Therapists in British Columbia
Zachary Bruyere
Counsellor, MA, RCC
Verified Verified
Victoria, BC V8T
Drawing from a diverse toolkit that includes Somatic Experiencing, Narrative Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), attachment-based techniques, mindfulness practices, and a trauma-informed lens, I tailor my approach to meet each individual's unique needs.
As a Registered Clinical Counsellor, I am dedicated to offering a safe and nurturing space for individuals, aged 16 and above, to explore their experiences and rediscover inner peace, joy, love, and safety. Join me in a collaborative partnership towards healing and growth, where together, we can navigate challenges with empathy, insight, and unwavering support. I have experience in supporting individuals navigating Acute and Complex Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Stress, Life Transitions, Relationship Issues, Shame, and Male Masculinity Expectations.
Drawing from a diverse toolkit that includes Somatic Experiencing, Narrative Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), attachment-based techniques, mindfulness practices, and a trauma-informed lens, I tailor my approach to meet each individual's unique needs.
As a Registered Clinical Counsellor, I am dedicated to offering a safe and nurturing space for individuals, aged 16 and above, to explore their experiences and rediscover inner peace, joy, love, and safety. Join me in a collaborative partnership towards healing and growth, where together, we can navigate challenges with empathy, insight, and unwavering support. I have experience in supporting individuals navigating Acute and Complex Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Stress, Life Transitions, Relationship Issues, Shame, and Male Masculinity Expectations.
Alexandra Fuller
Counsellor, BA, MEd, RCC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Surrey, BC V3S
I operate from an attachment-based, emotion-focused, and trauma-informed framework.
Being human is beautifully weird, and painfully difficult. As a therapist, I am less interested in providing pat answers about this human experience, and more interested in creating shame-free spaces where we can lean into its mysteries and learn from it. I believe that therapy can be a transformational experience where we experience change as we are held and seen by another, and it is my great privilege to walk with those who are willing to share their stories with me.
I operate from an attachment-based, emotion-focused, and trauma-informed framework.
Being human is beautifully weird, and painfully difficult. As a therapist, I am less interested in providing pat answers about this human experience, and more interested in creating shame-free spaces where we can lean into its mysteries and learn from it. I believe that therapy can be a transformational experience where we experience change as we are held and seen by another, and it is my great privilege to walk with those who are willing to share their stories with me.
Lindi Setiloane
Counsellor, MA, RCC-ACS, CCC-S
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Coquitlam, BC V3B
With families, Lindi uses an attachment-based perspective to help parents find healthier and more effective ways to support children with complex behavioural issues and challenging communication patterns.
Lindi Setiloane is a Registered Clinical Counsellor. She provides evidence-based therapy to individuals, couples and families and has a broad range of experience working with issues such as, anxiety, stress, parenting challenges, behavioural problems, relationship concerns, and life transitions. Lindi offers strength-based therapy to those who are having difficulty expressing and/or managing emotions, experiencing adjustment issues, struggling with self-esteem, identity issues, impaired functioning, and lack of purpose or meaning in life.
With families, Lindi uses an attachment-based perspective to help parents find healthier and more effective ways to support children with complex behavioural issues and challenging communication patterns.
Lindi Setiloane is a Registered Clinical Counsellor. She provides evidence-based therapy to individuals, couples and families and has a broad range of experience working with issues such as, anxiety, stress, parenting challenges, behavioural problems, relationship concerns, and life transitions. Lindi offers strength-based therapy to those who are having difficulty expressing and/or managing emotions, experiencing adjustment issues, struggling with self-esteem, identity issues, impaired functioning, and lack of purpose or meaning in life.
SunRae Studio, Creative Wellness Center.
Art Therapist, BFA, DKATI
Verified Verified
Powell River, BC V8A
When words aren't enough. . . Art Therapy uses engagement in the creative process as a tool to encourage self-exploration, and is combined with more traditional forms of counselling/therapy. It is particularly beneficial when working with children, as younger people can be less comfortable or haven’t yet developed the capability of expressing themselves with words only. Action, creativity, imagination and play are naturally more familiar forms of expression and/or communication for children. Art Therapy accesses the above modalities.
When words aren't enough. . . Art Therapy uses engagement in the creative process as a tool to encourage self-exploration, and is combined with more traditional forms of counselling/therapy. It is particularly beneficial when working with children, as younger people can be less comfortable or haven’t yet developed the capability of expressing themselves with words only. Action, creativity, imagination and play are naturally more familiar forms of expression and/or communication for children. Art Therapy accesses the above modalities.
Sandy Kirkwood
Counsellor, MA, RCC
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V6Z
I use trauma-informed, attachment-based methods.
Hello and welcome! I hope I can be of service to you in your healing journey. My intention as a therapist is that you feel heard and understood as you expand your self-knowledge and move towards your goals. I bring curiosity, compassion, warmth and respect to this work. I view my role as that of co-inquirer into the larger perspective of what might be going on for you. Through deep and intuitive listening, I often find connections between your current situation and what might be truly at issue. We may look at learned patterns and coping methods that are no longer serving you. Some of those patterns may have come from unaddressed tr
I use trauma-informed, attachment-based methods.
Hello and welcome! I hope I can be of service to you in your healing journey. My intention as a therapist is that you feel heard and understood as you expand your self-knowledge and move towards your goals. I bring curiosity, compassion, warmth and respect to this work. I view my role as that of co-inquirer into the larger perspective of what might be going on for you. Through deep and intuitive listening, I often find connections between your current situation and what might be truly at issue. We may look at learned patterns and coping methods that are no longer serving you. Some of those patterns may have come from unaddressed tr
Nadia Neely
Counsellor, MCP, RCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
North Vancouver, BC V7P
I believe that cultivating self-awareness and gaining insight is a crucial first step in bringing about change and facilitating healing. By engaging in self-exploration and becoming more mindful, we can develop a deeper sense of presence in our lives. My approach is empathic, warm, respectful, and flexible. I strive to provide a safe and non-judgmental space for my clients to explore the challenges they face without fear of being judged. In my work, I am confident that my authenticity creates a collaborative environment where clients can tap into their inner strengths and resilience as they continue their journey toward healing.
I believe that cultivating self-awareness and gaining insight is a crucial first step in bringing about change and facilitating healing. By engaging in self-exploration and becoming more mindful, we can develop a deeper sense of presence in our lives. My approach is empathic, warm, respectful, and flexible. I strive to provide a safe and non-judgmental space for my clients to explore the challenges they face without fear of being judged. In my work, I am confident that my authenticity creates a collaborative environment where clients can tap into their inner strengths and resilience as they continue their journey toward healing.
Lucia Simoncicova
Counsellor, MA, RCC, RCAT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Victoria, BC V8V (Online Only)
Therapeutic modalities: Attachment-based therapies, Emotion-Focused Family Therapy and other Family Systems approaches, Art and Play therapy, Cognitive-Behavioural therapy, Grief Recovery Method, Interpersonal therapy, Trauma-Informed Approach, and Polyvagal Theory in Therapy.
Lucia Simoncicova, MA, is a Clinical Counsellor registered with BCACC. She is a Registered Art Therapist with CATA. Lucia has offered counselling in community mental health centres and in her private practice. She is passionate about working with adults, caregivers, children and teenagers. She offers treatment for a variety of concerns including emotional regulation, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, learning issues, trauma, and relationship issues. Lucia’s specialty is working with highly sensitive persons of any age. She enjoys offering support to carers via parental consultations.
Therapeutic modalities: Attachment-based therapies, Emotion-Focused Family Therapy and other Family Systems approaches, Art and Play therapy, Cognitive-Behavioural therapy, Grief Recovery Method, Interpersonal therapy, Trauma-Informed Approach, and Polyvagal Theory in Therapy.
Lucia Simoncicova, MA, is a Clinical Counsellor registered with BCACC. She is a Registered Art Therapist with CATA. Lucia has offered counselling in community mental health centres and in her private practice. She is passionate about working with adults, caregivers, children and teenagers. She offers treatment for a variety of concerns including emotional regulation, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, learning issues, trauma, and relationship issues. Lucia’s specialty is working with highly sensitive persons of any age. She enjoys offering support to carers via parental consultations.
Alyssa A. Morgan
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Vancouver, BC V6A (Online Only)
Do you feel like you are having trouble moving past a specific event or feel like you are engaging in destructive thinking patterns or behaviours? Therapy is a safe and confidential place where you can share your innermost thoughts and feelings without fear of being judged. My practice aims to highlight your strengths while finding solutions for unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours, helping you to move forward and thrive in the areas of your life which are most important to you.
Do you feel like you are having trouble moving past a specific event or feel like you are engaging in destructive thinking patterns or behaviours? Therapy is a safe and confidential place where you can share your innermost thoughts and feelings without fear of being judged. My practice aims to highlight your strengths while finding solutions for unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours, helping you to move forward and thrive in the areas of your life which are most important to you.
Brittany MacCartney
Counsellor, MCP, RCC
Verified Verified
Vancouver, BC V6Z
I specialize in sexual struggles and am training to be a sex therapist. I work with adults and adolescents on topics ranging from sex, sex work, sexuality, sexual dysfunctions, sex/porn "addiction", queer-identity, polyamory, life transitions, childhood trauma, medical trauma, panic/anxiety. I also work with couples and families drawing from Sue Johnson’s Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). Which features attachment based interventions grounded within finding empathy, compassion, and care for both yourself and your partner while creating new patterns of interacting.
I specialize in sexual struggles and am training to be a sex therapist. I work with adults and adolescents on topics ranging from sex, sex work, sexuality, sexual dysfunctions, sex/porn "addiction", queer-identity, polyamory, life transitions, childhood trauma, medical trauma, panic/anxiety. I also work with couples and families drawing from Sue Johnson’s Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). Which features attachment based interventions grounded within finding empathy, compassion, and care for both yourself and your partner while creating new patterns of interacting.
Lauren Gelfer
Counsellor, MC, RCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V5Y (Online Only)
I’m a registered clinical counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors, I have a Masters in Counselling Psychology, I’m trained in trauma-informed, somatic, relational, neuroscience, and attachment-based therapies and have a decade of experience in the field of mental health.
Hi! I’m Lauren (she/her). I’m here to help you heal, grow and thrive by tapping into the inner knowing and wisdom of your body and heart, and by encouraging you to step into your power and truth. The clients who seek me out are often on journeys of self discovery or facing life transitions that open up questions and possibilities about who they are, what matters most to them, and how they want to live. I was called to this work through my personal journey of owning my unique path in life, despite it being different than the societal expectations that I grew up with.
I’m a registered clinical counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors, I have a Masters in Counselling Psychology, I’m trained in trauma-informed, somatic, relational, neuroscience, and attachment-based therapies and have a decade of experience in the field of mental health.
Hi! I’m Lauren (she/her). I’m here to help you heal, grow and thrive by tapping into the inner knowing and wisdom of your body and heart, and by encouraging you to step into your power and truth. The clients who seek me out are often on journeys of self discovery or facing life transitions that open up questions and possibilities about who they are, what matters most to them, and how they want to live. I was called to this work through my personal journey of owning my unique path in life, despite it being different than the societal expectations that I grew up with.
Sarah Duncan
Counsellor, MA , RCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Duncan, BC V9L
When we work together it will be about supporting you in moving out of ways of being that no longer serve you in a helpful way and into a more connected, aware and preferred place. Collaboratively working to understand and shift the impacts that traumatic events have had on your life and building on your energy levels so that you can feel a deeper sense of ease, belonging and happiness. Be it parenting support, family therapy or individual youth and or adult sessions, together we can create a space that upholds your dignity and highlights your intrinsic strengths as we navigate changes together towards a more preferred sense of you.
When we work together it will be about supporting you in moving out of ways of being that no longer serve you in a helpful way and into a more connected, aware and preferred place. Collaboratively working to understand and shift the impacts that traumatic events have had on your life and building on your energy levels so that you can feel a deeper sense of ease, belonging and happiness. Be it parenting support, family therapy or individual youth and or adult sessions, together we can create a space that upholds your dignity and highlights your intrinsic strengths as we navigate changes together towards a more preferred sense of you.
15 Second Videos
Zachary Bruyere
SunRae Studio, Creative Wellness Center.
Axel McGown
Healing Quest Counselling
Angela Zhou
Lisa Shatzky
Laura Jean Gardham
Becky McGrath
Somatic Therapy: Mia Logie
Ben Bass
Corinna Killeen
Nova Mental Health
NeurAlive Counselling & Neurofeedback
Sarah Lambert
Trisha Miciano
Alison Marie Holland
Bernard Piprah
Brandi Woods
Dan Smith
Elyse Eden
Tara Watters
Ania Malewicz
Amanda Morazain
Linda Chang Liu
Lindsay Deane
Lisa Woolgar Counselling
Hai Ha
Strength Counselling Services
Jessica A Fukushima
Tarnia Pickard
Jenny Hsu
John Álvarez
Angela Ivy Leong
Vanessa Luis
Jocelyn Chang | Vancouver Counselling Clinic
Susan Jean Alexander
Samasati Kiya
Lauren Moore
Wellness North Counselling
Claire Yangxiezi Cao
Chloe McKinley
Peter Kok
Robyn Bryson
Leslie Sanderson
NW Books and Therapy
Jennifer Meikle
Chelly Keller
Helena Bryn-McLeod
Samantha Lee
Amy Kobelt
Axel McGown
Counsellor, RTC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Nelson, BC V1L
Are things feeling like a lot right now? It's tough out there. Whether you're struggling in your relationships, wondering what the heck a boundary is and how to create them, needing ways to cope with a really intense world, or wanting to trace a frustrating pattern and find new ways forward, you deserve support. I work with folks who are feeling stuck or overwhelmed to build resilience and choice. Using a somatic, attachment-based approach, I aim to create a space of care and acceptance for folks to name and feel feelings, map out unhelpful patterns, and practice new ways of navigating life’s challenges.
Are things feeling like a lot right now? It's tough out there. Whether you're struggling in your relationships, wondering what the heck a boundary is and how to create them, needing ways to cope with a really intense world, or wanting to trace a frustrating pattern and find new ways forward, you deserve support. I work with folks who are feeling stuck or overwhelmed to build resilience and choice. Using a somatic, attachment-based approach, I aim to create a space of care and acceptance for folks to name and feel feelings, map out unhelpful patterns, and practice new ways of navigating life’s challenges.
Otherside Health
Counsellor, MEd, RCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V5T (Online Only)
AEDP is an attachment-based, experiential treatment model ideally suited to address and treat relational trauma.
My work is relational, emotion-focused, and experiential. Relational means establishing a unique and real connection with people — i.e. not being a “blank slate” therapist. Emotion-focused means helping people pay attention to old emotional patterns that may no longer be serving them. Experiential means going beyond just talking about patterns. It means offering actual in-session experiences of doing things a different way — working together to form new and preferred patterns that are conducive to one’s therapy goal(s).
AEDP is an attachment-based, experiential treatment model ideally suited to address and treat relational trauma.
My work is relational, emotion-focused, and experiential. Relational means establishing a unique and real connection with people — i.e. not being a “blank slate” therapist. Emotion-focused means helping people pay attention to old emotional patterns that may no longer be serving them. Experiential means going beyond just talking about patterns. It means offering actual in-session experiences of doing things a different way — working together to form new and preferred patterns that are conducive to one’s therapy goal(s).
Healing Quest Counselling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, RCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Maple Ridge, BC V2X
My primary method of treatment is attachment-based EMDR.
If you’re feeling tired, stuck, and alone - struggling with issues from the past and worries about the future, know that healing IS possible. Being held back by anxiety, depression, or relationship issues causes unnecessary suffering. Together we can uncover and resolve sources of unhelpful patterns so you can adjust and move forward. Imagine - no longer feeling stuck, no longer believing something is deeply wrong with you. Imagine living fully.
My primary method of treatment is attachment-based EMDR.
If you’re feeling tired, stuck, and alone - struggling with issues from the past and worries about the future, know that healing IS possible. Being held back by anxiety, depression, or relationship issues causes unnecessary suffering. Together we can uncover and resolve sources of unhelpful patterns so you can adjust and move forward. Imagine - no longer feeling stuck, no longer believing something is deeply wrong with you. Imagine living fully.
Hameda Nyamekye
Counsellor, MC, CCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Surrey, BC V3S
I practice from a relational, attachment-based perspective and intentionally incorporate therapeutic approaches that support my clients as they navigate life’s challenges and work towards achieving their goals.
There is nothing more beautiful to me than the rawness of the human spirit. No matter who we are, where we are from or where we go next, we carry narratives about ourselves that impact our experiences and the way we show up in the world. Humans are social beings, which means that the condition of our relationships directly influences our quality of life & overall wellness. However, many of us were never taught the importance of nurturing a strong and healthy relationship with the self, first. Without this relationship, we may be left wondering who we are, what matters most, and how to let go of what no longer serves us.
I practice from a relational, attachment-based perspective and intentionally incorporate therapeutic approaches that support my clients as they navigate life’s challenges and work towards achieving their goals.
There is nothing more beautiful to me than the rawness of the human spirit. No matter who we are, where we are from or where we go next, we carry narratives about ourselves that impact our experiences and the way we show up in the world. Humans are social beings, which means that the condition of our relationships directly influences our quality of life & overall wellness. However, many of us were never taught the importance of nurturing a strong and healthy relationship with the self, first. Without this relationship, we may be left wondering who we are, what matters most, and how to let go of what no longer serves us.
Maggie Kenny
Counsellor, MCP, RCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V6E
With a passion for healing and a dedication to your well-being, I am a therapist and counsellor committed to creating a safe and nurturing space for your personal growth. My approach blends warmth with professionalism, ensuring that you will feel truly seen, heard, and accepted as we embark on your therapeutic journey together. Grounded in evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), and attachment-based techniques, I also integrate a nervous system and trauma-informed approach to provide holistic support.
With a passion for healing and a dedication to your well-being, I am a therapist and counsellor committed to creating a safe and nurturing space for your personal growth. My approach blends warmth with professionalism, ensuring that you will feel truly seen, heard, and accepted as we embark on your therapeutic journey together. Grounded in evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), and attachment-based techniques, I also integrate a nervous system and trauma-informed approach to provide holistic support.
Angela Zhou
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
Burnaby, BC V5H
Over the course of my education, I have had the honor to work with a range of individuals and couples through an attachment-based and trauma-informed framework.
I believe true healing comes from being heard, being known, and being seen; it is my deepest desire and privilege to come alongside another in this process. My name is Angela Zhou and I am currently an intern at Wishing Wells Counselling (located in Vancouver, British Columbia), completing my Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Trinity Western University. I provide counselling to individuals, couples, and families of all ages.
Over the course of my education, I have had the honor to work with a range of individuals and couples through an attachment-based and trauma-informed framework.
I believe true healing comes from being heard, being known, and being seen; it is my deepest desire and privilege to come alongside another in this process. My name is Angela Zhou and I am currently an intern at Wishing Wells Counselling (located in Vancouver, British Columbia), completing my Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Trinity Western University. I provide counselling to individuals, couples, and families of all ages.
Lisa Shatzky
Counsellor, MSW, RCC, ACS
Verified Verified
Powell River, BC V8A (Online Only)
I specialize in child and adult trauma, loss and grief, PTSD, addictions, sexual, physical and emotional abuse, anxiety, depression, life transitions, family-of-origin patterns, and crises of meaning, My approach is a gentle combination of Jungian psychodynamic therapy with meaning-centered, strength and attachment-based humanistic psychology.
I have been privileged to work as a psychotherapist for almost thirty years and continue to be in awe of the strength and resilience and wisdom inherent in each person I meet. My role as a psychotherapist is to help you access what is inside you and heal from what has prevented you from becoming the best version of yourself. Together we will transform loss and trauma and life transitions into new hope and possibilities for a life that is psychologically rich and rewarding. Therapy is a relationship with yourself where you re-discover and cultivate the real you. It's about wellness and vitality and creating a life you love.
I specialize in child and adult trauma, loss and grief, PTSD, addictions, sexual, physical and emotional abuse, anxiety, depression, life transitions, family-of-origin patterns, and crises of meaning, My approach is a gentle combination of Jungian psychodynamic therapy with meaning-centered, strength and attachment-based humanistic psychology.
I have been privileged to work as a psychotherapist for almost thirty years and continue to be in awe of the strength and resilience and wisdom inherent in each person I meet. My role as a psychotherapist is to help you access what is inside you and heal from what has prevented you from becoming the best version of yourself. Together we will transform loss and trauma and life transitions into new hope and possibilities for a life that is psychologically rich and rewarding. Therapy is a relationship with yourself where you re-discover and cultivate the real you. It's about wellness and vitality and creating a life you love.
Greater Vancouver Counselling
Counsellor, BA, MA, CCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Burnaby, BC V5E
Counsellor-Bryan Kim. People often seek out therapy when they are facing pain and uncertainty — as well they should — but working with a therapist doesn’t need to be something that only happens in a moment of crisis or at the breaking point of a relationship. Therapy is also ideal during times of transition when you simply need some extra support and perspective. You owe it to yourself to take time for focus and reflection. Emotional intelligence and healthy coping skills have extraordinary value, and you should consider therapy to be an investment in your own personal wisdom. You are the expert on your life.
Counsellor-Bryan Kim. People often seek out therapy when they are facing pain and uncertainty — as well they should — but working with a therapist doesn’t need to be something that only happens in a moment of crisis or at the breaking point of a relationship. Therapy is also ideal during times of transition when you simply need some extra support and perspective. You owe it to yourself to take time for focus and reflection. Emotional intelligence and healthy coping skills have extraordinary value, and you should consider therapy to be an investment in your own personal wisdom. You are the expert on your life.
Nicole Persall
Counsellor, MEd, RCC
Verified Verified
Vancouver, BC V6J (Online Only)
I tend to use attachment-based, trauma-informed, and somatic approaches in my work.
As a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), I offer online counselling to individual adults and couples facing issues such as anxiety, trauma, and relationship concerns. I help people understand how past experiences may have shaped their patterns and beliefs, and support learning new ways of relating to self and others that may increase connection, intimacy, and authenticity. I help clients learn things such as effective communication skills, how to set boundaries, how to manage stress and anxiety, and how to regulate their nervous systems so that they can navigate their daily lives with more ease and joy.
I tend to use attachment-based, trauma-informed, and somatic approaches in my work.
As a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), I offer online counselling to individual adults and couples facing issues such as anxiety, trauma, and relationship concerns. I help people understand how past experiences may have shaped their patterns and beliefs, and support learning new ways of relating to self and others that may increase connection, intimacy, and authenticity. I help clients learn things such as effective communication skills, how to set boundaries, how to manage stress and anxiety, and how to regulate their nervous systems so that they can navigate their daily lives with more ease and joy.
See more therapy options for British Columbia
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.