Attachment-based Therapists in Serra Mesa, San Diego, CA

Photo of Dr. Janeth M Guzman, Marriage & Family Therapist in Serra Mesa, San Diego, CA
Dr. Janeth M Guzman
Marriage & Family Therapist, DMFT, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serra Mesa, San Diego, CA 92108
Waitlist for new clients
I approach therapy through a multicultural, attachment-based, and trauma-informed lens.
I believe that healing happens when we pay attention to all the parts that make us whole—our mind, body, and soul. My theoretical orientation is influenced by Family Systems, Attachment Theory, Emotionally-Focused, Humanistic-Experiential, and Narrative approaches to treatment. This means that we will be going on an emotional journey together in which I will use an eclectic combination of clinical theories and techniques to help guide my work. I believe that the lack of emotional awareness and avoiding uncomfortable emotions can cause harm to our mind, body, and soul. My hope is to help you get to know yourself better.
I approach therapy through a multicultural, attachment-based, and trauma-informed lens.
I believe that healing happens when we pay attention to all the parts that make us whole—our mind, body, and soul. My theoretical orientation is influenced by Family Systems, Attachment Theory, Emotionally-Focused, Humanistic-Experiential, and Narrative approaches to treatment. This means that we will be going on an emotional journey together in which I will use an eclectic combination of clinical theories and techniques to help guide my work. I believe that the lack of emotional awareness and avoiding uncomfortable emotions can cause harm to our mind, body, and soul. My hope is to help you get to know yourself better.
(619) 304-4035 View (619) 304-4035
Photo of Shari L Turner, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Serra Mesa, San Diego, CA
Shari L Turner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serra Mesa, San Diego, CA 92123  (Online Only)
Whatever suffering has brought you here, welcome. You may be exhausted from feeling “Never Good Enough”, overwhelmed with shame, worry or sadness, hopeless about things getting better…or just need a safe, supportive place to heal? I would be honored to help. My clients tell me they feel “heard", listened to without being judged and feel better able to cope. I'm passionate about helping people struggling due to Narcissistic Abuse, Trauma & complex PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, ADHD & Autism Neurodivergence, Relationship concerns, Suicidal thoughts, Borderline Personality traits, Alcohol & Drug problems, and LGBTQ / Diversity issues.
Whatever suffering has brought you here, welcome. You may be exhausted from feeling “Never Good Enough”, overwhelmed with shame, worry or sadness, hopeless about things getting better…or just need a safe, supportive place to heal? I would be honored to help. My clients tell me they feel “heard", listened to without being judged and feel better able to cope. I'm passionate about helping people struggling due to Narcissistic Abuse, Trauma & complex PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, ADHD & Autism Neurodivergence, Relationship concerns, Suicidal thoughts, Borderline Personality traits, Alcohol & Drug problems, and LGBTQ / Diversity issues.
(858) 251-6552 View (858) 251-6552
Photo of Myles Childs, Marriage & Family Therapist in Serra Mesa, San Diego, CA
Myles Childs
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serra Mesa, San Diego, CA 92123
Waitlist for new clients
Reaching out for help? In a time of need, it can be overwhelming. I want to commend you for acknowledging that you would like some support. Through individual, couple, family, group, and other relational therapy, I provide emotional and mental support to help my clients gain, regain, and maintain a healthy life. As a therapist of color, I'm intentional about creating a safe space where diversity and cultural differences are respected and valued. I'm passionate about my clients’ wellness and aim to provide clients with space and time to be their most authentic and unapologetic selves without fear of judgment.
Reaching out for help? In a time of need, it can be overwhelming. I want to commend you for acknowledging that you would like some support. Through individual, couple, family, group, and other relational therapy, I provide emotional and mental support to help my clients gain, regain, and maintain a healthy life. As a therapist of color, I'm intentional about creating a safe space where diversity and cultural differences are respected and valued. I'm passionate about my clients’ wellness and aim to provide clients with space and time to be their most authentic and unapologetic selves without fear of judgment.
(858) 758-8038 View (858) 758-8038
Photo of Dani Sowa (Formerly Graziano), Marriage & Family Therapist in Serra Mesa, San Diego, CA
Dani Sowa (Formerly Graziano)
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Serra Mesa, San Diego, CA 92108
Are you living in a perpetual state of unhappiness? Are you feeling frustrated or angry about the way life is going for you these days? Do you ever think that if you made a few changes you would be a much happier person? Change isn't easy, but it is possible. Contact me now and we can set up what I like to call your "Get Happy Hour". I work with individuals helping them navigate many different issues that may be causing them distress such as the impact of trauma, depression, navigating important and challenging relationships. I can help you get on your way to a happier you.
Are you living in a perpetual state of unhappiness? Are you feeling frustrated or angry about the way life is going for you these days? Do you ever think that if you made a few changes you would be a much happier person? Change isn't easy, but it is possible. Contact me now and we can set up what I like to call your "Get Happy Hour". I work with individuals helping them navigate many different issues that may be causing them distress such as the impact of trauma, depression, navigating important and challenging relationships. I can help you get on your way to a happier you.
(323) 248-9103 View (323) 248-9103
Photo of Judith (Jae) Davis, Pre-Licensed Professional in Serra Mesa, San Diego, CA
Judith (Jae) Davis
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, APCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serra Mesa, San Diego, CA 92123  (Online Only)
I am a culturally affirming Mental Health Therapist with over 10 yrs of experience in the field. I work with adults and young adults from diverse backgrounds, with a focus on underrepresented groups. We will identify your objectives, potential roadblocks, and strategies for overcoming them. I practice through a lens of self-compassion. My areas of expertise include, but are not limited to: Moms; life/career transitions; addiction; relationships; self-esteem; mood disorders; body image; and trauma. Therapy is a collaborative journey, and I'd like to work with you to improve the quality of your life and achieve mental well-being.
I am a culturally affirming Mental Health Therapist with over 10 yrs of experience in the field. I work with adults and young adults from diverse backgrounds, with a focus on underrepresented groups. We will identify your objectives, potential roadblocks, and strategies for overcoming them. I practice through a lens of self-compassion. My areas of expertise include, but are not limited to: Moms; life/career transitions; addiction; relationships; self-esteem; mood disorders; body image; and trauma. Therapy is a collaborative journey, and I'd like to work with you to improve the quality of your life and achieve mental well-being.
(619) 332-2292 View (619) 332-2292
Photo of Matthew H. Koch, Marriage & Family Therapist, Inc., Marriage & Family Therapist in Serra Mesa, San Diego, CA
Matthew H. Koch, Marriage & Family Therapist, Inc.
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Serra Mesa, San Diego, CA 92123
Confronting the challenges that accompany our lives can be daunting and result in a deviation from the expectations we have of ourselves and those with whom we interact. I am here to assist you in the process to heighten awareness and gain more meaningful and fulfilling experiences in your life through psychotherapy. I utilize the DAFT (Depth & Freedom Therapy) approach that combines various counseling theories and techniques, philosophical tenets, and spiritual teachings to collaborate with clients in order to strengthen individual identity while considering the impact of past experiences, modern day socio-cultural influences, and current personal issues.
Confronting the challenges that accompany our lives can be daunting and result in a deviation from the expectations we have of ourselves and those with whom we interact. I am here to assist you in the process to heighten awareness and gain more meaningful and fulfilling experiences in your life through psychotherapy. I utilize the DAFT (Depth & Freedom Therapy) approach that combines various counseling theories and techniques, philosophical tenets, and spiritual teachings to collaborate with clients in order to strengthen individual identity while considering the impact of past experiences, modern day socio-cultural influences, and current personal issues.
(619) 376-1244 View (619) 376-1244
Photo of Kristen Zimmermann, Associate Professional Clinical Counselor in Serra Mesa, San Diego, CA
Kristen Zimmermann
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, APCC, CCTS-I
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serra Mesa, San Diego, CA 92108  (Online Only)
Do you find yourself stuck in unwanted patterns? Are you overwhelmed with past experiences that seem to still be lingering? Are you wrestling with anxiety and difficult emotions? I believe that healing is possible! I believe so many of us stay stuck because we do not have the right support for healing. While having an outlet to talk or vent can be helpful, my approach involves working more directly with the root cause of the issue, which is stored in our nervous system. I enjoy helping client’s make sense of what’s going on, so we can compassionately resolve the identified problems and achieve their goals.
Do you find yourself stuck in unwanted patterns? Are you overwhelmed with past experiences that seem to still be lingering? Are you wrestling with anxiety and difficult emotions? I believe that healing is possible! I believe so many of us stay stuck because we do not have the right support for healing. While having an outlet to talk or vent can be helpful, my approach involves working more directly with the root cause of the issue, which is stored in our nervous system. I enjoy helping client’s make sense of what’s going on, so we can compassionately resolve the identified problems and achieve their goals.
(619) 639-8465 View (619) 639-8465
Photo of Brenda Stephens - Author - Founder - Therapist, Counselor in Serra Mesa, San Diego, CA
Brenda Stephens - Author - Founder - Therapist
Counselor, MS, LPCC, LMHC, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Serra Mesa, San Diego, CA 92123
Helping and guiding those who have experienced trauma, including the trauma of being in narcissistic or other toxic and antagonoistic relationships, is my focus as a therpaist. My training, skills, and tools are honed to help people heal from these experiences. With the use of Internal Family Systems (IFS), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), extensive training to treat all levels of dissociation (including DID), and regulating the nervous system to a more calm state, I can help my clients to manage the day to day much more effectively and start to live with more peace in their bodies and their lives.
Helping and guiding those who have experienced trauma, including the trauma of being in narcissistic or other toxic and antagonoistic relationships, is my focus as a therpaist. My training, skills, and tools are honed to help people heal from these experiences. With the use of Internal Family Systems (IFS), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), extensive training to treat all levels of dissociation (including DID), and regulating the nervous system to a more calm state, I can help my clients to manage the day to day much more effectively and start to live with more peace in their bodies and their lives.
(619) 304-4031 View (619) 304-4031
Photo of Renee Santos, Counselor in Serra Mesa, San Diego, CA
Renee Santos
Counselor, MEd, LMHC, LPCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Serra Mesa, San Diego, CA 92123  (Online Only)
I offer a safe and non-judgmental space to explore your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. If you want to achieve greater self-awareness and understanding, and develop the skills and insights necessary to make positive changes in your life, then let’s talk. I’d love to help you live a fulfilling and satisfying life, free from fear of discrimination or stigma, while cultivating healthy and fulfilling relationships that align with your values and desires. Additionally, if you are a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I want to provide you with a safe and affirming space.
I offer a safe and non-judgmental space to explore your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. If you want to achieve greater self-awareness and understanding, and develop the skills and insights necessary to make positive changes in your life, then let’s talk. I’d love to help you live a fulfilling and satisfying life, free from fear of discrimination or stigma, while cultivating healthy and fulfilling relationships that align with your values and desires. Additionally, if you are a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I want to provide you with a safe and affirming space.
(619) 494-1944 View (619) 494-1944
Photo of Matt Whitmore, Pre-Licensed Professional in Serra Mesa, San Diego, CA
Matt Whitmore
Pre-Licensed Professional, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serra Mesa, San Diego, CA 92123  (Online Only)
What I find to be meaningful about my work is the chance to sit with others, hear their unique stories, and collaboratively create long term goals that are in alignment with my client’s life’s purpose. As a therapist that specializes in positive psychology (the science of happiness), I enjoy exploring and reviewing my client's inner strengths and seeing how these strengths can be applied in their personal and professional lives. I use a unique combination of active listening, collaborating, and educating clients on some of the most important findings in the field of psychology today.
What I find to be meaningful about my work is the chance to sit with others, hear their unique stories, and collaboratively create long term goals that are in alignment with my client’s life’s purpose. As a therapist that specializes in positive psychology (the science of happiness), I enjoy exploring and reviewing my client's inner strengths and seeing how these strengths can be applied in their personal and professional lives. I use a unique combination of active listening, collaborating, and educating clients on some of the most important findings in the field of psychology today.
(619) 848-6303 View (619) 848-6303
Photo of Jennifer McDowell, Marriage & Family Therapist in Serra Mesa, San Diego, CA
Jennifer McDowell
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, BCBA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serra Mesa, San Diego, CA 92123  (Online Only)
Hi and welcome! My name is Jen and I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist and BCBA. I have 12 + years of experience facilitating support to Children, Adolescents, Individuals and Families as they work towards overcoming their personal mental health/behavioral challenges. Some of these challenges have included Anxiety/Panic, Depression, Issues with Self-Esteem/ Healthy Boundaries, Family Conflict, PTSD, Childhood Trauma, Insecure Attachment Styles, Parenting, Co-Dependency and difficulties managing ADHD/ASD.
Hi and welcome! My name is Jen and I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist and BCBA. I have 12 + years of experience facilitating support to Children, Adolescents, Individuals and Families as they work towards overcoming their personal mental health/behavioral challenges. Some of these challenges have included Anxiety/Panic, Depression, Issues with Self-Esteem/ Healthy Boundaries, Family Conflict, PTSD, Childhood Trauma, Insecure Attachment Styles, Parenting, Co-Dependency and difficulties managing ADHD/ASD.
(858) 264-2966 View (858) 264-2966
Photo of Selam Gebrekristos, Marriage & Family Therapist in Serra Mesa, San Diego, CA
Selam Gebrekristos
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MS
Verified Verified
Serra Mesa, San Diego, CA 92108  (Online Only)
I believe that we all need someone to talk with who really listen and accept us as we are, without judgement. I provide my clients with that warm, nonjudgmental environment—a safe place to explore the issues that may be preventing you from living the life you want. I have had the opportunity to work with clients from all parts of the world, from different cultures and with diverse ideas about parenting, marriage, love, sexuality, gender identity and spirituality. I pride myself on being straightforward and honest and aspire to help connect individuals with their preferred self.
I believe that we all need someone to talk with who really listen and accept us as we are, without judgement. I provide my clients with that warm, nonjudgmental environment—a safe place to explore the issues that may be preventing you from living the life you want. I have had the opportunity to work with clients from all parts of the world, from different cultures and with diverse ideas about parenting, marriage, love, sexuality, gender identity and spirituality. I pride myself on being straightforward and honest and aspire to help connect individuals with their preferred self.
(619) 566-7039 View (619) 566-7039
Photo of Colleen Mullen, Marriage & Family Therapist in Serra Mesa, San Diego, CA
Colleen Mullen
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Serra Mesa, San Diego, CA 92108  (Online Only)
Do you struggle between doing it all while also feeling like, "Why do I bother?" Life can be overwhelming. When you've been in "go mode" forever it's difficult to find time to even think about what you might actually want from your life. I have a deep understanding of the unique struggles faced by ambitious perfectionists. The constant pursuit of excellence can lead to burnout and strain on personal relationships. If you find it difficult to maintain a healthy work-life balance, and wnat to learn to manage the chaos in your life to feel more fulfilled and have more time for what makes you happy, call me.
Do you struggle between doing it all while also feeling like, "Why do I bother?" Life can be overwhelming. When you've been in "go mode" forever it's difficult to find time to even think about what you might actually want from your life. I have a deep understanding of the unique struggles faced by ambitious perfectionists. The constant pursuit of excellence can lead to burnout and strain on personal relationships. If you find it difficult to maintain a healthy work-life balance, and wnat to learn to manage the chaos in your life to feel more fulfilled and have more time for what makes you happy, call me.
(619) 881-0051 View (619) 881-0051
Photo of Gina Poltl, Marriage & Family Therapist in Serra Mesa, San Diego, CA
Gina Poltl
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serra Mesa, San Diego, CA 92123
"To the world you may be one person but to one person you may be the world"(Author unknown). When we are facing daily challenges in our lives, it can be difficult to see that we are loved, have a positive mindset, be grateful, feel good about ourselves, smile or have the motivation to do things which can negatively impact our daily functioning and relationships with others. My hope is that through therapy you will learn how to overcome these obstacles in order to become the best version of yourself and realize how important you are in this world.
"To the world you may be one person but to one person you may be the world"(Author unknown). When we are facing daily challenges in our lives, it can be difficult to see that we are loved, have a positive mindset, be grateful, feel good about ourselves, smile or have the motivation to do things which can negatively impact our daily functioning and relationships with others. My hope is that through therapy you will learn how to overcome these obstacles in order to become the best version of yourself and realize how important you are in this world.
(858) 504-6402 View (858) 504-6402
Photo of Melissa McCormick, Marriage & Family Therapist in Serra Mesa, San Diego, CA
Melissa McCormick
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serra Mesa, San Diego, CA 92108  (Online Only)
I am passionate about helping people who feel overwhelmed by their lives. We live at such a fast pace that we often do not have the space required to slow down to feel our emotions. When we are unable to connect with ourselves, symptoms like anxiety and depression increase. We need help connecting to our bodies, and regulating our nervous systems to slow down enough to move out of fight or flight and into the present moment. Doing so will make it possible to heal from our challenges like anxiety, depression, disordered eating, and chronic illness.
I am passionate about helping people who feel overwhelmed by their lives. We live at such a fast pace that we often do not have the space required to slow down to feel our emotions. When we are unable to connect with ourselves, symptoms like anxiety and depression increase. We need help connecting to our bodies, and regulating our nervous systems to slow down enough to move out of fight or flight and into the present moment. Doing so will make it possible to heal from our challenges like anxiety, depression, disordered eating, and chronic illness.
(619) 649-8023 View (619) 649-8023
Photo of Positive Psychology Inc./Dr.Taeko Uchino, Psychologist in Serra Mesa, San Diego, CA
Positive Psychology Inc./Dr.Taeko Uchino
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Serra Mesa, San Diego, CA 92123
Positive Psychology Inc. is a team of compassionate social justice-oriented psychologists committed to helping you find happiness and fulfillment in your life. Our focus is on enhancing your overall well-being, not just eliminating negatvity. We maintain that certain "disorders" only indicate diversity and help you live authentically. We can help you tap into your ancestral or cultural knowledge to find solutions and resources. We take insurance to make treatment accessible because we believe everyone is entitled to emotional well-being. At Positive Psychology Inc., we are committed to inclusivity, creating a safe space for all.
Positive Psychology Inc. is a team of compassionate social justice-oriented psychologists committed to helping you find happiness and fulfillment in your life. Our focus is on enhancing your overall well-being, not just eliminating negatvity. We maintain that certain "disorders" only indicate diversity and help you live authentically. We can help you tap into your ancestral or cultural knowledge to find solutions and resources. We take insurance to make treatment accessible because we believe everyone is entitled to emotional well-being. At Positive Psychology Inc., we are committed to inclusivity, creating a safe space for all.
(619) 332-5158 View (619) 332-5158
Photo of Tamara Halperin, Psychologist in Serra Mesa, San Diego, CA
Tamara Halperin
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Serra Mesa, San Diego, CA 92123  (Online Only)
Life can be stressful for adults, and children too. I specialize in working with youth, families, and adults to process their past traumatic events and childhood abuse. I utilize a cognitive behavioral, integrative approach, with a trauma informed lens and an emphasis on evidence-based therapies. I know that it can be difficult to talk about these events. That is why in therapy we will work at your pace to identify the impact that your trauma has had on your daily functioning. You will learn skills that help you express and regulate your feelings, challenge negative thinking patterns, and build healthy relationships.
Life can be stressful for adults, and children too. I specialize in working with youth, families, and adults to process their past traumatic events and childhood abuse. I utilize a cognitive behavioral, integrative approach, with a trauma informed lens and an emphasis on evidence-based therapies. I know that it can be difficult to talk about these events. That is why in therapy we will work at your pace to identify the impact that your trauma has had on your daily functioning. You will learn skills that help you express and regulate your feelings, challenge negative thinking patterns, and build healthy relationships.
(858) 203-9019 View (858) 203-9019
Photo of Ian Witter, Marriage & Family Therapist in Serra Mesa, San Diego, CA
Ian Witter
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Serra Mesa, San Diego, CA 92108
Relationships can be wonderful at the best of times, and downright painful at the worst of times. How well do you understand your reactions in these distressed moments? Your partner's? Do you feel out of control? Do you feel disconnected? These are just two ways that people can respond to relational distress. I can help you to slow down in these moments to help you express yourself in a way that is congruent, and most importantly, in a way that lets you be heard by your partner, family, co-workers, and yourself.
Relationships can be wonderful at the best of times, and downright painful at the worst of times. How well do you understand your reactions in these distressed moments? Your partner's? Do you feel out of control? Do you feel disconnected? These are just two ways that people can respond to relational distress. I can help you to slow down in these moments to help you express yourself in a way that is congruent, and most importantly, in a way that lets you be heard by your partner, family, co-workers, and yourself.
(619) 319-9749 View (619) 319-9749
Photo of Corrie Perkins, Marriage & Family Therapist in Serra Mesa, San Diego, CA
Corrie Perkins
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Serra Mesa, San Diego, CA 92123  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Welcome. Seeking help involves great courage. At times, we all feel a little off, unbalanced and in need of some support. If you’re reading this because: you’re struggling with life in the military, you’ve experienced a trauma or grief that has you stuck, life is feeling overwhelming, you can’t seem to relax or control your worrisome thoughts, or maybe you and your partner aren’t able to connect or communicate emotionally or intimately, I’m here to help. I can support you in feeling heard while processing the uncomfortable thoughts and feelings, all without judgment. Together let's find healthy balance, new coping skills and growth.
Welcome. Seeking help involves great courage. At times, we all feel a little off, unbalanced and in need of some support. If you’re reading this because: you’re struggling with life in the military, you’ve experienced a trauma or grief that has you stuck, life is feeling overwhelming, you can’t seem to relax or control your worrisome thoughts, or maybe you and your partner aren’t able to connect or communicate emotionally or intimately, I’m here to help. I can support you in feeling heard while processing the uncomfortable thoughts and feelings, all without judgment. Together let's find healthy balance, new coping skills and growth.
(830) 293-3789 View (830) 293-3789
Photo of Alejandro Maya, Marriage & Family Therapist in Serra Mesa, San Diego, CA
Alejandro Maya
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Serra Mesa, San Diego, CA 92123  (Online Only)
I specialize in working with Gen Z and Millenials experiencing trauma, depression, anxiety, substance use, OCD, identity crisis, peer challenges, family difficulties, and stress brought on when two or more of these areas collide. I use EMDR, cognitive behavioral therapy, somatic approaches, expressive arts and narrative therapies to assist you in exploring and healing these issues at their root causes.
I specialize in working with Gen Z and Millenials experiencing trauma, depression, anxiety, substance use, OCD, identity crisis, peer challenges, family difficulties, and stress brought on when two or more of these areas collide. I use EMDR, cognitive behavioral therapy, somatic approaches, expressive arts and narrative therapies to assist you in exploring and healing these issues at their root causes.
(650) 405-0438 View (650) 405-0438

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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.