Ever wondered why a supervisor’s quick "got a second?" sends one co-worker into a full-blown existential crisis, while another completely ignores the email? It turns out our early attachment templates follow us straight through the office doors and sit right at our desks!

In this episode of Relational Practice: A Social Work Podcast, hosts Dr. Jodie Park and Rose Mackey take a look at how adult attachment theory plays out in the wild world of social work and human services. We are diving into the quirky, relatable ways our internal working models of anxiety and avoidance show up when we're on the clock, shining a spotlight on everything from workplace dynamics to supervision style.

Whether you're navigating high-stress casework, managing a team, or just trying to survive your next group project, understanding your workplace attachment style is the ultimate cheat code for protecting your peace and preventing burnout.

In this episode, we explore:

· Attachment in the workplace: How secure, anxious, avoidant, and fearful-avoidant styles actually look during a typical workday.

· Boss Energy and Supervision: Why some leaders build a "secure base" while others slide into micromanagement or total ghosting.

· Decoding Client Dynamics: How spotting a client's attachment style helps you realize that "hostility" or "disengagement" isn't personal, it's just a self-protective strategy.

· Burnout, Boundaries, and You: How over-identifying with cases or putting up emotional walls impacts your energy levels.

· Building Psychological Safety: Simple, practical ways to use reflective supervision to build real trust and genuine connection at work.

Podcast Website: Visit relationalpracticeasocialworkpodcast.com.au for show notes, printables, and extra resources.

Get in Touch: Send your practice stories, feedback, or questions to Relationalpractice01@gmail.com or find us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Edited by Angus Pinkstone

Music by Hannah Park