I have had a number of new referrals of late and I also reflect on successes I have had with families and children. It is a very good feeling. I don't always realize that things are going better, so it is a process for me, also. Yes, there is hope. It may be a lengthy process, and rather than raising a child to a level of "10", you might get a child with attachment disorder and other disorders to a level of "6" or "7", but that is much better than a "2", which may be where we start.