Photo of Alexandra Elite-Marcandonatou, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 94609, CA
Alexandra Elite-Marcandonatou
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609
Not accepting new clients
PRACTICE CURRENTLY FULL. I provide psychotherapy to individuals utilizing a holistic approach that incorporates mindfulness-based therapy and is inspired by psychodynamic, somatic, + attachment theories. Using an integrative approach, treatment is customized to meet your individual needs + interests. We can work together to gain a deeper understanding of yourself, your relationships and the way in which you respond to the stresses, demands and challenges you experience in your life. Along these lines, you will have the opportunity to explore relational patterns that may be getting in the way of deeper satisfaction and joy.
PRACTICE CURRENTLY FULL. I provide psychotherapy to individuals utilizing a holistic approach that incorporates mindfulness-based therapy and is inspired by psychodynamic, somatic, + attachment theories. Using an integrative approach, treatment is customized to meet your individual needs + interests. We can work together to gain a deeper understanding of yourself, your relationships and the way in which you respond to the stresses, demands and challenges you experience in your life. Along these lines, you will have the opportunity to explore relational patterns that may be getting in the way of deeper satisfaction and joy.
(415) 969-7895 View (415) 969-7895

Attachment-based Therapists

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.