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.

To do this, 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.