What is Attachment-Based Therapy?

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Attachment-Based Therapy relies on John Bowlby’s Attachment Theory to inform the therapeutic process. Attachment Theory emphasizes the quality of an infant’s connection to its parent, most primarily its mother. If a child is adequately cared for and responded to, they will grow up to form healthy relationships. If a mother is too distant, unresponsive, or overly cautious, the infant is more likely to grow up to experience unhealthy relationships. Children must get adequate care and love to learn to trust others and themselves.

Attachment-Based Therapy’s goal is to help you rebuild the context of your relationships in more healthy, positive ways. Your therapist will show you openness, caring, and empathy. You can experience what a healthy relationship looks and feels like through this therapeutic relationship.

Although therapists can use it for individual or group therapy, you may benefit from Attachment-Based Therapy in a family therapy setting.

Your therapist will help you discover your particular attachment style based on your relationship with your parents and your early memories of family relationships. They also will explore your current relationship dynamics as they relate to your upbringing. With this understanding, you and your therapist can then begin to restructure your existing relationships based on a foundation of love and trust.

Therapists Who Specialize in Using Attachment-Based Therapy

Lucy McGirr

Seattle

Washington

I help clients stabilize and find hope through curiosity in their present moment experience. I primarily use Sensorimotor Psychotherapy. As a licensed therapist (Lic. # 60908111), I work from a dual trauma and attachment lens. My aim is to help you identify how your past is influencing your present and how to shift cognitive, emotional, behavioral and relational patterns. My approach is...

Lisa J Pierce

Seattle

Washington

Have you ever wondered why a misunderstanding or hurtful experience with someone important in your life produces such strong, painful emotions? Do you have memories of past traumatic experiences pop up and bite you on a regular basis? Would you like to have more fulfilling relationships? If your answer to any of these questions is “Yes,” I specialize in relationships and trauma. Relationships a...
My name is Shannon (she/her/hers). I believe in the power of hope and in trusting our inner wisdom to guide us through everyday life. I have a heart for working with individuals, couples, and families who are experiencing transition(s), with specialized training and experience working with adolescents and adults. I am genuinely honored to accompany people as they find their way through a wide...
One of the amazing aspects of therapy is that it provides a unique opportunity for people to have a space where the focus is on their needs and growth. Very few other spaces exist where your needs and well-being can be the priority. This is a key part of the healing power of therapy, which is why I believe it is so important you find a therapist who is a good fit for you. [DURING COVID-19: I am...

The Mother Birth

Portland

Oregon

Are you a new or expecting mother looking for support during this transitional time? Have you been (over)prepped for the birth of your child, but not for what happens after? The Mother Birth acknowledges that your baby is not the only one with a brand new life. If you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, I recommend booking a pre-baby session to prepare for your transition. If baby ha...

Vieve Pritchard

Portland

Oregon

I believe that we as individuals inherently hold the wisdom of who we are and what we need. As life happens we can forget the powerful beings we innately are and lose our sense of self. Sometimes we may fragment parts of ourselves due to relationships, insecurities, societal expectations, trauma and more. My goal is to create a warm and trusting environment to help you gain insight into why you...

Zhanna Gerlovina

Brooklyn

New York

My goal is to help people learn to trust themselves - to find mental and emotional clarity amongst deeply ingrained "shoulds" and "musts". My therapeutic style is warm, genuine, open and interactive. If you are trying to change a pattern or unhealthy cycle, I can help you explore underlying beliefs and narratives. And then, we can work at your pace to explore solutions to change and grow. In...

Vida Somatic Therapy

San Diego

California

Ask yourself the following questions: When was the last time you felt like yourself? Are you experiencing frightening pictures or memories that keep popping into your mind? Are you having trouble sleeping? Are you having stomach problems? Is your heart racing all the time? Do you feel like something bad is always going to happen? Do you feel numb and depressed? Are you feeling disconnected from...

Carly Kubochi

Sacramento

California

“So, why therapy?” is a question I get asked often. I myself have experienced struggles and pitfalls throughout my life and I can say without a doubt, I wouldn’t have made it through those difficult times without the support of my family and friends. However, not everyone is as fortunate to have a solid support system cheering them on during their darkest hours. Therefore, I believe it is...
I specialize in supporting clients who struggle with feeling connected to themselves and their loved ones, who feel lost, overwhelmed, or stuck. Low self-worth/esteem, unresolved pain or relationship issues, guilt, shame, and beliefs that keep you small, can be hard to change on your own. They often lead to symptoms of anxiety, depression, anger, over-functioning/perfectionism, or shutting down...
"I just don't get it, I've done everything, why can't you behave for me?" At some point you pictured life with your child 0 to 5 to be filled with "I love you so much", giggles and big hugs. Then reality of being a parent has struck and now your in constant battle with your 5 year old who is going on 16. You cannot make sense of what is going on in their little minds. Your child is looking to y...
If you are struggling with emotional pain that is confusing and/or seemingly uncontrollable and unpredictable, I may be a good fit for you. I frequently work with adults and college students who are struggling with anger, anxiety/panic, depression, relationship difficulties, sexual concerns, and distress related to family and life transitions. I also have significant experience working with...

Calli Cox

Murfreesboro

Tennessee

Feeling like you can no longer handle what life is throwing at you is one lo the loneliest and most isolating feelings. Feeling like you need help to do something about those feelings is terrifying. But, reaching out is one of the bravest and most courageous things you can do. I am here to reach back and help you along your journey of living a full life. I approach therapy with the understandin...
I am devoted to working with individuals who are curious about when and how their suffering and emotional distress began. In my work, I notice that such suffering is often the result of long established patterns of thinking and acting. Such patterns were at one time essential for the individual to cope with distress but with repetition and the accumulation of life experiences, they can become...
Do you feel constantly overwhelmed by the stress and heartbreak of everyday life (especially during COVID)? Does the pain you see at work, at school, or in your personal relationships threaten to steal your capacity for joy and peace? Have you experienced profound loss or trauma that makes it difficult to believe in any good in the world? Mark Epstein writes, "When we stop distancing ourselves...