Measuring attachment: using the ECR-R to inform IPT interventions

What is the ECR-R?

The Experiences in Close Relationships–Revised (ECR-R) scale is a 36 item questionnaire that identifies people’s attachment style through exploring how they feel in emotionally intimate relationships. The ECR-R is used extensively as a research tool and is widely available at no cost.

Who is the trainer?

Susan Howard is an IPT and IPT-G trainer and supervisor at the Surrey University IPT Centre. Susan pioneered the use of the ECR-R as a clinical tool in IPT at the IPT Centre in order to use an understanding of clients’ attachment styles to deliver more targeted and therefore effective therapy.

What areas will the training focus on?

You will learn how to deliver and interpret the ECR-R. The training will also revisit those principles of Attachment Theory that are relevant to understanding the role of attachment style in IPT.

What is the aim of the training?

The first aim is to ensure that you are familiar with the principles of Attachment Theory. The second aim is to facilitate you in using this standardised method of assessing attachment style in order to support and enhance your therapeutic work with clients.  

Understanding a client’s attachment style can inform understanding of communication patterns, needs and behaviours in both intimate relationships and the therapeutic relationship.

Who is eligible to attend this event?

This training is suitable for all practitioners, both those who are qualified and those still in training.