Attachment Based Therapy

Early attachment experiences with our primary caregivers shape the adult relationships that we develop. The goals of attachment-based psychotherapy are to address the effects of early attachment injuries and to strengthen the capacity for secure relationships in the present.

Poor attachment styles are strongly connected to trauma and oftentimes children and adolescents will turn to drugs and alcohol to cope with these problems. As a result, many children and adolescents will present with substance use disorders and mental health disorders when in reality these stem from unhealthy childhood attachments.

To help learn secure attachment, the therapist first establishes a safe, secure, therapeutic attachment relationship with the client and then within that relationship helps the client to elaborate and express the types of communications, emotions, perceptions, and behaviors that were impacted by formative relationships with attachment figures. As a result, the client becomes better able to communicate openly, accurately and to access more adaptive feelings, thoughts, and behaviors in his or her own life and relationships.

Early attachment wounding can impact relationships with significant others, children, friends, co-workers, and with self.  If you are interested in exploring your own attachment wounds and patterns, please contact us.