Therapist's Perceptions on Working with the Developmental Repair Model with Children Who Come from Disruptive Attachment Styles

The present study was designed to look at therapist's perceptions on working with the Developmental Repair Model developed by Dr. Anne Gearity (2005) with children who come from insecure or disruptive attachment styles. Nine clinicians from an agency in the Minneapolis area were interviewed for this qualitative study. Each research interview lasted approximately 30 minutes. All the questions focused on different areas of the Developmental Repair Model, and different aspects of working with the particular population. Findings suggest that clinicians must truly know oneself, be comfortable adapting and practicing the model and understand the importance of language, and how to use it with children. Furthermore, findings about the children suggest they need relationship consistency, chances to "fix it," new experiences, new learning opportunities, and co-regulation skills and eventually self-regulation skills. Implications of the study indicate the importance for relationship formation and connection, and the growing need for infant and children mental health services in our country.