Research

Theoretical Basis and Guiding Principles

All of Gunawirra’s programs are committed to creating small models of excellence, grounded in the best of child development, psychoanalytic theory and effective response to trauma and neglect. We develop models which are highly researched, analysed, validated and capable of being widely disseminated to enhance their effectiveness for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families. Professionally designing unique, innovative and transformational programs will allow Gunawirra’s work to be replicated in widening circles of effectiveness.

Research Papers

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Attachment Theory

World literature no longer has any doubt that uninterrupted attachment and bonding gives the best outcomes in mental health. A wide range of issues that arise around poor attachment create mental concerns for the future. Our work mitigates powerfully against neglect, abandonment, disappointment, and exhaustion at the role of being a mother; its design specifically works for the kind of maturity motherhood requires.

Psychoanalytic Theory

Modern psychoanalytic theory pays special attention to the emerging understanding that childhood trauma, as well as severe adult trauma, can lead to an autistic cut-out or even a psychotic pocket where emotion can’t be experienced, pain can’t be suffered, meaning is lost, and there is a concretisation of experience and loss of capacity for reverie and empathy.

This syndrome is particularly destructive in some individual Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people where it is compounded by cultural disintegration; it parallels the loss of meaning and resilience experienced when the support of the Dreaming culture is lost. Psychotherapy and Group Therapy offered to mothers is cognisant of the connections between cultural destruction and individual pathology, which are linked and lead to an intergenerational cycle of trauma.

Social Leadership Theory

This element recognises that leadership is essential in all relationships with others. When young mothers succeed in improving their use of leadership practices, they enhance their contributions to their families and communities as well. Eventually they will be helping others to liberate the leader in themselves, too.

High Scope Method

The development of children through the experiences of creative representation, language and literacy, initiative and social relations, movement, music, numbers, space and time

Reggio Emilia Method

The development of children, through character building, development of communication skills, self-restraint, self-discipline and ethical behaviour through its five big ideas relating to health and hygiene, nutrition, dealing with trauma at home, identity and self-respect and our country our environment are integral to all that we do.