Family Ties
Bringing the impact of intimate relationships to life using a new powerful tool: Family
Ties®. Family Ties® offers a practice-based, physical model that provides insights to
the connections and inner-working of intimate relationships. Based on attachment theory, the
metaphor of climbing a mountain is used to show the importance of secure attachment
relationships. It is designed to understand (complex) dynamics between and within people in
a simple way and it provides practical tools for change. Family Ties is a useful tool for
children, parents and loved ones surrounding them, for professionals working with families
and for teams mandated to make impactful decisions for minors and their parents.
The innovative model goes beyond words — it brings the impact of family dynamics to life by
demonstrating the emotional and psychological consequences when a child aligns with one
parent while rejecting the other. This powerful visual demonstration makes it clear which
responses and interventions are truly helpful, empowering individuals and families to make
informed decisions that support healing and reconnection.
The creators hope Family Ties will ease the climb for people experiencing these dynamics in
their personal or professional lives.
Eveline van Dorp studied Education and Child Studies in the Netherlands. For almost two
decades, she has worked as a behavioural scientist advising professionals in working with
families experiencing severe parenting problems. Eveline's work focuses on helping parents
and professionals to use a resilience-based approach to create a structural, face-saving way
for children to stop rejecting a parent after divorce. She uses attachment theory and modern
trauma theories to substantiate her work and training sessions. Together with Wessel
Brouwer (MD/PhD) she is the co-creator of 'Family Ties®', a dynamic model that visualizes
attachments and their effects on people. The model actively demonstrates the impact of
specific dynamics, and it provides practical tools for change.