Alpine Academy Therapists Gabriella Campbell, Brittany Bitters, and Hailey Cerise recently attended a conference specifically focused on Attachment Trauma. The ATTACh Conference (The Association for Training on Trauma and Attachment in Children) was held last month in Minneapolis, MN.

Attachment Trauma is a disruption in the important process of bonding between a baby or child and his or her primary caregiver. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood and the toxic stress from ACEs can change brain development and affect how the body responds to stress. Approximately one-third of Alpine Academy’s students are adopted. Many have experienced multiple ACEs and need help with attachment and adoption challenges.

The 3-day conference provided training on Attachment Theory and trauma-informed care as well as therapeutic techniques and strategies that enhance attachment, focus on resolving trauma, and assist children with emotional regulation and sensory modulation.

The ATTACh organization was founded in the late 1980s by Dr. Terry M. Levy for the purpose of providing a place for caregivers and professionals to educate and collaborate on the topic of attachment. For more information, visit https://attach.org/. Alpine Academy is a proud participant and supporter of the ATTACh organization.

About Alpine Academy

Alpine Academy Therapeutic Schools, state-licensed as residential treatment for adolescents, ages 12-18, includes two campuses – one for males and one for females. The 30+ acre, Utah campuses are just three miles apart and are only 30 minutes west of the Salt Lake City International Airport. Both campuses serve students struggling with severe emotional disturbances. Alpine is a fully accredited school with dual-endorsed teachers. Therapy, with master’s level clinicians, is built into the school day. Alpine is a nationally certified Teaching-Family Model treatment program. Students live in homes with married couples who provide a family-like setting and serve as professional house parents. Through a strength-based, trauma-informed, individualized approach, students are taught healthy behaviors in a setting that best replicates family, school, and community life. Contact: Jill McIntyre @ 801-815-4683 or jmcintyre@alpineacademy.org.