Attachment Theory

Attachment theory, first developed by John Bowlby, is a psychology concept focused on the importance of attachment in relation to personal development. According to Bowlby’s theory, attachment is not a one-time event, but an ongoing process that begins at birth and continues through the first years of life. Fundamental to attachment theory is the belief that a child's relationship with the primary caregiver (usually the mother), affects their attachment style for the rest of their life. Unresolved or insecure attachment issues experienced in early childhood can have a negative impact on relationships into adulthood. A therapist who specializes in attachment theory can help.  Reach out to one of TherapyDen’s experts today!

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Your attachment style matters! Exploring my clients' behavior patterns with partners as well as their past experiences with caregivers can shed light on relationship problems and create a road map to healthier functioning.

— Jennifer Willoughby Sear, Associate Professional Counselor in Austin, TX

I utilize attachment theory to help us understand our positive and negative interpretations of life experiences. "Attachment is a deep and enduring emotional bond that connects one person to another across time and space (Ainsworth, 1973; Bowlby, 1969)." We will look at your childhood attachments and how the influence your life, your child's life, your partner's life now.

— Ashlei Lien, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in , CA
 

Attachment work originally began with John Bowlby and was defined as "lasting psychological connectedness between human beings." Attachment theory explains how the relationship between a parent and child emerges and how that relationship then influences an individual's development. I work with individuals to get a thorough understanding of their attachment development to understand more about what they may be encountering emotionally and cognitively; as individuals and within relationships.

— Jon Soileau, Licensed Professional Counselor in Kansas City, MO

Drawing from my extensive expertise in this orientation, I specialize in understanding and addressing how early attachment patterns influence current relationships and emotional well-being. By exploring the impact of attachment styles on individuals and couples, I guide clients toward developing healthier relational dynamics. My expertise in Attachment Theory allows me to create a safe and supportive space for clients to explore and transform their attachment patterns.

— Bella Ozdemir, Mental Health Counselor in Manhattan, NY
 

I'm trained in mentalization-based treatment (MBT), which is scientifically proven to improve the quality of attachments.

— Casey Lester, Psychiatrist in Menlo Park, CA

Working to understand your own attachment style can held you heal from past wounds and move through relationships with more self-awareness and confidence.

— Robin Roemer, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Angeles, CA
 

We are born utterly helpless. In order to get our basic needs met--for food, swaddling, sleep, basic comforts--we send out various signals. We learn very early which of these signals get results. These early lessons form the basis of attachment theory--that how we learned to relate to our first caregivers find echoes in how we relate to others. Four styles--secure, avoidant, anxious, and disorganized—inform a lifetime of behaviors and can be understood and transformed.

— Will Hector, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Madison, WI

This is the mainstay of what I do. We are born into relationship and these attachments that we find ourselves within can shape us as beings for many years to come. Often this means that we find discomfort within relationships later in life, yet we do not know why beyond perhaps a vague feeling that something isn't right. This, in turn, can lead to many of the issues that present within therapy. Thus, learning to be in new ways within relationships can be profoundly healing.

— Chris Perry, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Seattle, WA
 

From birth into each and every relationship, attachment theory informs how we feel loved and safe as well as what happens when we do not. From my academic studies in graduate school to me current clinical work, attachment theory informs my practice in evidence-based (e.g. The Gottman Institute's research) and relational applications.

— Grace (Bomar) Finn, Marriage & Family Therapist in Nashville, TN

I am trained in mentalization-based treatment (MBT), a modality based on the work of Peter Fonagy which is scientifically proven to improve the quality of attachments.

— Casey Lester, Psychiatrist in Menlo Park, CA
 

Our early life experiences in childhood sets the stage for our adult relationships. Our attachment style that develops as a result of our early life attachment experiences (e.g. with caregivers and other attachment figures) influences our thoughts, emotions, behaviors and outcomes in our adult relationships. This approach helps people understand and address past traumas and attachment wounds that often pertain to depression, anxiety, PTSD, and difficulty in relationships.

— Nancy Hillery-Lucas, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Our earliest relationships with caregivers and the ways we learned to get our needs met often manifest in our adult relationships. We'll examine your attachment style, whether it's anxious, avoidant, disorganized, or a combination, and explore ways to heal your attachment wounds.

— Heather Buchheim, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
 

I work collaboratively with partners, families and individuals who want to foster connection and form deeper, more loving relationships. I also work with parents to identify their struggles with parenting (be it a one time issue or an on going parenting struggle) and develop a plan to support the entire family system.

— Gina DeLeo, Marriage and Family Therapist Associate in Portland, OR

Fundamentally, I am an attachment theorist. I have extensively studied Interpersonal Neurobiology, and frequently use IPNB approaches in treatment. Our ability to regulate stems directly from the co-regulation we experienced (or did not experience) in early childhood, and affects our regulation and relationships today. In sessions we explore this relationship toward optimal relationships--internally and with others.

— kaseja wilder, Psychotherapist in Eugene, OR
 

I have taken courses in Gottman, Attachment methodology such as EFT.

— Karen Veintimilla Veintimilla, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in New York, NY

The way we were taught to relate to the primary people who provided us care when we were babies and children can shape how we act in relationships as adults. Establishing an understanding of how we connect with others in different contexts can help improve communication skills and expression of intention, which can improve the quality of relationships. I use individual family of origin history to help guide clients as they work on understanding their participation in relationships.

— Kendra Smith, Associate Professional Counselor in Portland, OR
 

Humans are wired for connection and relationship. Attachment wounds can impact feeling comfortable in relationships. Exploring your attachment identity can provide insight into how you navigate your interactions with others and working on developing more attachment security can improve your satisfaction in those relationships.

— Leah Logan, Clinical Social Worker in Boise, ID