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
I am a firm believer in the mind, body, spirit connection, and as a result take a very holistic approach with my clients. This model emphasizes cultivating a warm and supportive environment, which creates the conditions necessary to facilitate the natural tendency of human beings to move toward wellness. It recognizes that the path to healing, joy and contentment, is an inward journey, which se...
I work with clients (children and adults) and who struggle with anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, trauma and self-injurious behaviors and other mental health concerns. I also offer marital counseling and parenting skills to help others improve their domestic and home life. I also support clients who experience additional needs due to chronic pain. I aid clients in recognizing...
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with many years of experience working with young children and their families. I am a bilingual native Spanish speaking and bicultural therapist. I offer my services to clients from Alameda, Oakland, San Leandro, and in general to the Hispanic community around the Bay Area. I do dyadic and family therapy, families dealing with divorce, co-parenting,...
Feeling Stuck? Unmotivated? Feeling Depressed? Anxious? I help clients re-focus quickly and find ways to gain awareness, improve outlook, and enhance healing so they can get on with their lives in the best, most constructive and positive way. I specialize in helping people solve problems and build new skills. I am interested in helping you get better and stay better, not just feel better...
A friend and colleague once wrote "I have known Debra since she took a position in 1994 as a Clinical Psychologist in our regional hospital. Physicians, nurses, and I were soon taken by her warmth, compassion, and ability to help others, even those with the most difficult of problems. She demonstrated an affinity for children, adolescents, and families, having an instinctual playful approach wi...
We all face moments (or months!) that test our foundations. At times, we encounter situations that are confusing, overwhelming, disappointing, frustrating, or painful. We find ourselves struggling. But there's good news: we don't have to navigate these situations alone. I am a therapist who will join you on the journey. You and I will work closely together to form a comfortable and collaborativ...
The road to inner freedom begins with the decision to not walk alone. Inviting the right support helps you gain insights to reach your goals and destiny. You may be dealing with past trauma, depression, anxiety, or low self-esteem, or looking to find a life-partner, preparing for marriage, or seeking to enrich existing relationships. Whatever your path, I invite you to reach out and let me walk...
Are you watching porn when you’ve tried to stop? Are you sexually “on” too much or all the time? Pursuing sexual encounters even when it violates your vows or values or it’s getting in the way of your work or other goals? These are sensitive issues and require a safe person to confide in but, if you can relate to this and your contemplating a change - call me - I can help. I’m a CSAT, Certified...
Hello and thank you for visiting my site. I'm a mature woman who has a passion for helping others obtain their best self. My experience is vast and successful including substance abuse, codependency, raising special needs children, couples work, anxiety and depression, trauma, as well as family and relationship issues. My schedule is six days a week and I also run substance abuse groups. Please...
Have you ever wished that you could skip a chapter of your life? The long months of feeling like no one was there or understood you, the shock and confusion you had when you learned your family was never going to be the same, the low self-confidence that haunted you in school? Just because you lived through a hardship doesn’t mean it has to be your only story. You can choose a new one! You can’...
I believe that relationships shape who we are and impact our behavior. When these relationships become challenging many areas of our lives are affected including school, home, work and individual wellbeing. I strive to create a safe therapeutic space where we can authentically explore those avenues and roadblocks so that each person can have a new experience of themselves and those around them....
Are you ready to feel emotional relief on your very first visit? Do you long to be understood and desire negative emotions and painful memories to lose their hold on you? Maybe you wonder when your needs will be met. If you long to experience fulfilling and satisfying relationships and need help navigating challenges you will find what you are looking for. It's time to enjoy greater happiness a...
I counsel an array of emotional and behavioral aspects including ADHD/ADD, depression, anxiety, anger management, men's issues, gender issues, health challenges and substance abuse. I believe that people can change and grow throughout their lifespan. Counseling can facilitate self understanding as well as understanding of others. My clients range from adults and older adolescents dealing with...
Eric Shanks LCSW is a Licensed Psychotherapist trained at Boston College. With 15 years of experience, and an ongoing commitment to actively pursue advanced education, he strives to be at the top of his profession. Eric is dedicated to helping patients reach their goals as efficiently and effectively as possible to obtain a higher level of overall life satisfaction. He provides direct,...
Is your child or adolescent having trouble at school, home, or in peer relationships? I specialize in helping children heal from any difficult situation, experience, or trauma. I believe that it takes a village to care for our children; my role is to be a part of that village. We as parents do the best we can, with what we know. I'm here to support you and your child into new insights and pathw...
