In addition to attachment, there are several other important motivational systems that influence how we relate to others: collaboration, caregiving, play, competition/ ranking, and sexuality. When we function adaptively, these social motivational systems operate unconsciously in the background, shifting in seamless harmony according to the situation. However, traumatic stress can contribute to clients using certain motivational systems as a substitute for attachment in ways that are not adaptive.

Traumatized clients, whether suffering from complex trauma or PTSD, can become stuck in certain motivational systems, unable to shift easily when the situation calls for it. For example, they may use competition or sexuality as a substitute for attachment, when attachment is perceived as unhelpful or too dysregulating. These motivational systems influence the client’s goals, emotions, and perceptions, and play roles in maladaptive behaviours such as promiscuous sex, co-dependency, whether it is focused on humiliation and a sense of being “less than” others, or on the feeling of being unloved and abandoned.

Comprehending motivational systems is crucial for us, as therapists, so we can fully resolve traumatic impact on our clients. At this webinar with globally acclaimed expert on complex trauma, Kathy Steele, we will specifically explore the additional social systems that exist beyond attachment, and can impede recovery for our clients. Using a number of case examples, we will understand how the maladaptive use of particular motivational systems creates difficulties for our clients. Therapists will learn how to identify the motivational systems active in the client and how to work with them to shift to a more adaptive relational style. We will also pay attention to the motivational systems active in us, as therapists and how these can either help or hinder therapy.

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