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The Myth of Attachment Styles: What Real Science Tells Us

CE Hours 1.5

About this course

Join Sue Marriott LCSW CGP and Ann Kelley PhD, co-hosts of the top-ranked podcast "Therapist Uncensored," as they dismantle common misconceptions about attachment styles and reveal what current research actually tells us. This presentation challenges oversimplified attachment frameworks popularized on social media and explores the dynamic, context-dependent nature of attachment patterns. Discover how attachment theory has evolved beyond static categories, why secure attachment isn't simply about being "anxious" or "avoidant," and how understanding the neurobiology of attachment can transform therapeutic practice and personal relationships.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
1. Identify three myths about attachment styles that contradict current attachment research and relational neurobiology
2. Describe the attachment activation spectrum
3. Apply the spectrum concretely to real life and/or clinical practice

Learning Objectives

  • Identify three myths about attachment styles that contradict current attachment research and relational neurobiology.
  • Describe the attachment activation spectrum.
  • Apply the spectrum concretely to real life and/or clinical practice.

Learning Levels

  • Intermediate

Target Audience

This educational activity is intended for behavioral the general public as well as health professionals, including Psychologists, Social Workers, Counselors, and MFT's.

Course Instructor(s)

  • Sue Marriott, LCSW

    SUE MARRIOTT, LCSW, CGP: Sue Marriott is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Group Psychotherapist (CGP) based in Austin, Texas. She co-hosts "Therapist Uncensored," a top-10 ranked podcast in Apple's Social Science category with over 12 million downloads across 200+ countries. Sue is passionate about making attachment theory and relational neurobiology accessible while challenging systemic gatekeeping in mental health education.

  • Ann Kelley, PhD

    ANN KELLEY, PhD: Dr. Ann Kelley is a Clinical Psychologist and co-host of "Therapist Uncensored" alongside her wife, Sue Marriott. Together, they co-authored "Secure Relating: Holding Your Own in an Insecure World." With expertise in couples therapy, attachment theory and relational neurobiology, Ann brings depth and accessibility to complex psychological concepts. Together, they've created a body of work that reaches millions globally, focusing on secure attachment, trauma-informed approaches, and the intersection of neuroscience and relational healing.

Disclosure

DISCLOSURE OF RELEVANT FINANCIAL RELATIONSHIPS CE Learning Systems adheres to the ACCME’s Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Medical Education. Any individuals in a position to control the content of a CE activity ― including faculty, planners, reviewers, or others ― are required to disclose all relevant financial relationships with ineligible entities (formerly known as commercial interests). All relevant conflicts of interest have been mitigated prior to the commencement of the activity. The following relevant financial relationships have been disclosed by this activity’s planners, faculty, and the reviewer: PLANNERS AND REVIEWER The planners of this activity have reported that they have no relevant financial relationships. FACULTY The faculty of this activity have reported that they have no relevant financial relationships.

References

  • Dugan, K. A., Kunkel, J. J., Fraley, R. C., Simpson, J. A., McCormick, E. M., Bleil, M. E., ... & Roisman, G. I. (2025). A prospective longitudinal study of the associations between childhood and adolescent interpersonal experiences and adult attachment orientations. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1037/pspi0000502
  • Jacobsen, C. F., Falkenström, F., Castonguay, L., Nielsen, J., Lunn, S., Lauritzen, L., & Poulsen, S. (2024). The relationship between attachment needs, earned secure therapeutic attachment and outcome in adult psychotherapy. Journal of consulting and clinical psychology, 92(7), 410. https://doi.org/10.1037/ccp0000900
  • Agarwal, A., & Raj, R. (2025). Impact of Attachment Styles on Romantic Relationship Satisfaction, Psychological Well-Being and Anxiety. International Journal of Interdisciplinary Approaches in Psychology, 3(5), 1764-1773. https://psychopediajournals.com/index.php/ijiap/article/view/1008
  • Bock, S. (2025). Attachment Theory in Adult Romantic Relationships: The Influence of Childhood Trauma on Adult Attachment Styles and Romantic Relationship Satisfaction. https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/honors/1511
  • Jackson, J. B., Yousefian Tehrani, F., Busby, D. M., & Codecà, L. (2025). Adult insecure attachment styles, neuroticism, and dating relationship quality. Contemporary Family Therapy, 1-17. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10591-025-09746-y
  • Whybrow, A., Turner, E., McLean, J., & Hawkins, P. (2022). Ecological and climate-conscious coaching: A companion guide to evolving coaching practice. Routledge.
  • Turecki, J. (2025). It begins with You: The 9 hard truths about love that will change your life.
  • Epley, N. (2026). A little more social: How small choices can make us happier, healthier, and better connected. New York, NY: Knopf Doubleday.

CE Process Info

Content

  • Webinar Video
    1 parts
    • 1.5 Hour Webinar
  • Slides PDF
    1 parts
    • Webinar Slides

  • Joint Accreditation (JA)

    In support of improving patient care, CE Learning Systems is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

  • American Psychological Association (APA)

    Continuing Education (CE) credits for psychologists are provided through the co-sponsorship of the American Psychological Association (APA) Office of Continuing Education in Psychology (CEP). The APA CEP office maintains responsibility for the content of the programs.

  • New York Education Department's State Board for Social Work (NYEDSW)

    CE Learning Systems, LLC  (d/b/a impactce.com) is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #0060.

  • New York Education Department for Licensed Mental Health Counselors (NYSEDLMHC)

    CE Learning Systems, LLC  (d/b/a impactce.com) is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #MHC-0072.

  • New York State Education Department's State Board for Psychology (NYEDPSY)

    CE Learning Systems, LLC  (d/b/a impactce.com) is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #PSY-0016.

  • New York Education Department's State Board for Marriage and Family Therapy (NYEDMFT)

    CE Learning Systems, LLC  (d/b/a impactce.com) is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Marriage and Family Therapy as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #MFT-0045.

The Myth of Attachment Styles: What Real Science Tells Us
You Have Completed This course
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  • CE Hours
    1.5
  • Type
    Self-Paced
  • Publication Date
    Mar 17th, 2026
  • Access Period
    1 Days

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