Photo of Tamara Ukwu, Registered Social Worker in British Columbia
Tamara Ukwu
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, RCC, PhD abd
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V5P
I have over 15 years of experience providing therapy to individuals from a wide spectrum of cultural, socio-economic, ethnic, educational and other diversified (multicultural, multiracial and multiethnic) backgrounds. I work with adults, youth and families, experiencing difficult life transitions, stress, anxiety, anger, substance use, trauma, emotional dysregulation and depression. I am EMDR and DBT trained and specialize in ADHD work with kids and teenagers and eating disorders. My practice is person-centered, trauma-informed, collaborative, anti-oppressive and strength-based. I am CVAP, ICBC, EAP and FNHA-approved counsellor.
I have over 15 years of experience providing therapy to individuals from a wide spectrum of cultural, socio-economic, ethnic, educational and other diversified (multicultural, multiracial and multiethnic) backgrounds. I work with adults, youth and families, experiencing difficult life transitions, stress, anxiety, anger, substance use, trauma, emotional dysregulation and depression. I am EMDR and DBT trained and specialize in ADHD work with kids and teenagers and eating disorders. My practice is person-centered, trauma-informed, collaborative, anti-oppressive and strength-based. I am CVAP, ICBC, EAP and FNHA-approved counsellor.
(587) 804-0560 View (587) 804-0560
Photo of Sanela Jakovljev, Counsellor in British Columbia
Sanela Jakovljev
Counsellor, MC, RCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Richmond, BC V6V  (Online Only)
Are you sick of waking up to another day of pain? Tired of trying to explain spoon theory to people committed to misunderstanding you? Are you stuck in executive dysfunction or the overwhelm that comes with neurodivergence? Maybe you've been dismissed by the very professionals meant to help you? I specialize in supporting clients who are neurodivergent and/or living with chronic pain. Using my own lived experience, and drawing upon the principles of ACT, IFS and Somatic Experiencing, I help clients find new and meaningful ways to navigate life with pain and/or neurodivergence.
Are you sick of waking up to another day of pain? Tired of trying to explain spoon theory to people committed to misunderstanding you? Are you stuck in executive dysfunction or the overwhelm that comes with neurodivergence? Maybe you've been dismissed by the very professionals meant to help you? I specialize in supporting clients who are neurodivergent and/or living with chronic pain. Using my own lived experience, and drawing upon the principles of ACT, IFS and Somatic Experiencing, I help clients find new and meaningful ways to navigate life with pain and/or neurodivergence.
(343) 313-0575 View (343) 313-0575

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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.