Attachment-Based Therapy

Our early attachment experiences with caregivers play a large role in our developmental trajectory, shaping the adults that we become. Negative early attachment experiences can hinder our ability to form secure relationships in later adulthood. The main goal of attachment-based therapy, therefore, is to address the negative effects of such early negative attachment experiences and work towards strengthening one’s capacity for secure relationships¹. As a trauma-informed approach, it focuses on the profound role of early interactions between child and adult caregivers². It involves examining and dissecting how early childhood experiences and dynamics with caregivers continue to manifest in your current interpersonal relationships³.

Attachment-based therapy recognizes that people with dysregulation in their attachment experiences can more easily find themselves in difficult interpersonal relationships³. For example, individuals with symptoms of an attachment disorder might struggle to make meaningful connections in their lives, find it difficult to be emotionally vulnerable, and have poor self-esteem³. A major focus of attachment-based therapy includes doing inner-child work, reconnecting with the person you were when you first experienced the attachment wound or trauma. The therapist helps you to re-parent that version of yourself with patience and compassion³. By changing the narrative from one of fear and expectations of abandonment or disappointment, to one of love and support, you can re-parent the wounded version of yourself to show up in your relationships more fully and to further recognize that you do not need to rely on others to fulfill your needs to live a satisfying and fulfilling life³.  

Strong early attachment is necessary for safety, security, and support, which helps children to develop healthy means of connecting to others. Without this strong early attachment, children can become fearful and insecure, which impacts how they relate to others in future relationships¹. As a trauma-informed model, attachment-based therapy aims to help people strengthen their relationships with themselves as well as others². Those with a history of abuse, trauma, or neglect may especially benefit from attachment-based therapy. Benefits of this approach include feeling more secure in oneself, improved emotional regulation, and healthier relationships with fewer conflicts².