Photo of Beaufort Counselling & Consulting, Counsellor in Comox, BC
Beaufort Counselling & Consulting
Counsellor, MA, MACP, RCC
Verified Verified
Comox, BC V9M
Anxiety and depression are common issues in my practice and they can be the underlying condition in many situations. They can affect relationships, parenting, work performance, family dynamics to name a few. Therapy can assist with problem solving and gaining a better understanding of the behaviours that are causing difficulties in life. Some of my work involves life coaching and I am also a divorce coach. I offer expertise and support in the overwhelming process of separation and the difficulties involved in supporting children through divorce and separation.
Anxiety and depression are common issues in my practice and they can be the underlying condition in many situations. They can affect relationships, parenting, work performance, family dynamics to name a few. Therapy can assist with problem solving and gaining a better understanding of the behaviours that are causing difficulties in life. Some of my work involves life coaching and I am also a divorce coach. I offer expertise and support in the overwhelming process of separation and the difficulties involved in supporting children through divorce and separation.
(778) 901-2282 View (778) 901-2282
Photo of Nicole Oliver, Registered Social Worker in Comox, BC
Nicole Oliver
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Comox, BC V9M
I am specialized in working with adults, treating complex trauma (C-PTSD), intergenerational trauma, and childhood attachment and relational injuries. In working with trauma survivors, I am also experienced in working with those living with depression, anxiety, persistent pain and substance use, which are often rooted in trauma. For the majority of my career, I have had tremendous opportunities and the honour to work with First Nations communities, from Six Nations of the Grand River Territory to Nuxalk Territory. I am trained in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, which is a somatic (body-based) therapeutic modality.
I am specialized in working with adults, treating complex trauma (C-PTSD), intergenerational trauma, and childhood attachment and relational injuries. In working with trauma survivors, I am also experienced in working with those living with depression, anxiety, persistent pain and substance use, which are often rooted in trauma. For the majority of my career, I have had tremendous opportunities and the honour to work with First Nations communities, from Six Nations of the Grand River Territory to Nuxalk Territory. I am trained in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, which is a somatic (body-based) therapeutic modality.
(431) 304-5776 View (431) 304-5776
Photo of Kelly McManus, Psychologist in Comox, BC
Kelly McManus
Psychologist, PhD, R, Psych
Verified Verified
Comox, BC V9M
Dr. Kelly McManus has a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and has been practicing for over 12 years in various mental health settings as a Psychologist and as Registered Clinical Counsellor. Dr. McManus also has a Masters Degree in Education. She works with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. She uses integrative, strengths-focused, evidenced-based therapy. Her education includes theory and practice in the major approaches in Psychology including Psychodynamic, Cognitive-Behavioural, and Narrative. Dr. McManus tailors her approach to your particular needs, goals, and preferences. Dr. McManus also takes ICBC and Veteran's Affairs clients.
Dr. Kelly McManus has a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and has been practicing for over 12 years in various mental health settings as a Psychologist and as Registered Clinical Counsellor. Dr. McManus also has a Masters Degree in Education. She works with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. She uses integrative, strengths-focused, evidenced-based therapy. Her education includes theory and practice in the major approaches in Psychology including Psychodynamic, Cognitive-Behavioural, and Narrative. Dr. McManus tailors her approach to your particular needs, goals, and preferences. Dr. McManus also takes ICBC and Veteran's Affairs clients.
(855) 463-2706 View (855) 463-2706
Photo of Rod Chant, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Comox, BC
Rod Chant
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, BSW, MSW, RCC, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Comox, BC V9M
Rod Chant is a family therapist experienced in working with couples, families and individuals. His approach includes recognizing unhealthy patterns of behaviour that can keep individuals and couples stuck, frustrated, sad and lonely. His expertise includes helping with managing such issues as anger, depression, anxiety, victimization, co-dependency and addiction, giving the support needed, and providing concrete solutions and tools that lead to more fulfilling life circumstances and relationships.
Rod Chant is a family therapist experienced in working with couples, families and individuals. His approach includes recognizing unhealthy patterns of behaviour that can keep individuals and couples stuck, frustrated, sad and lonely. His expertise includes helping with managing such issues as anger, depression, anxiety, victimization, co-dependency and addiction, giving the support needed, and providing concrete solutions and tools that lead to more fulfilling life circumstances and relationships.
(855) 758-9103 View (855) 758-9103
Photo of Madrona Wellness Centre, Counsellor in Comox, BC
Madrona Wellness Centre
Counsellor, MPCC, MTC, MTV, RCS
Verified Verified
Comox, BC V9M  (Online Only)
Megan is a Master Practitioner of Clinical Counselling (MPCC), a Registered Clinical Supervisor (RCS), and a Master Therapeutic Counsellor (MTC) with 28 years of experience. Megan also certified as: CCPCPR, RPC, & RTC. Megan takes a compassionate approach to therapy & healing the whole person. She helps clients dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, addictions, eating disorders, relationship issues, trauma, betrayal, abuse. Megan works with co-occurring disorders that can impact client goals. At the client’s pace, the embedded causes are explored while moving gently through the presenting problem.
Megan is a Master Practitioner of Clinical Counselling (MPCC), a Registered Clinical Supervisor (RCS), and a Master Therapeutic Counsellor (MTC) with 28 years of experience. Megan also certified as: CCPCPR, RPC, & RTC. Megan takes a compassionate approach to therapy & healing the whole person. She helps clients dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, addictions, eating disorders, relationship issues, trauma, betrayal, abuse. Megan works with co-occurring disorders that can impact client goals. At the client’s pace, the embedded causes are explored while moving gently through the presenting problem.
(587) 872-7044 View (587) 872-7044
Photo of Carruthers Counselling & Consulting, Counsellor in Comox, BC
Carruthers Counselling & Consulting
Counsellor, BA, MA, RCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Comox, BC V9M
I have been supporting children & youth, and their families for the past 17 years in public education. I facilitate workshops and also do group counselling. I have a strong background in special education, which means I often observe the behaviour(s) of children and youth, collaborate with them and their families, and implement/teach tools for alleviating a child's stress. I have experience as a clinician for Adult Mental Health & Addictions in both inpatient and outpatient care from the hospital. This has benefited early recognition and prevention.
I have been supporting children & youth, and their families for the past 17 years in public education. I facilitate workshops and also do group counselling. I have a strong background in special education, which means I often observe the behaviour(s) of children and youth, collaborate with them and their families, and implement/teach tools for alleviating a child's stress. I have experience as a clinician for Adult Mental Health & Addictions in both inpatient and outpatient care from the hospital. This has benefited early recognition and prevention.
(236) 301-0065 View (236) 301-0065
Photo of Chris Walford Counselling, Counsellor in Comox, BC
Chris Walford Counselling
Counsellor, MA , RCC, CCC
Verified Verified
Comox, BC V9M
"We are made wise not by the recollection of our past, but by the responsibility for our future." George Bernard Shaw-- While working together there is but one expert and, ultimately, one person responsible for your life. That person is you. I consider it an honour to work alongside people who are motivated for change and moving forward in life. As we are all very complex and unique I seek to help you identify and address your needs, challenges and goals from a respectful, positive and supportive role that is future focused.
"We are made wise not by the recollection of our past, but by the responsibility for our future." George Bernard Shaw-- While working together there is but one expert and, ultimately, one person responsible for your life. That person is you. I consider it an honour to work alongside people who are motivated for change and moving forward in life. As we are all very complex and unique I seek to help you identify and address your needs, challenges and goals from a respectful, positive and supportive role that is future focused.
(778) 902-8162 View (778) 902-8162

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Jennifer Boundy, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Comox, BC
Jennifer Boundy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Courtenay, BC V9N
Waitlist for new clients
jennifer draws on over 15yrs of experience providing counselling &practical supports to individuals &families navigating challenges such as life transitions, stress, anxiety &depression, trauma (including intergenerational trauma), systemic oppression, mental health diagnoses (psychosis, bipolar disorder, etc) &end of life. jennifer has worked in mental health, substance use &social services with diverse communities, including LGBTQQ2S+ folx, women, older adults, end of life, Indigenous folks, new immigrants &refugees. She is warm, positive, empathetic & collaborative **Pls note: NOT currently able to take couples**
jennifer draws on over 15yrs of experience providing counselling &practical supports to individuals &families navigating challenges such as life transitions, stress, anxiety &depression, trauma (including intergenerational trauma), systemic oppression, mental health diagnoses (psychosis, bipolar disorder, etc) &end of life. jennifer has worked in mental health, substance use &social services with diverse communities, including LGBTQQ2S+ folx, women, older adults, end of life, Indigenous folks, new immigrants &refugees. She is warm, positive, empathetic & collaborative **Pls note: NOT currently able to take couples**
(902) 907-3997 View (902) 907-3997
Photo of Mel Devine, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Comox, BC
Mel Devine
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MC, RSW, RCC, CST
Verified Verified
Courtenay, BC V9N
Not accepting new clients
Are you experiencing gender, sexuality and or relationship issues and need someone to help you navigate your way through? Are you looking for some support with psychedelic integration? If yes, I can help! Over the last two decades I have worked with folks living with HIV/AIDS, women who have experienced sexual trauma, the street community, the queer community, youth and families as well as youth involved in the criminal justice system and people living with significant mental health challenges.
Are you experiencing gender, sexuality and or relationship issues and need someone to help you navigate your way through? Are you looking for some support with psychedelic integration? If yes, I can help! Over the last two decades I have worked with folks living with HIV/AIDS, women who have experienced sexual trauma, the street community, the queer community, youth and families as well as youth involved in the criminal justice system and people living with significant mental health challenges.
(778) 907-4041 View (778) 907-4041

Online Therapists

Photo of Nicole Che, Counsellor in Comox, BC
Nicole Che
Counsellor, MC, RCC, MD, MBBCh
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Burnaby, BC V5H  (Online Only)
I use theories and techniques from emotionally focused therapy, attachment-based theory, acceptance and commitment therapy, CBT, DBT, and Gottman Couples Therapy to provide different perspectives, inform though-provoking question, and work through traumas.
Welcoming new clients for virtual appointments only! My areas of focus revolve around the relationship with self and others (friends, partners, families), life transitions, and grief and loss. We will work together to reconnect you with yourself and make sense of the world around you. My hope is to help you find understanding, acceptance and clarity so you can get unstuck and choose a way forward. My experience includes working with people struggling with anxiety and depression, grief and loss, relationship challenges, self-love, complex PTSD/trauma, family conflict, and personality disorders.
I use theories and techniques from emotionally focused therapy, attachment-based theory, acceptance and commitment therapy, CBT, DBT, and Gottman Couples Therapy to provide different perspectives, inform though-provoking question, and work through traumas.
Welcoming new clients for virtual appointments only! My areas of focus revolve around the relationship with self and others (friends, partners, families), life transitions, and grief and loss. We will work together to reconnect you with yourself and make sense of the world around you. My hope is to help you find understanding, acceptance and clarity so you can get unstuck and choose a way forward. My experience includes working with people struggling with anxiety and depression, grief and loss, relationship challenges, self-love, complex PTSD/trauma, family conflict, and personality disorders.
(672) 906-1325 View (672) 906-1325
Photo of Nelson Szeto, Counsellor in Comox, BC
Nelson Szeto
Counsellor, MCP, RCC-ACS
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Burnaby, BC V5H
Our approach is attachment-based, trauma-informed/sensitive, neuroscience/evidence-based with a focus on insight (emotion and cognitive awareness and shifts) and behavioural changes.
Our team aims to help you create and discover a life worth living for and have fulfilling relationships with yourself and with others. Living from a place of fear/anger/resentment right now might be impacting how you see the world every single day. It may also affect your relationships with your family members, partners, and/or children (young and adults), friends, even coworkers, and you need help to make sense of it all. Every day, you may experience conflict, lack of connection, fear of something, or other challenges that gets in the way of you finding that sense of belonging and ownership over your life.
Our approach is attachment-based, trauma-informed/sensitive, neuroscience/evidence-based with a focus on insight (emotion and cognitive awareness and shifts) and behavioural changes.
Our team aims to help you create and discover a life worth living for and have fulfilling relationships with yourself and with others. Living from a place of fear/anger/resentment right now might be impacting how you see the world every single day. It may also affect your relationships with your family members, partners, and/or children (young and adults), friends, even coworkers, and you need help to make sense of it all. Every day, you may experience conflict, lack of connection, fear of something, or other challenges that gets in the way of you finding that sense of belonging and ownership over your life.
(778) 716-3889 View (778) 716-3889
Photo of Ghazal Fakhr, Counsellor in Comox, BC
Ghazal Fakhr
Counsellor, MACPAT, RCC
Verified Verified
North Vancouver, BC V7M
I specialize in creating a customized blend of counselling techniques, drawing from DBT, CBT, REBT, ACT, MCBT, Attachment-Based Therapy, and EMDR.
I specialize in working with clients who experience depression and anxiety and have faced traumatic experiences, including childhood trauma. My clients often experience sadness or low mood, Excessive worry and fear, panic attacks, negative changes in thinking and mood, irritability, intrusive memories, and flashbacks. I customize my approach to meet the unique needs of each client to achieve the best outcomes.
I specialize in creating a customized blend of counselling techniques, drawing from DBT, CBT, REBT, ACT, MCBT, Attachment-Based Therapy, and EMDR.
I specialize in working with clients who experience depression and anxiety and have faced traumatic experiences, including childhood trauma. My clients often experience sadness or low mood, Excessive worry and fear, panic attacks, negative changes in thinking and mood, irritability, intrusive memories, and flashbacks. I customize my approach to meet the unique needs of each client to achieve the best outcomes.
(431) 244-5937 View (431) 244-5937
Photo of Nicole Puckering, Counsellor in Comox, BC
Nicole Puckering
Counsellor, BA CYC, MACP, RCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Nanaimo, BC V9R
I work from an attachment-based, values perspective using a trauma and culturally sensitive approach.
Are you finding that you feel stuck in the same negative thought patterns, or are struggling in your relationships? Is your lack of motivation or anxiety and depression spilling over in your day-to-day routine. Have you experienced a recent loss and are feeling lonely and hopelessness? These difficult emotions can be challenging to deal with daily and even harder to figure out the first step to a solution. I work with co-parents, couples, adults, adolescents, and children who are feeling overwhelmed in their daily life. Together we create goals by focusing on values and connection and by moving towards flexibility and acceptance.
I work from an attachment-based, values perspective using a trauma and culturally sensitive approach.
Are you finding that you feel stuck in the same negative thought patterns, or are struggling in your relationships? Is your lack of motivation or anxiety and depression spilling over in your day-to-day routine. Have you experienced a recent loss and are feeling lonely and hopelessness? These difficult emotions can be challenging to deal with daily and even harder to figure out the first step to a solution. I work with co-parents, couples, adults, adolescents, and children who are feeling overwhelmed in their daily life. Together we create goals by focusing on values and connection and by moving towards flexibility and acceptance.
(672) 572-0171 x203 View (672) 572-0171 x203
Photo of Maryam Ahmadi-Jafari, Counsellor in Comox, BC
Maryam Ahmadi-Jafari
Counsellor, BA, MCP, RCC
Verified Verified
Port Moody, BC V3H
I use a mixture of therapeutic modalities such as client-centered/strength-based approaches, attachment-based, mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical-behavioural therapy and emotion-focused approaches.
Hello, :) and Welcome :)  I am the Clinical Director of Conscious Mind Counselling & Consulting. I have a Masters degree in Clinical Counselling and I am Registered Clinical Counsellor (14287).  Are you feeling stuck, lost, conflicted about your life and the path that you are? You've come to the right place, I am here to help you gain more insight about yourself and your life and support you to a better quality of life. I have a passion for empowering clients to uncover their best selves. I believe that counselling should serve as a safe space that allows us to explore and discover our path to healing and transformation.
I use a mixture of therapeutic modalities such as client-centered/strength-based approaches, attachment-based, mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical-behavioural therapy and emotion-focused approaches.
Hello, :) and Welcome :)  I am the Clinical Director of Conscious Mind Counselling & Consulting. I have a Masters degree in Clinical Counselling and I am Registered Clinical Counsellor (14287).  Are you feeling stuck, lost, conflicted about your life and the path that you are? You've come to the right place, I am here to help you gain more insight about yourself and your life and support you to a better quality of life. I have a passion for empowering clients to uncover their best selves. I believe that counselling should serve as a safe space that allows us to explore and discover our path to healing and transformation.
(604) 229-3985 View (604) 229-3985
Photo of Caitlin Allen, Counsellor in Comox, BC
Caitlin Allen
Counsellor, MC, RCC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Squamish, BC V8B
Waitlist for new clients
Caitlin works from trauma-informed, culturally-safe, and attachment-based lenses incorporating multiple approaches, such as EMDR, CBT, DBT, and Synergetic Play Therapy.
Caitlin views counselling as a collaborative journey of support, growth, and transformation. She believes in the inherent resilience of all human beings and the innate capacity human beings possess to heal and overcome adversity. She supports children, youth, adults, and families to heal from traumatic experiences, process grief and loss, reduce mental health/psychiatric distress, work on childhood and family of origin issues, and explore relational challenges of abandonment/neglect. She is honoured to serve the Sea to Sky community seeing clients in-person at her office in Squamish.
Caitlin works from trauma-informed, culturally-safe, and attachment-based lenses incorporating multiple approaches, such as EMDR, CBT, DBT, and Synergetic Play Therapy.
Caitlin views counselling as a collaborative journey of support, growth, and transformation. She believes in the inherent resilience of all human beings and the innate capacity human beings possess to heal and overcome adversity. She supports children, youth, adults, and families to heal from traumatic experiences, process grief and loss, reduce mental health/psychiatric distress, work on childhood and family of origin issues, and explore relational challenges of abandonment/neglect. She is honoured to serve the Sea to Sky community seeing clients in-person at her office in Squamish.
(587) 417-6731 View (587) 417-6731
Photo of Tricia Jeranie, Counsellor in Comox, BC
Tricia Jeranie
Counsellor, RCC
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Coquitlam, BC V3B
Throughout our lifetime, moments, feelings, and changes weigh us down. It is hard to figure out how to free ourselves of this weight and how to move forward. I view counselling as a collaborative process that requires both an effort and a desire to work toward change. Some of my lived experiences include systemic racism, chronic pain, religious deconstruction, and marital transition. When I am not in the therapy room, you can find me at a local coffee shop or having a quiet night at home. I enjoy taking pictures with my film camera, painting, and spending time with those close to me.
Throughout our lifetime, moments, feelings, and changes weigh us down. It is hard to figure out how to free ourselves of this weight and how to move forward. I view counselling as a collaborative process that requires both an effort and a desire to work toward change. Some of my lived experiences include systemic racism, chronic pain, religious deconstruction, and marital transition. When I am not in the therapy room, you can find me at a local coffee shop or having a quiet night at home. I enjoy taking pictures with my film camera, painting, and spending time with those close to me.
(343) 801-4377 View (343) 801-4377
Photo of Vie Psychology, Inc., Psychologist in Comox, BC
Vie Psychology, Inc.
Psychologist, PhD, RPsych
Verified Verified
Coquitlam, BC V3B
Dr. Stephen Rochefort is a registered psychologist with a practice in forensic and clinical psychology. He offers professional psychological services based out of Coquitlam, British Columbia. Dr. Stephen provides assessment, treatment, and consultative services. He offers services to address a diverse range of concerns including anxiety, depression, phobias, grief, abuse, domestic violence, trauma, self-harm, suicidality, eating disorders, and personality disorders. In the forensic realm, Dr. Stephen offers risk assessment, psychological evaluation, and treatment services in the areas of criminal and civil forensics.
Dr. Stephen Rochefort is a registered psychologist with a practice in forensic and clinical psychology. He offers professional psychological services based out of Coquitlam, British Columbia. Dr. Stephen provides assessment, treatment, and consultative services. He offers services to address a diverse range of concerns including anxiety, depression, phobias, grief, abuse, domestic violence, trauma, self-harm, suicidality, eating disorders, and personality disorders. In the forensic realm, Dr. Stephen offers risk assessment, psychological evaluation, and treatment services in the areas of criminal and civil forensics.
(604) 554-0469 View (604) 554-0469
Photo of Stephanie McAlister, Counsellor in Comox, BC
Stephanie McAlister
Counsellor, MC, RCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Burnaby, BC V5G  (Online Only)
I am a registered clinical counsellor and have been working as a counsellor since 2020. I offer clients a supportive place to be heard, validated, and to personally reflect. I believe that there are many life experiences that bring individuals into counselling. I am looking for clients who want to see a change in their lives, want to better understand themselves, and who want to heal from the challenges life has thrown at them. I enjoy meeting my clients where they are at and supporting them along their journey. I work with adults, families, couples, and youth.
I am a registered clinical counsellor and have been working as a counsellor since 2020. I offer clients a supportive place to be heard, validated, and to personally reflect. I believe that there are many life experiences that bring individuals into counselling. I am looking for clients who want to see a change in their lives, want to better understand themselves, and who want to heal from the challenges life has thrown at them. I enjoy meeting my clients where they are at and supporting them along their journey. I work with adults, families, couples, and youth.
(450) 805-4441 View (450) 805-4441
Photo of Blue Onion Counselling, Counsellor in Comox, BC
Blue Onion Counselling
Counsellor, RPC-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Surrey, BC V3V  (Online Only)
Hello, my name is Christine Ellis and I am a registered counsellor with the Canadian Professional Counselling Association. I am also the creator of the How to Leave a Narcissistic Relationship Workshop Series. Do you feel anxious in relationships? Do you feel obsessed about a relationship in your life? Do you know the relationship you are in is not good for you and you stay anyway? Have you experienced a relationship that was abusive? Do you feel alone and need a safe space to process the challenging relationship in your life? Do you love someone with substance abuse disorder or addiction and wish they would just stop or get help?
Hello, my name is Christine Ellis and I am a registered counsellor with the Canadian Professional Counselling Association. I am also the creator of the How to Leave a Narcissistic Relationship Workshop Series. Do you feel anxious in relationships? Do you feel obsessed about a relationship in your life? Do you know the relationship you are in is not good for you and you stay anyway? Have you experienced a relationship that was abusive? Do you feel alone and need a safe space to process the challenging relationship in your life? Do you love someone with substance abuse disorder or addiction and wish they would just stop or get help?
(705) 996-7143 View (705) 996-7143
Photo of Ira (Ee-Ra) Yakubovitz, Registered Social Worker in Comox, BC
Ira (Ee-Ra) Yakubovitz
Registered Social Worker, MSW, Ira Yakubovitz, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V6K
Helping people to find their way through mid-life’s challenges and transitions. Life can be a wonderful mix of challenges and opportunities. Lately it may feel like mostly demands and responsibilities have been piling up on your plate, getting heavier by the day. You're doing your best to push through it, to show up– after all you have some life experience under your belt. You put your best efforts forward, but it’s not always clear how to navigate the challenges ahead. You find your mind spinning in circles around the question “how did I get here?”It might be quite overwhelming and lonely on this journey.
Helping people to find their way through mid-life’s challenges and transitions. Life can be a wonderful mix of challenges and opportunities. Lately it may feel like mostly demands and responsibilities have been piling up on your plate, getting heavier by the day. You're doing your best to push through it, to show up– after all you have some life experience under your belt. You put your best efforts forward, but it’s not always clear how to navigate the challenges ahead. You find your mind spinning in circles around the question “how did I get here?”It might be quite overwhelming and lonely on this journey.
(587) 804-0597 View (587) 804-0597

See more therapy options for Comox

Attachment-based Counsellors

Is attachment-based therapy the same as attachment therapy?

Attachment-based therapy may be confused with what is called “attachment therapy” (sometimes called “holding therapy”), a discredited and dangerous approach to treating children with attachment disorders, autism, or other mental health concerns. Attachment therapy—not attachment-based therapy—may involve restraining a child, forcing eye contact, and other coercive or abusive techniques. None of these practices are used in attachment-based therapy and the two modalities are in no way related.

What should I expect from attachment-based therapy?

Attachment-based therapy is based on attachment theory, which posits that children’s early relationships with their caregivers strongly influence their ability to navigate the world later in life. Thus, adults who seek attachment-based therapy should expect to deeply explore their childhood, identifying the dynamics or experiences that disrupted their attachment and the steps necessary to overcome challenges that arose as a result. Parents and children should expect to explore the possible factors that disrupted the parent-child relationship and work toward restoring trust and connection.

How long does attachment-based therapy last?

Certain forms of attachment-based therapy, especially those designed for parents and children, last for a set number of sessions; for example, Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-Up, a specific attachment-based approach for young children who have undergone early adversity, unfolds over 10 one-hour sessions. When attachment-based therapy is practiced on adults or combined with other modalities, it may not last a specific length of time; clients may wish to ask prospective therapists how long they expect treatment to take.

Does attachment-based therapy work?

Most of the research on attachment-based therapy focuses on children and adolescents. Some of this research shows a positive effect, especially for attachment-based family therapy (ABFT). Other studies, however, have found that attachment-based therapy is no more effective than other approaches to childhood depression, anxiety, or suicidality. Less is known about the therapy’s efficacy on adult populations.