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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As an attachment therapist, I am well versed in the needs of babies and children and the ways these create trauma and future problems as adults. If our parents did not teach our brains how to regulate our emotions, we do not magically gain these skills later, and often experience trauma or anxiety as a result. In couples & parenting work I help couples/parents recognize and unlearn the attachment styles they learned as children showing up in their relationship to be effective partners & parents.

— Linnea Logas, Therapist in Minneapolis, MN

Through early attachments, we create a template that governs how we interact with others for the rest of our lives. This template can change, if we're lucky enough to find a loving relationship or if we work to change it in therapy. Too often, we're attracted to people who end up reinforcing old attachment wounds, which means that therapy is likely the pathway to healing for most people. I use a psychobiological approach to healing attachment woundings, to help you create a new template.

— Erika Laurentz, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Olympia, WA
 

I believe our early attachment experiences stick with us into adulthood and can mess things up for us pretty badly in our relationships if we don't heal and recover.

— Heather Lenox, Clinical Social Worker in Charlotte, NC

Attachment theory prioritizes relationships in your life as the main factor in determining your wellbeing. The level of closeness you felt growing up within your family as well as your support system now all impact your mental health. Attachment changes over our lifespan and even with difficult childhood experiences, we can learn to re-attach to ourselves and connect to others without fear of abandonment or rejection.

— Rachel Ruiz, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Folsom, CA
 

My treatment modalities are rooted in attachment theory and the idea that early life experiences do impact us as we move through life

— Bethany Thomas, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Minneapolis 55418, MN

Attachment therapy aims to help individuals who have issues with relationships stemming from childhood experiences such as neglect, abuse, or trauma. These experiences can affect a person's ability to form healthy and secure connections in adulthood, leading to problems like anxiety, depression, and difficulty in forming and maintaining close relationships. The goal is to help individuals develop a more secure attachment style, leading to better relationships and overall emotional well-being.

— Marla Mathisen, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Convenient and effective online relationship therapy in Park City, Salt Lake and everywhere across Utah, UT
 

In examining how your past has impacted the way in which you view others and how you interact in relationships, I use the relationship between you and I as a vehicle for change. My aim is to create a corrective experience for you and create a space where you can try out different ways of being and interacting with others, if you so choose.

— Christina Walthers, Therapist in Atlanta, GA

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 am trained in systems theory and apply attachment theory to my work with both individuals and partnerships. This means I dig deep into your history and patterns to get to the root of the hurts impacting your sense of safety in yourself and your relationships.

— Ginelle Guckenburg, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist in San Diego, CA

By combining the science of interpersonal neurobiology and child development with the art of relationship-building and secure connection, I help children move into a better state of integration. When there is integration there is regulation.

— Stacey Sampo, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
 

This theory focuses on exploring our early childhood attachment style, which has been created throughout our childhood with our caregivers. This attachment style lays a foundation for how we see the world and develop trust and is carried out into our future relationships with partners and close friends. I support clients by guiding them through a better understanding of their attachment style, as well as supporting clients to work through their past to a healthier attachment with others.

— Lisa Stoll, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Reno, NV

Attachment theory tells us that how we grew up, how we related to our caregivers effects us as adults. Through a process called compassionate inquiry we look at your childhood through new lenses to uncover what might be holding you back today. Some people come to therapy expecting to go to a couple of sessions until the counselor tells them what to do about their problem. I don’t do that. I do help guide you to your own answers.

— Christina Sheehan, Licensed Professional Counselor in Portland, OR
 

I have worked extensively with families where attachment trauma has impacted relationships and connectedness. I work with families to identify where attachment styles may be harming the relationship and addressing alternative approaches.

— Olivia Marks, Licensed Professional Counselor in Centennial, CO

Attachment therapy aims to help individuals who have issues with relationships stemming from childhood experiences such as neglect, abuse, or trauma. These experiences can affect a person's ability to form healthy and secure connections in adulthood, leading to problems like anxiety, depression, and difficulty in forming and maintaining close relationships. The goal is to help individuals develop a more secure attachment style, leading to better relationships and overall emotional well-being.

— Marla Mathisen, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Online sessions for individuals & couples across Florida, FL
 

Attachment therapy aims to help individuals who have issues with relationships stemming from childhood experiences such as neglect, abuse, or trauma. These experiences can affect a person's ability to form healthy and secure connections in adulthood, leading to problems like anxiety, depression, and difficulty in forming and maintaining close relationships. The goal is to help individuals develop a more secure attachment style, leading to better relationships and overall emotional well-being.

— Lauren Timkovich, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Denver, CO