This advanced training explores sibling trauma bonds in the context of trauma, neglect and family violence. Designed for professionals, the course supports attendees to recognise complex sibling dynamics, understand their developmental impact and respond using trauma-informed, relational and safety-focused approaches.
Live online events
Description
The Ties That Bind: Understanding the Sibling Trauma Bond is an advanced training programme designed for professionals working with children and young people affected by trauma, neglect, family violence and disrupted attachment relationships.
Sibling relationships can be a significant source of comfort, identity and attachment, but in the context of chronic adversity, these relationships can also become shaped by trauma, fear, role reversal and survival strategies. This course explores the complex dynamics of sibling trauma bonds and supports professionals to better understand, assess and respond to these presentations in a compassionate, trauma-aware and developmentally informed way.
Drawing on attachment theory, developmental trauma, neurobiology and clinical practice, the training examines how sibling trauma bonds may develop, how they can present within children and family systems and the impact they may have on emotional wellbeing, safety, behaviour and relationships.
The course combines psychoeducation, reflective discussion, case examples and practical strategies to help professionals strengthen assessment, intervention and decision-making when working with complex sibling dynamics.
Topics covered include:
- Understanding sibling trauma bonds and survival-based attachment dynamics
- Trauma, attachment and child development
- Recognising controlling, caregiving and submissive sibling patterns
- The impact of shared trauma and family adversity
- Safety, separation and placement considerations
- Trauma-aware assessment and intervention approaches
- Supporting healthy sibling relationships and relational repair
- Reflective practice, professional awareness and multi-agency collaboration
This training is suitable for social workers, therapists, clinicians, foster carers, residential staff, education professionals and other practitioners supporting children and families affected by trauma and attachment difficulties.
Prerequisites
This course is designed for professionals with some existing understanding of trauma, attachment and child development. It is suitable for practitioners working with children and young people affected by family violence, neglect, relational trauma or care experience, including social workers, clinicians, therapists, residential staff, foster carers and education professionals. Participants should be willing to engage in reflective discussion and consider the emotional impact of complex family dynamics.