COS Intensive Assessment January 2026

The COS-Intensive Assessment Training is designed to strengthen clinical skills in attachment assessment. This immersive, case-based course, offered in a new online format, is step 2 in the COS Training Pathway and spans approximately 60 hours over 6 months. This training is designed for licensed psychotherapists interested in becoming a COS-Intensive Provider though COSP Facilitators wishing to increase their understanding of attachment dynamics may also take the course. 

The COS-Intensive protocol is based on a comprehensive, individualized, and in-depth assessment of a dyad. COS-Intensive was developed and tested with high-risk clients, including those with significant trauma. The Assessment training equips clinicians with the tools and knowledge to effectively assess attachment dynamics within caregiver-child dyads. A key focus is identifying the "Linchpin Issue"—the core attachment challenge underlying relational difficulties—through video-analysis of an adapted Strange Situation Procedure and a narrative interview (the Circle of Security Interview) that is also recorded.  You’ll be introduced to the Core Sensitivities by taking the embedded Shark Music and Core Sensitivities course and learn how the core sensitivity influences a given caregiver’s shark music.