Photo of Esther Chu, Counsellor in British Columbia
Esther Chu
Counsellor, MA, RCC, CCC
Verified Verified
13 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V5R
My work is person-centred and holistic, grounded in an attachment-based framework supported by various therapeutic modalities such as experiential work, EMDR, narrative, internal family systems, DBT, and mindfulness.
When it comes to healing and/or pushing through challenges in life, it is normal to wish for someone to walk alongside you. My approach is guided by the understanding that we, as people, are a walking mosaic of our lived experiences as well as the experiences we did not receive. Whether your area of concern be surrounding mental health challenges, exploring the many parts of your identity that make you who you are, processing traumas, religious deconstruction, or learning new personal skills, I will join you on your journey towards clarity, understanding, and moving forward.
My work is person-centred and holistic, grounded in an attachment-based framework supported by various therapeutic modalities such as experiential work, EMDR, narrative, internal family systems, DBT, and mindfulness.
When it comes to healing and/or pushing through challenges in life, it is normal to wish for someone to walk alongside you. My approach is guided by the understanding that we, as people, are a walking mosaic of our lived experiences as well as the experiences we did not receive. Whether your area of concern be surrounding mental health challenges, exploring the many parts of your identity that make you who you are, processing traumas, religious deconstruction, or learning new personal skills, I will join you on your journey towards clarity, understanding, and moving forward.
(289) 302-8185 View (289) 302-8185
Photo of Hameda Nyamekye, Counsellor in British Columbia
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.
(343) 309-9893 View (343) 309-9893
Photo of Niki Connor, Counsellor in British Columbia
Niki Connor
Counsellor, MACP, RCC, RPC, BA Psyc
Verified Verified
Vernon, BC V1T  (Online Only)
Hello, I'm Niki, very nice to meet you. Chances are you are noticing that some things in your life just aren't working anymore. There are some life events that impact our emotional well-being. Sometimes they are easier to overcome than others. Those that are not easily managed can lead to prolonged mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, addiction, and others. In therapy, I can help you to work through the process of healing. I have a genuine and compassionate approach that I bring to each session. I hope to help you find emotional health.
Hello, I'm Niki, very nice to meet you. Chances are you are noticing that some things in your life just aren't working anymore. There are some life events that impact our emotional well-being. Sometimes they are easier to overcome than others. Those that are not easily managed can lead to prolonged mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, addiction, and others. In therapy, I can help you to work through the process of healing. I have a genuine and compassionate approach that I bring to each session. I hope to help you find emotional health.
(604) 260-0535 View (604) 260-0535
Photo of Nicole Shigeoka, Counsellor in British Columbia
Nicole Shigeoka
Counsellor, RCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kamloops, BC V2B
I take an attachment-based lens to help understand how your experiences have shaped you, pulling from various experiential modalities to personalize your experience.
While working with me, you’ll find that I take a gentle yet direct angle to help you move at your pace while giving an encouraging push to keep you on your path to healing and wholeness. I take a special focus in exploring how your past experiences impact your current life in a nonjudgmental and compassionate way. This often looks like examining how your trauma (big or small, it's all valid!) is still carried today. I aim to help you find the safety to let go of your burdens and find new ways that your system can work for you, based on the here and now instead of the past, through processing and integration of new patterns.
I take an attachment-based lens to help understand how your experiences have shaped you, pulling from various experiential modalities to personalize your experience.
While working with me, you’ll find that I take a gentle yet direct angle to help you move at your pace while giving an encouraging push to keep you on your path to healing and wholeness. I take a special focus in exploring how your past experiences impact your current life in a nonjudgmental and compassionate way. This often looks like examining how your trauma (big or small, it's all valid!) is still carried today. I aim to help you find the safety to let go of your burdens and find new ways that your system can work for you, based on the here and now instead of the past, through processing and integration of new patterns.
(506) 560-4088 View (506) 560-4088
Photo of Sarah Duncan, Counsellor in British Columbia
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.
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Photo of SunRae Studio, Creative Wellness Center. , Art Therapist in British Columbia
SunRae Studio, Creative Wellness Center.
Art Therapist, BFA, DKATI
Verified Verified
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.
(587) 742-1585 View (587) 742-1585
Photo of Virlyn Collantes, Registered Social Worker in British Columbia
Virlyn Collantes
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V6Z
In individual sessions, I use a combination of modalities from CBT, DBT, SFBT, Grief Therapy, Psychodynamic, and Attachment-based style.
I accept both British Columbia and Ontario clients for individual and couples therapy. I specialize in the following areas but not limited to: Relationship or Marriage Issues, Grief & Loss, Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Prenatal/Postpartum, Self-Esteem, Emotion Regulation, Trauma, and Life Transition. I’m a dedicated Registered Social Worker (RSW) practitioner associated with the British Columbia College of Social Workers and The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in Toronto, Ontario, followed by a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the Erikson Institute in Chicago.
In individual sessions, I use a combination of modalities from CBT, DBT, SFBT, Grief Therapy, Psychodynamic, and Attachment-based style.
I accept both British Columbia and Ontario clients for individual and couples therapy. I specialize in the following areas but not limited to: Relationship or Marriage Issues, Grief & Loss, Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Prenatal/Postpartum, Self-Esteem, Emotion Regulation, Trauma, and Life Transition. I’m a dedicated Registered Social Worker (RSW) practitioner associated with the British Columbia College of Social Workers and The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in Toronto, Ontario, followed by a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the Erikson Institute in Chicago.
(587) 804-0680 View (587) 804-0680
Photo of Amanda Bowers, Counsellor in British Columbia
Amanda Bowers
Counsellor, MCP, RCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Port Moody, BC V3H
Hi! I’m Amanda. I provide gentle, holistic, and compassionate care to people of a wide variety of ages and backgrounds. Do you find yourself feeling lonely amongst other people? Do you struggle with understanding why you feel the way you do? Do you want to feel more comfortable in yourself, understand your emotions, and feel internally more sturdy and aligned?
Hi! I’m Amanda. I provide gentle, holistic, and compassionate care to people of a wide variety of ages and backgrounds. Do you find yourself feeling lonely amongst other people? Do you struggle with understanding why you feel the way you do? Do you want to feel more comfortable in yourself, understand your emotions, and feel internally more sturdy and aligned?
(778) 488-0379 View (778) 488-0379
Photo of Caroline Wakelin, Counsellor in British Columbia
Caroline Wakelin
Counsellor, MC, RCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V5L
My approach is attachment-based, trauma-informed, client-centred, and considers the mind-body connection.
I'm a registered clinical counsellor with over 20 years of experience in the helping profession. I'm passionate about supporting clients to heal the relationship they have with themselves and others. If you are seeking meaningful change in your life, and long to feel more at home and fulfilled in yourself and your relationships I want to help. Whether you’re recovering from heartbreak, struggling to assert yourself in your most important relationships, having difficulty making decisions, or are overwhelmed by anxious thoughts and feelings, we'll work together towards your healing and growth.
My approach is attachment-based, trauma-informed, client-centred, and considers the mind-body connection.
I'm a registered clinical counsellor with over 20 years of experience in the helping profession. I'm passionate about supporting clients to heal the relationship they have with themselves and others. If you are seeking meaningful change in your life, and long to feel more at home and fulfilled in yourself and your relationships I want to help. Whether you’re recovering from heartbreak, struggling to assert yourself in your most important relationships, having difficulty making decisions, or are overwhelmed by anxious thoughts and feelings, we'll work together towards your healing and growth.
(249) 802-8691 View (249) 802-8691
Photo of Carmel Bennett, Registered Social Worker in British Columbia
Carmel Bennett
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Victoria, BC V8X  (Online Only)
My approach to trauma therapy weaves together experiential, attachment-based, and somatic techniques that emphasize the integration of mind, body, and spirit, including AEDP, EMDR, EFT and parts-work.
Welcome! I'm a registered social worker offering online psychotherapy across BC and Ontario. Specializing in trauma-focused therapy, I provide a supportive space for BIPOC, Queer, and Neurodiverse folks, but my door is open to all who connect with my values. My approach acknowledges the profound impacts of trauma and systemic injustice, while also valuing the richness and complexity of our experiences that exist alongside suffering. I aim to nurture a space where we address the pain of trauma and oppression, and actively reclaim the immense potential for joy, pleasure, beauty, and fulfillment in your life.
My approach to trauma therapy weaves together experiential, attachment-based, and somatic techniques that emphasize the integration of mind, body, and spirit, including AEDP, EMDR, EFT and parts-work.
Welcome! I'm a registered social worker offering online psychotherapy across BC and Ontario. Specializing in trauma-focused therapy, I provide a supportive space for BIPOC, Queer, and Neurodiverse folks, but my door is open to all who connect with my values. My approach acknowledges the profound impacts of trauma and systemic injustice, while also valuing the richness and complexity of our experiences that exist alongside suffering. I aim to nurture a space where we address the pain of trauma and oppression, and actively reclaim the immense potential for joy, pleasure, beauty, and fulfillment in your life.
(867) 888-0330 View (867) 888-0330
Photo of Joyce Yee, Counsellor in British Columbia
Joyce Yee
Counsellor, MAMFT, RCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Burnaby, BC V5H
Joyce’s clinical approach is through the attachment-based lens of Emotion Focused Therapy.
It is an honour and privilege to walk alongside people as they navigate times when they may feel pain, confusion, or stuckness. The values I bring into the counselling space are acceptance, an environment where safety can be felt, and collaborating with them to learn about how their distress is impacting them and working together with them in strengthening their sense of themselves and their relationships. In my work with my clients, I also value celebrating triumphs as they work towards being the person they want to be.
Joyce’s clinical approach is through the attachment-based lens of Emotion Focused Therapy.
It is an honour and privilege to walk alongside people as they navigate times when they may feel pain, confusion, or stuckness. The values I bring into the counselling space are acceptance, an environment where safety can be felt, and collaborating with them to learn about how their distress is impacting them and working together with them in strengthening their sense of themselves and their relationships. In my work with my clients, I also value celebrating triumphs as they work towards being the person they want to be.
(604) 337-0600 View (604) 337-0600
Photo of Sandy Kirkwood, Counsellor in British Columbia
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
(778) 719-6671 View (778) 719-6671
Photo of Becky McGrath, Counsellor in British Columbia
Becky McGrath
Counsellor, BEd, MC, RCC
Verified Verified
Vernon, BC V1T
I come from an attachment-based perspective and a person-centered approach helping you to access your external and internal resources.
Are you feeling stuck in a rut and coping with anxiety and/or depression and not sure how to move forward? Do you have (or are you) a youth or young adult who needs some support? Or are you someone who is struggling with infertility? These are all areas of expertise of mine, and I would like to help you (or your child) live a happier, more fulfilling life.
I come from an attachment-based perspective and a person-centered approach helping you to access your external and internal resources.
Are you feeling stuck in a rut and coping with anxiety and/or depression and not sure how to move forward? Do you have (or are you) a youth or young adult who needs some support? Or are you someone who is struggling with infertility? These are all areas of expertise of mine, and I would like to help you (or your child) live a happier, more fulfilling life.
(249) 294-1381 View (249) 294-1381
Photo of Mary Kam, Counsellor in British Columbia
Mary Kam
Counsellor, MSc, RCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Burnaby, BC V5H
My treatment approaches are based on Client-centred, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Family of Origin, Expressive Art and Attachment-based Theory.
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor since 2002 with BCACC. I understand that life is no perfect and challenges are along the way. With the belief that everyone has potential to thrive, my compassion, professional ethics, positive attitudes and over 25 years of counselling experiences have brought great commitment to my counselling career. I have worked with people from all walks of life, immigrants, refugees and international students for the past many years. And I am humble to have the privilege to be by their side during their challenging times.
My treatment approaches are based on Client-centred, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Family of Origin, Expressive Art and Attachment-based Theory.
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor since 2002 with BCACC. I understand that life is no perfect and challenges are along the way. With the belief that everyone has potential to thrive, my compassion, professional ethics, positive attitudes and over 25 years of counselling experiences have brought great commitment to my counselling career. I have worked with people from all walks of life, immigrants, refugees and international students for the past many years. And I am humble to have the privilege to be by their side during their challenging times.
(778) 745-3066 View (778) 745-3066
Photo of Nicole Che, Counsellor in British Columbia
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 Jessica McMahon, Counsellor in British Columbia
Jessica McMahon
Counsellor, MCP, RCC, CT
Verified Verified
Vancouver, BC V6C  (Online Only)
I believe that everybody & every body has a story. With this belief in mind, I'll work with you using a trauma-informed, integrative approach that focuses on relational, attachment-based somatic therapy as well as person-centered, narrative and emotionally focused therapy. I work with clients experiencing: Depression/anxiety, Chronic stress/burnout, Trauma, Birth and Reproductive trauma, Relationship challenges, Life transitions, and Grief/loss.
I believe that everybody & every body has a story. With this belief in mind, I'll work with you using a trauma-informed, integrative approach that focuses on relational, attachment-based somatic therapy as well as person-centered, narrative and emotionally focused therapy. I work with clients experiencing: Depression/anxiety, Chronic stress/burnout, Trauma, Birth and Reproductive trauma, Relationship challenges, Life transitions, and Grief/loss.
(604) 330-1227 View (604) 330-1227
Photo of Lauren Gelfer, Counsellor in British Columbia
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.
(819) 201-2077 View (819) 201-2077
Photo of Alexandra Fuller, Counsellor in British Columbia
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.
(236) 326-8935 View (236) 326-8935
Photo of Alyssa A. Morgan, Registered Social Worker in British Columbia
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.
(587) 596-0837 View (587) 596-0837
Photo of Nicole Persall, Counsellor in British Columbia
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.
(587) 844-0485 View (587) 844-0485

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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.