Attachment-based Therapists in Massachusetts

Photo of Youngsuk Kim, Psychologist in Massachusetts
Youngsuk Kim
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Brookline, MA 02446  (Online Only)
I provide integrative therapy using evidence-based treatment approaches including cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), exposure and response prevention (ERP), cognitive processing therapy (CPT), prolonged exposure (PE), complex grief therapy, trauma-focused therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and attachment-based therapy.
Independent of my job at MGH/Harvard Medical School as a clinical psychologist, I see clients in my private practice (Psychological Care and Consultancy, PLLC). I provide video telehealth only. I have extensive experience treating adults and 65+ suffering from anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, trauma, grief and loss, adjustment difficulties, low self-esteem, stresses associated with relationship and family conflicts, and educational and occupational concerns. I also have experience working with health professionals, high-functioning autism, late teens, and military service members. I am licensed in MA and RI.
I provide integrative therapy using evidence-based treatment approaches including cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), exposure and response prevention (ERP), cognitive processing therapy (CPT), prolonged exposure (PE), complex grief therapy, trauma-focused therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and attachment-based therapy.
Independent of my job at MGH/Harvard Medical School as a clinical psychologist, I see clients in my private practice (Psychological Care and Consultancy, PLLC). I provide video telehealth only. I have extensive experience treating adults and 65+ suffering from anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, trauma, grief and loss, adjustment difficulties, low self-esteem, stresses associated with relationship and family conflicts, and educational and occupational concerns. I also have experience working with health professionals, high-functioning autism, late teens, and military service members. I am licensed in MA and RI.
(857) 380-0222 View (857) 380-0222
Photo of Amber Medeiros (Wellness For Our Future), Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Massachusetts
Amber Medeiros (Wellness For Our Future)
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Randolph, MA 02368
The types of modalities I practice most are: ACT, Attachment-based, CBT, CPT, DBT, Family Systems, Mindfulness-Based, Motivational Interviewing, Person-Centered, Psychoanalytic/Psychodynamic, Solution Focused Brief, Trauma Focused and TF-CBT.
I have spent several years working with children and families navigating emotional and behavioral health. I have a strong background in trauma informed care and I am certified in trauma focused CBT. I enjoy working with children and young adults, couples and families. I have a strong background addressing the struggles of depression, anxiety, PTSD, sexual assault, domestic violence, ADHD, and more. I treat clients with a strengths based approach and use a wide range modalities for holistic treatment such as CBT, DBT, Solution focused, play therapy techniques and more! I look forward to becoming a part of your journey into wellness!
The types of modalities I practice most are: ACT, Attachment-based, CBT, CPT, DBT, Family Systems, Mindfulness-Based, Motivational Interviewing, Person-Centered, Psychoanalytic/Psychodynamic, Solution Focused Brief, Trauma Focused and TF-CBT.
I have spent several years working with children and families navigating emotional and behavioral health. I have a strong background in trauma informed care and I am certified in trauma focused CBT. I enjoy working with children and young adults, couples and families. I have a strong background addressing the struggles of depression, anxiety, PTSD, sexual assault, domestic violence, ADHD, and more. I treat clients with a strengths based approach and use a wide range modalities for holistic treatment such as CBT, DBT, Solution focused, play therapy techniques and more! I look forward to becoming a part of your journey into wellness!
(339) 888-9402 x02368 View (339) 888-9402 x02368
Photo of Molly Micley, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Massachusetts
Molly Micley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Newton, MA 02459  (Online Only)
Welcome! I’m Molly, a therapist trained to work with individuals and couples. I bring curiosity, warmth and humor to help you navigate life’s challenges with clarity and purpose. I primarily treat clients struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, parenting, life transitions (job changes, marriage, divorce, loss, etc), and interpersonal difficulties. I also offer couples (heterosexual, same-sex, queer) premarital counseling or support following a significant rift.
Welcome! I’m Molly, a therapist trained to work with individuals and couples. I bring curiosity, warmth and humor to help you navigate life’s challenges with clarity and purpose. I primarily treat clients struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, parenting, life transitions (job changes, marriage, divorce, loss, etc), and interpersonal difficulties. I also offer couples (heterosexual, same-sex, queer) premarital counseling or support following a significant rift.
(617) 397-5975 View (617) 397-5975
Photo of Brianne Heather Mackie, Counselor in Massachusetts
Brianne Heather Mackie
Counselor, MS, LMHC, CEIS
Verified Verified
Concord, MA 01742
I have been working with children and families for over 16 years. I am passionate about supporting families and children to reach their full potential, in any place they may be in life. I have experience working as a developmental specialist and a mental health counselor. I support families to work through a number of challenges, including, developmental differences in a child, trauma, and relationship issues. I use an eclectic approach of parent-child interaction therapy, strength based and attachment-based approaches.
I have been working with children and families for over 16 years. I am passionate about supporting families and children to reach their full potential, in any place they may be in life. I have experience working as a developmental specialist and a mental health counselor. I support families to work through a number of challenges, including, developmental differences in a child, trauma, and relationship issues. I use an eclectic approach of parent-child interaction therapy, strength based and attachment-based approaches.
(978) 673-6098 View (978) 673-6098
Photo of Kimika Watkins-Tashima, Counselor in Massachusetts
Kimika Watkins-Tashima
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Boston, MA 02109  (Online Only)
She will use an integrative approach to intervention using her training in trauma-focused, psychodynamics, attachment-based, IFS, component-based psychotherapy, DBT, EMDR, body-mind approach such as sensorimotor psychotherapy, family therapy, ARC, SMART, Mindfulness and CBT.
Kimika is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) with 15+ years of clinical experience partnering with adults, children, families and couples seeking help with a wide variety of issues. She specializes particularly in treating individuals impacted by trauma including but not limited to attachment issues, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, sociocultural issues, addiction, emotion regulation issues, loss, and life transition.
She will use an integrative approach to intervention using her training in trauma-focused, psychodynamics, attachment-based, IFS, component-based psychotherapy, DBT, EMDR, body-mind approach such as sensorimotor psychotherapy, family therapy, ARC, SMART, Mindfulness and CBT.
Kimika is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) with 15+ years of clinical experience partnering with adults, children, families and couples seeking help with a wide variety of issues. She specializes particularly in treating individuals impacted by trauma including but not limited to attachment issues, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, sociocultural issues, addiction, emotion regulation issues, loss, and life transition.
(508) 406-7522 View (508) 406-7522
Photo of Rachel Moore Woodward, Counselor in Massachusetts
Rachel Moore Woodward
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Newburyport, MA 01950
I have been working with children and their families for the past 10 years. I specialize in working with children with one or more mental health diagnoses, such as ASD, anxiety, depression, or mood disorders, as well as helping their parents/guardians or family members with how to best care for their child. I aim to work collaboratively with families, schools, and other providers in order to instill change. I work individually with adults, with a varying degree of need, including depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship difficulties, and life transitions. I also work individually with parents, working on their own mental health.
I have been working with children and their families for the past 10 years. I specialize in working with children with one or more mental health diagnoses, such as ASD, anxiety, depression, or mood disorders, as well as helping their parents/guardians or family members with how to best care for their child. I aim to work collaboratively with families, schools, and other providers in order to instill change. I work individually with adults, with a varying degree of need, including depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship difficulties, and life transitions. I also work individually with parents, working on their own mental health.
(978) 584-9437 View (978) 584-9437
Photo of Amanda Weintraub, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Massachusetts
Amanda Weintraub
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Salem, MA 01970  (Online Only)
Limited availability at this time. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has provided psychotherapy to children, adolescents, adults, and families across the life spectrum for over 10 years. I have been told my style is warm, engaging, and dynamic. I believe that overcoming anxiety, depression, PTSD, complex trauma, and other forms of chronic and acute symptoms can happen within a collaborative and attachment-based therapeutic approach. Transformative healing is possible for all of us! It is an honor to be with my clients on each of their unique journeys.
Limited availability at this time. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has provided psychotherapy to children, adolescents, adults, and families across the life spectrum for over 10 years. I have been told my style is warm, engaging, and dynamic. I believe that overcoming anxiety, depression, PTSD, complex trauma, and other forms of chronic and acute symptoms can happen within a collaborative and attachment-based therapeutic approach. Transformative healing is possible for all of us! It is an honor to be with my clients on each of their unique journeys.
(351) 205-1736 View (351) 205-1736
Photo of Olivia Eusden, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Massachusetts
Olivia Eusden
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sharon, MA 02067  (Online Only)
I draw on narrative, CBT, Internal Family Systems, and attachment-based treatment modalities to create a client-centered and effective space for therapy.
I work with adults who are navigating relationship challenges, life transitions, and/or the parenting journey. I help clients orient themselves towards their needs and goals, set and maintain healthy boundaries in their relationships, and develop skills for regulating emotions and managing behaviors. I support my clients in nurturing more loving, trusting relationships with themselves.
I draw on narrative, CBT, Internal Family Systems, and attachment-based treatment modalities to create a client-centered and effective space for therapy.
I work with adults who are navigating relationship challenges, life transitions, and/or the parenting journey. I help clients orient themselves towards their needs and goals, set and maintain healthy boundaries in their relationships, and develop skills for regulating emotions and managing behaviors. I support my clients in nurturing more loving, trusting relationships with themselves.
(339) 201-9923 View (339) 201-9923
Photo of Suzanne Dirstine, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Massachusetts
Suzanne Dirstine
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Acton, MA 01720
Waitlist for new clients
Welcome. I believe that your experience of the therapeutic relationship should be comfortable and feel secure. I utilize an attachment based approach and believe that once feelings of safety are established in therapy that real changes in thoughts, feelings and relationships are possible. I have a warm and interested style of interacting with others and it is always important to me that you feel heard and valued in our time together. Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you'd like to know more or have any questions.
Welcome. I believe that your experience of the therapeutic relationship should be comfortable and feel secure. I utilize an attachment based approach and believe that once feelings of safety are established in therapy that real changes in thoughts, feelings and relationships are possible. I have a warm and interested style of interacting with others and it is always important to me that you feel heard and valued in our time together. Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you'd like to know more or have any questions.
(978) 598-3355 View (978) 598-3355
Photo of Katie McGrath, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Massachusetts
Katie McGrath
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Westborough, MA 01581  (Online Only)
Katie is an independently licensed clinical social worker who provides counseling for a wide variety of problems, tailoring specific strategies to each person's unique situation and personality. Katie has extensive experience over 15 years working with children (all ages), adolescents, adults, seniors, couples and families. Strategies may include a wide variety of techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Attachment Based Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Internal Family Systems, Expressive Therapy, movement based therapy, Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy.
Katie is an independently licensed clinical social worker who provides counseling for a wide variety of problems, tailoring specific strategies to each person's unique situation and personality. Katie has extensive experience over 15 years working with children (all ages), adolescents, adults, seniors, couples and families. Strategies may include a wide variety of techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Attachment Based Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Internal Family Systems, Expressive Therapy, movement based therapy, Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy.
(508) 501-7438 View (508) 501-7438
Photo of Keisha Barnes, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Massachusetts
Keisha Barnes
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW, PIP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Boston, MA 02114  (Online Only)
As an attachment-based therapist, I specialize in trauma & emotional pain.
Emotions like anxiety, sadness and shame are so overwhelming that it feels like your body could shatter from all of your feelings. A painful childhood, challenging relationships, loss or another distressing experience has left you feeling hopeless. You've never been able to really explain what feeling abandoned is like, or why it's so hard to trust, so you feel more isolated in being misunderstood. You have some regrets on how you've responded or acted in the past while you were just trying to survive or feel connection.
As an attachment-based therapist, I specialize in trauma & emotional pain.
Emotions like anxiety, sadness and shame are so overwhelming that it feels like your body could shatter from all of your feelings. A painful childhood, challenging relationships, loss or another distressing experience has left you feeling hopeless. You've never been able to really explain what feeling abandoned is like, or why it's so hard to trust, so you feel more isolated in being misunderstood. You have some regrets on how you've responded or acted in the past while you were just trying to survive or feel connection.
(919) 822-9125 View (919) 822-9125
Photo of Marissa Ventre, Counselor in Massachusetts
Marissa Ventre
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Somerville, MA 02144  (Online Only)
My therapeutic approach is relational, humanistic, psychodynamic, attachment-based, and family systems oriented.
I provide a safe, warm, and relationally based space for clients to explore their thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and concerns without judgment. My style is grounded, gentle, and welcoming. Through deeply listening to my client's story and validating their experience I aim to empower them to better understand and comfort themselves so they can ultimately thrive in their lives independent of therapy.
My therapeutic approach is relational, humanistic, psychodynamic, attachment-based, and family systems oriented.
I provide a safe, warm, and relationally based space for clients to explore their thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and concerns without judgment. My style is grounded, gentle, and welcoming. Through deeply listening to my client's story and validating their experience I aim to empower them to better understand and comfort themselves so they can ultimately thrive in their lives independent of therapy.
(339) 230-6232 View (339) 230-6232
Photo of Andrea Kremer, Pre-Licensed Professional in Massachusetts
Andrea Kremer
Pre-Licensed Professional, MEd
Verified Verified
Beverly, MA 01915  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
My work draws on evidence-based therapeutic modalities including psychodynamic, attachment-based, solution-focused, and cognitive-behavioral models, as well as the couples' work of John Gottman, Terry Real, and Esther Perel.
In my work as a therapist, I strive for an approach that's warm, compassionate, and nonjudgmental, to create a safe and welcoming space in which clients feel heard and understood. Working together, we'll explore the thoughts, feelings, and habits that might be causing you to feel anxious or depressed, keeping you stuck, or affecting your relationships. We'll examine the origins of those influences, and why they may no longer serve you. My goal is to help my clients overcome obstacles, manage stressors, have a greater sense of self-determination, and experience more joy and fulfillment.
My work draws on evidence-based therapeutic modalities including psychodynamic, attachment-based, solution-focused, and cognitive-behavioral models, as well as the couples' work of John Gottman, Terry Real, and Esther Perel.
In my work as a therapist, I strive for an approach that's warm, compassionate, and nonjudgmental, to create a safe and welcoming space in which clients feel heard and understood. Working together, we'll explore the thoughts, feelings, and habits that might be causing you to feel anxious or depressed, keeping you stuck, or affecting your relationships. We'll examine the origins of those influences, and why they may no longer serve you. My goal is to help my clients overcome obstacles, manage stressors, have a greater sense of self-determination, and experience more joy and fulfillment.
(857) 887-3779 View (857) 887-3779
Photo of Renee Grelecki, Marriage & Family Therapist in Massachusetts
Renee Grelecki
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Easthampton, MA 01027  (Online Only)
I pull from attachment-based neuroscience and trauma-informed practices.
I work with individuals to strengthen their sense of choice and meaning in their lives. I believe we can emerge more whole when we get curious about the parts of us that seem inglorious. I do not believe in oversimplifying the human condition into "good" or "bad" because there is more truth in the spectrum. I want therapy to be accessible, helpful and grounded in the reality that we live our day-to-day lives outside the therapy office. Good therapy extends beyond one hour a week; good therapy informs how we relate to, engage with and move through the real world.
I pull from attachment-based neuroscience and trauma-informed practices.
I work with individuals to strengthen their sense of choice and meaning in their lives. I believe we can emerge more whole when we get curious about the parts of us that seem inglorious. I do not believe in oversimplifying the human condition into "good" or "bad" because there is more truth in the spectrum. I want therapy to be accessible, helpful and grounded in the reality that we live our day-to-day lives outside the therapy office. Good therapy extends beyond one hour a week; good therapy informs how we relate to, engage with and move through the real world.
(510) 939-7273 View (510) 939-7273
Photo of Victoria LaTronica, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Massachusetts
Victoria LaTronica
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Boston, MA 02114  (Online Only)
As a LICSW, I view people through the lens of their intersectional identities, within the greater context of their environment. I have worked with children, adolescents, young adults, and adults for nearly a decade in various settings. I am an affirming, supportive, active ally to the LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent communities. When life becomes overwhelming, it can be helpful to have a trusted support. I look forward to empowering you along your journey of self-discovery, whether that be seeking self-acceptance, integration of self or change-focused supports. I also take OptumVA. Please email me for a link to my scheduling platform.
As a LICSW, I view people through the lens of their intersectional identities, within the greater context of their environment. I have worked with children, adolescents, young adults, and adults for nearly a decade in various settings. I am an affirming, supportive, active ally to the LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent communities. When life becomes overwhelming, it can be helpful to have a trusted support. I look forward to empowering you along your journey of self-discovery, whether that be seeking self-acceptance, integration of self or change-focused supports. I also take OptumVA. Please email me for a link to my scheduling platform.
(781) 227-8403 View (781) 227-8403
Photo of Christopher Pagano, Psychologist in Massachusetts
Christopher Pagano
Psychologist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brookline, MA 02446
I also teach clinicians in areas I am passionate about, with a focus on trauma-informed, attachment-based, experiential and psychodynamic approaches.
For over 25 years I have helped adults, couples, teens and children find ways to manage anxiety, depression and trauma in order to achieve an increased capacity for enjoyment in relationships and life. I strive to create a safe environment, where taking risks to connect with emotions leads to increased insight and motivation to change. I take an active approach to help clients achieve their goals and resolve their problems. When treating children, I work closely with parents, providing careful guidance about how to help their child develop and thrive.
I also teach clinicians in areas I am passionate about, with a focus on trauma-informed, attachment-based, experiential and psychodynamic approaches.
For over 25 years I have helped adults, couples, teens and children find ways to manage anxiety, depression and trauma in order to achieve an increased capacity for enjoyment in relationships and life. I strive to create a safe environment, where taking risks to connect with emotions leads to increased insight and motivation to change. I take an active approach to help clients achieve their goals and resolve their problems. When treating children, I work closely with parents, providing careful guidance about how to help their child develop and thrive.
(617) 944-1025 View (617) 944-1025
Photo of Leslie Piken, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Massachusetts
Leslie Piken
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cambridge, MA 02138  (Online Only)
My treatment approach is integrative and personalized to my clients’ needs, focused on building a foundation of trust. I work with clients to identify underlying roots of problems and elicit existing and new strengths and resources. I prefer a holistic approach to treatment which, while based in a psychodynamic framework, draws from my specialized training in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, attachment based, trauma-informed and mindfulness modalities. I work with adults ranging from young adulthood through end of life, using a culturally-sensitive approach.
My treatment approach is integrative and personalized to my clients’ needs, focused on building a foundation of trust. I work with clients to identify underlying roots of problems and elicit existing and new strengths and resources. I prefer a holistic approach to treatment which, while based in a psychodynamic framework, draws from my specialized training in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, attachment based, trauma-informed and mindfulness modalities. I work with adults ranging from young adulthood through end of life, using a culturally-sensitive approach.
(857) 763-5343 View (857) 763-5343
Photo of Corinne Schuman, Counselor in Massachusetts
Corinne Schuman
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Natick, MA 01760
l work with many treatment techniques, including cognitive behavioral (CBT), dialectical behavioral (DBT), attachment-based, internal family systems, trauma sensitive yoga, and tapping.
Congratulations on taking a step toward creating change in your life. I am a licensed clinical mental health counselor. I have extensive experience and offer support for people struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, difficult life transitions, family conflict, trauma, and addictions/substance abuse.
l work with many treatment techniques, including cognitive behavioral (CBT), dialectical behavioral (DBT), attachment-based, internal family systems, trauma sensitive yoga, and tapping.
Congratulations on taking a step toward creating change in your life. I am a licensed clinical mental health counselor. I have extensive experience and offer support for people struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, difficult life transitions, family conflict, trauma, and addictions/substance abuse.
(617) 206-1731 View (617) 206-1731
Photo of Anna Weiss, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Massachusetts
Anna Weiss
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, MA
Verified Verified
Boston, MA 02199  (Online Only)
I draw on psychodynamic, CBT, and attachment-based treatment modalities.
My approach to therapy is collaborative, strength-based, and client-centered. I believe in the healing power that exists within each individual, which is nurtured and strengthened within the context of our therapeutic relationship. I work with children, adults, and families who are facing complex struggles, including: parent-child relationship issues, transition to parenthood, postpartum difficulties, life transitions, behavior challenges, depression, anxiety, and more. My style is warm, empathic, and compassionate, and I work to create a safe environment to help you better understand and address the challenges you are facing.
I draw on psychodynamic, CBT, and attachment-based treatment modalities.
My approach to therapy is collaborative, strength-based, and client-centered. I believe in the healing power that exists within each individual, which is nurtured and strengthened within the context of our therapeutic relationship. I work with children, adults, and families who are facing complex struggles, including: parent-child relationship issues, transition to parenthood, postpartum difficulties, life transitions, behavior challenges, depression, anxiety, and more. My style is warm, empathic, and compassionate, and I work to create a safe environment to help you better understand and address the challenges you are facing.
(617) 819-0204 View (617) 819-0204
Photo of Dr. Agnes Y Man, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Massachusetts
Dr. Agnes Y Man
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, EdD, LICSW
Verified Verified
Quincy, MA 02169
Waitlist for new clients
Psalms 121 "I lift up my eyes to the mountains where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." I have worked with children, preteens, and families in Massachusetts and Northern California in the United States, serving populations facing developmental issues, emotional disturbance, and relational conflicts in the past two decades. My bilingual (Chinese & English) psychotherapeutic approach integrates theories and therapies, e.g., attachment-based, psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal neurobiology, etc., and Christianity to enhance spiritual and emotional health.
Psalms 121 "I lift up my eyes to the mountains where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." I have worked with children, preteens, and families in Massachusetts and Northern California in the United States, serving populations facing developmental issues, emotional disturbance, and relational conflicts in the past two decades. My bilingual (Chinese & English) psychotherapeutic approach integrates theories and therapies, e.g., attachment-based, psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal neurobiology, etc., and Christianity to enhance spiritual and emotional health.
(617) 934-4849 View (617) 934-4849

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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.