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There is evidence that attachment style and clinical outcomes are related within Therapeutic Communities (TCs). This paper aims to examine any possible relationships between self-reported adult attachment style, therapy programme engagement and measures of psychological distress and dissociation on admission and discharge within a residential TC.

Ex-clients of the TC were contacted by post and invited to take part in this service evaluation. Additional data were sourced from a database of routinely collected outcome measures. Of 281 ex-clients, the final sample in this study was N = 32.

When attachment style is conceptualised dimensionally, participants identified most strongly with a fearful attachment style, and least with a preoccupied or secure style. A range of attachment styles were reported. A significant association was apparent between self-reported secure attachment and reduced levels of psychological distress upon discharge from the TC. The potential for changes in client attachment patterns following TC membership is discussed.

The small sample size and correlational nature of this study means that results should be interpreted cautiously. Nevertheless, results are of clinical relevance for inpatient or residential therapy programmes (including TCs). Such programmes should routinely assess client attachment style to ensure appropriate interventions and adaptions are implemented.

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, to date, this is the first known study to report on the relationship between self-reported adult attachment style and psychological outcomes specifically for women with self-defeating behaviours within a TC.

The purpose of this study is to identify leadership skills required for Associate Psychological Practitioners (APPs) working within primary care networks (PCNs).

An online questionnaire about current leadership opportunities and skill set was sent to APPs and leadership staff (clinical leads, PCN managers and clinical supervisors). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with APPs and leadership staff and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Questionnaire and interview data were combined, and themes mapped onto three competency constructs (knowledge, skills and abilities and personal characteristics).

The subthemes that were considered important leadership skills for APPs to possess included: knowledge of policies and procedures, shared vision and goals in PCNs and the roles, teams and connections within PCNs; skills in communication and partnership working, organisation and independence and the ability to reflect, adapt and challenge others; and personal characteristics such as assertiveness, confidence, resilience, being able to act in a professional and calm manner and to be engaged within their team and supportive of colleagues.

Clinical implications to promote leadership skills and opportunities for APPs working within PCN settings include additional training in leadership skills, risk management and policies and procedures; increased team meetings to aid communication; and further research and evaluation to explore career progression for APPs.