These videos are a series created by Holly van Gulden on “Constancy” and “Permanence” as it applies to child development. They are good for any parent to watch but should be of particular interest to parents of children who were adopted from foster care or internationally and those separated from their birth parents at any age. Children who experience trauma and as a result experience attachment struggles. Since 1985, Holly van Gulden has been teaching and counseling adoptive and foster parents and training adoption professionals. She has worked throughout the United States, England, Scotland, and Canada. In addition, for over fifteen years, she has co-directed Adoptive Family Counseling

This video launches a series on constancy and permanence and how these concepts shape child development. While all parents can benefit from these clips, they will especially resonate with those raising children adopted through foster care or international adoption. Many of these children have experienced trauma, which often leads to attachment challenges.

Since 1985, Holly van Gulden has trained adoption professionals and guided foster and adoptive parents. She has led workshops and counseling efforts across the United States, England, Scotland, and Canada. For more than fifteen years, she also co-directed the Adoptive Family Counseling Center.

We strongly recommend this series to educators and adoptive parents who want to better understand children navigating attachment and trauma-related challenges.

Complete Video Series

1. Introduction to Constancy and Permanence
2. What is Permanence?
3. What Causes the Absence of Permanence?
4. What Happens Without Permanence?
5. Video 5 (unavailable)
6. When Does Permanence Develop?
7. An Example of the Lack of Permanence
8. How Can You Build Permanence?
9. Exercises and Games for Permanence Reinforcement