Attachment-based Therapy

All humans need to feel loved. We need positive interactions with others, and desire lasting, supporting relationships. With a foundation in John Bowlby’s attachment theory, attachment-based therapy is a gentle approach that aims to illuminate your patterns of interacting with others in your life. After identifying the difficulties you are facing, this therapy helps you modify those aspects of your interpersonal functioning that may interfere with your ability to fully experience and enjoy love and closeness. The approach is highly interpersonal, emotionally-focused, and meant to aid you in understanding your past struggles to build better relationships in the present.

Attachment-based therapy is backed by research demonstrating its ability to effectively treat individuals, couples, and families. In fact, attachment-based family therapy (ABFT) is one of the most evidence-based methods of family therapy. This treatment is especially helpful for adolescents who are experiencing depression, engaging in self-harming behaviors, or are suicidal. ABFT helps build and strengthen the parent-child bond, allowing the youth to feel comfortable seeking help while also supporting their need for independence. The therapist will build a strong alliance with the family. Once the family feels comfortable, the therapist will help increase communication and improve supports at home.