Attachment-based Therapists in Philadelphia, PA

Photo of Emily Sullivan, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Philadelphia, PA
Emily Sullivan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19103
I use an integrative model in my work that emphasizes psychodynamic and relational elements, as well as attachment-based therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, family systems therapy, and exposure therapy.
I love to offer my clients a reflective listening ear and a holding space that truly feels warm, affirming, and safe. I think in that safety is where the depth of the work can happen, and change becomes possible. I believe that clients have an innate sense of strength that can be channelled through psychotherapy. I work with teens and adults on a variety of issues that expand from trauma and mood disorders, to anxiety, grief, OCD, and eating disorders. I hope that through our work together that I will be able to gain deeper insights into who you are, and what your struggles might be, and share those insights with you.
I use an integrative model in my work that emphasizes psychodynamic and relational elements, as well as attachment-based therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, family systems therapy, and exposure therapy.
I love to offer my clients a reflective listening ear and a holding space that truly feels warm, affirming, and safe. I think in that safety is where the depth of the work can happen, and change becomes possible. I believe that clients have an innate sense of strength that can be channelled through psychotherapy. I work with teens and adults on a variety of issues that expand from trauma and mood disorders, to anxiety, grief, OCD, and eating disorders. I hope that through our work together that I will be able to gain deeper insights into who you are, and what your struggles might be, and share those insights with you.
(484) 978-9681 View (484) 978-9681
Photo of Julianna Fomenko, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Philadelphia, PA
Julianna Fomenko
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19119  (Online Only)
I utilize psychodynamic, family systems, attachment-based, cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness approaches.
Making sense of your anxieties, fears or depression can feel overwhelming. We all have the need to be connected and challenged so that we can grow into our best self. I believe that therapy should be hard but rewarding work that can be translated into actionable behavior outside of treatment. The cornerstone of making change is finding a therapist who promotes a sense of safety, compassion and respect to allow your true self to emerge and thrive. I have over 15 years of clinical practice experience in New York City and Philadelphia and value working with diverse individuals and families.
I utilize psychodynamic, family systems, attachment-based, cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness approaches.
Making sense of your anxieties, fears or depression can feel overwhelming. We all have the need to be connected and challenged so that we can grow into our best self. I believe that therapy should be hard but rewarding work that can be translated into actionable behavior outside of treatment. The cornerstone of making change is finding a therapist who promotes a sense of safety, compassion and respect to allow your true self to emerge and thrive. I have over 15 years of clinical practice experience in New York City and Philadelphia and value working with diverse individuals and families.
(215) 278-4425 View (215) 278-4425
Photo of Alana (Laz) Baum, Pre-Licensed Professional in Philadelphia, PA
Alana (Laz) Baum
Pre-Licensed Professional, LSW, MEd
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19103
I use an embodied, relational, and attachment-based approach to tend to old wounds in real time.
As an individual, sex, and relationship therapist, I hope to accompany clients through challenges and help them find greater trust, permission, and pleasure within themselves. I am particularly interested in supporting folks in navigating their relationships with their bodies and sexualities during times of change, loss, and transition. As a queer and trans person, I enjoy working with clients of all genders, on all journeys. I am poly-friendly, kink-friendly, fat positive, and sex work positive. I love supporting partnerships and non-traditional relationships. I work well with fellow artistic and spiritual people.
I use an embodied, relational, and attachment-based approach to tend to old wounds in real time.
As an individual, sex, and relationship therapist, I hope to accompany clients through challenges and help them find greater trust, permission, and pleasure within themselves. I am particularly interested in supporting folks in navigating their relationships with their bodies and sexualities during times of change, loss, and transition. As a queer and trans person, I enjoy working with clients of all genders, on all journeys. I am poly-friendly, kink-friendly, fat positive, and sex work positive. I love supporting partnerships and non-traditional relationships. I work well with fellow artistic and spiritual people.
(267) 551-5152 View (267) 551-5152
Photo of Justin Voss, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Philadelphia, PA
Justin Voss
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19107  (Online Only)
Justin utilizes an eclectic approach to therapy, blending models of solution-focused, narrative, and attachment-based therapies.
Justin Voss is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Pennsylvania, with a master's degree in clinical social work from Temple University. He has completed training in motivational interviewing, trauma-focused CBT, attachment based family therapy, and extensive workshops in trans related care following his graduate education. His primary area of expertise is working with young adults/adults that identify under the LGBTQ+ umbrella. Justin's clinical interests include LGBTQ, sexual identity, gender identity, kink, polyamory, and non-monogamous relationships.
Justin utilizes an eclectic approach to therapy, blending models of solution-focused, narrative, and attachment-based therapies.
Justin Voss is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Pennsylvania, with a master's degree in clinical social work from Temple University. He has completed training in motivational interviewing, trauma-focused CBT, attachment based family therapy, and extensive workshops in trans related care following his graduate education. His primary area of expertise is working with young adults/adults that identify under the LGBTQ+ umbrella. Justin's clinical interests include LGBTQ, sexual identity, gender identity, kink, polyamory, and non-monogamous relationships.
(267) 310-1638 View (267) 310-1638
Photo of Sari Fleischman, PsyD, PLLC, Psychologist in Philadelphia, PA
Sari Fleischman, PsyD, PLLC
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Many find themselves at a point in their lives where external support is necessary to navigate life's challenges. My clients seek therapy for a variety of reasons. Some may come to therapy to deal with a specific struggle, such as anxiety or depression, while others initiate therapy during a difficult life transition. Even positive transitions, such as getting a new job or starting a new relationship can be stressful. Together, we will merge our resources to address these challenges in a safe environment by exploring patterns, processing events from the past, and creating plans for change in the future.
Many find themselves at a point in their lives where external support is necessary to navigate life's challenges. My clients seek therapy for a variety of reasons. Some may come to therapy to deal with a specific struggle, such as anxiety or depression, while others initiate therapy during a difficult life transition. Even positive transitions, such as getting a new job or starting a new relationship can be stressful. Together, we will merge our resources to address these challenges in a safe environment by exploring patterns, processing events from the past, and creating plans for change in the future.
(484) 938-1307 View (484) 938-1307
Photo of Josie Albrecht, Licensed Professional Counselor in Philadelphia, PA
Josie Albrecht
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19103
I enjoy working with clients who want to get to the root of their struggles. These clients would like to gain insight into their symptoms, something difficult that has happened to them or to explore cycles and patterns that aren’t serving them. The clients I see often have attended therapy in the past. The clients I see also often present with attachment-based traumas, symptoms of post-traumatic stress, and difficulties in their personal and work relationships.
I enjoy working with clients who want to get to the root of their struggles. These clients would like to gain insight into their symptoms, something difficult that has happened to them or to explore cycles and patterns that aren’t serving them. The clients I see often have attended therapy in the past. The clients I see also often present with attachment-based traumas, symptoms of post-traumatic stress, and difficulties in their personal and work relationships.
(267) 609-5721 View (267) 609-5721
Photo of Sarah Barry, Marriage & Family Therapist in Philadelphia, PA
Sarah Barry
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19119
I love working with all different kinds of people, and I’ll always start with your family (yep, that's your childhood!). I specialize in attachment work. This can help kids/teens and their parents, couples stuck in a cycle of conflict or disconnect, and individuals experiencing anxiety or depression - especially around big life transitions. Folks who come to me (and who stay the longest) are ready to do the deeper work in their lives. They aren't looking for a quick fix - they are looking to truly understand the systems they're a part of, and the agency they have in their own lives to create change.
I love working with all different kinds of people, and I’ll always start with your family (yep, that's your childhood!). I specialize in attachment work. This can help kids/teens and their parents, couples stuck in a cycle of conflict or disconnect, and individuals experiencing anxiety or depression - especially around big life transitions. Folks who come to me (and who stay the longest) are ready to do the deeper work in their lives. They aren't looking for a quick fix - they are looking to truly understand the systems they're a part of, and the agency they have in their own lives to create change.
(267) 209-6497 View (267) 209-6497
Photo of Jamie Manser, Pre-Licensed Professional in Philadelphia, PA
Jamie Manser
Pre-Licensed Professional, MFT
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19145  (Online Only)
I utilize a trauma-informed approach and draw from therapeutic models including Attachment-based, Experiential, Emotion-focused, Contextual, ESFT, and was trained in Person of the Therapist under founder Dr.
When life feels messy, out-of-control, even unbearable, it's easy to forget that the human experience is inherently a messy one. Much of the mess is our best attempts at functioning under a deeply flawed and oppressive system. If you seek to understand yourself and your relationships to people and systems around you, to grow and heal, and to explore being human, I would love to share this experience with you. I work with individuals, couples, and families struggling with challenges such as personal/generational trauma, sex/intimacy, adoption/fostering, interracial couples/families, ADHD/Autism, and LGBTQIA+ challenges.
I utilize a trauma-informed approach and draw from therapeutic models including Attachment-based, Experiential, Emotion-focused, Contextual, ESFT, and was trained in Person of the Therapist under founder Dr.
When life feels messy, out-of-control, even unbearable, it's easy to forget that the human experience is inherently a messy one. Much of the mess is our best attempts at functioning under a deeply flawed and oppressive system. If you seek to understand yourself and your relationships to people and systems around you, to grow and heal, and to explore being human, I would love to share this experience with you. I work with individuals, couples, and families struggling with challenges such as personal/generational trauma, sex/intimacy, adoption/fostering, interracial couples/families, ADHD/Autism, and LGBTQIA+ challenges.
(215) 918-4612 View (215) 918-4612
Photo of Mary Chen, Marriage & Family Therapist in Philadelphia, PA
Mary Chen
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19109
I work from an attachment-based, trauma-informed, systemic, and existential lens.
I specialize in working with those who have difficulty in their personal relationships. That might mean you've been "chronically single" all your life and don't want to be. Or it might mean that your current relationship is painful in ways that feel both familiar and confusing somehow, or your last one ended painfully. Maybe you've been betrayed, or you betrayed someone. Maybe you're worried that you have a sexual problem that makes you unlovable, or you struggle with boundaries. Or, maybe you feel like you've only ever really been attracted to the ones who don't love you back.
I work from an attachment-based, trauma-informed, systemic, and existential lens.
I specialize in working with those who have difficulty in their personal relationships. That might mean you've been "chronically single" all your life and don't want to be. Or it might mean that your current relationship is painful in ways that feel both familiar and confusing somehow, or your last one ended painfully. Maybe you've been betrayed, or you betrayed someone. Maybe you're worried that you have a sexual problem that makes you unlovable, or you struggle with boundaries. Or, maybe you feel like you've only ever really been attracted to the ones who don't love you back.
(215) 436-9382 View (215) 436-9382
Photo of Melissa Sziga Dessereau, Marriage & Family Therapist in Philadelphia, PA
Melissa Sziga Dessereau
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, CST
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Their clinical orientation is client-centered, systemic, anti-oppression, narrative, and attachment-based.
Sziga is a perceptive and nuanced therapist with a refreshingly frank style. For over 25 years, they have been working with individuals, couples, and families to foster personal growth and satisfying relationships. They have a way of making clients feel comfortable, understood, and at ease — like no matter what you say they get it and don’t judge you. And they're funny.
Their clinical orientation is client-centered, systemic, anti-oppression, narrative, and attachment-based.
Sziga is a perceptive and nuanced therapist with a refreshingly frank style. For over 25 years, they have been working with individuals, couples, and families to foster personal growth and satisfying relationships. They have a way of making clients feel comfortable, understood, and at ease — like no matter what you say they get it and don’t judge you. And they're funny.
(267) 705-6288 View (267) 705-6288
Photo of Maureen Zdanis, Psychologist in Philadelphia, PA
Maureen Zdanis
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19130
At any stage of development, we are bound to encounter obstacles to our ability to thrive. I help clients to become proactive agents in their own process. I have worked with all ages to reduce symptoms, promote growth, and instill lasting change. I support children, teens, adults, and families in healing from anxiety, trauma, grief, and depression and OCD. I have a speciality in working with LGBTQIA+ individuals, especially GNC and transgender folks. I am licensed in AL, AZ, AR, CT, CO, DE, GA, FL, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, ME, MD, MI, MN, MO, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY.
At any stage of development, we are bound to encounter obstacles to our ability to thrive. I help clients to become proactive agents in their own process. I have worked with all ages to reduce symptoms, promote growth, and instill lasting change. I support children, teens, adults, and families in healing from anxiety, trauma, grief, and depression and OCD. I have a speciality in working with LGBTQIA+ individuals, especially GNC and transgender folks. I am licensed in AL, AZ, AR, CT, CO, DE, GA, FL, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, ME, MD, MI, MN, MO, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY.
(267) 376-8313 View (267) 376-8313
Photo of Francesca Papazis, LPC Intern in Philadelphia, PA
Francesca Papazis
LPC Intern, MSEd
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19102
I view therapy primarily through an attachment-based and psychodynamic lens.
I believe you know yourself better than anyone else. I also believe humans are built for connection, and when you find a therapist that is the right fit for your needs, therapy can be healing. I encourage safety and empowerment during sessions, while compassionately challenging you to work toward your individual goals and embrace your intuitive sense of self.
I view therapy primarily through an attachment-based and psychodynamic lens.
I believe you know yourself better than anyone else. I also believe humans are built for connection, and when you find a therapist that is the right fit for your needs, therapy can be healing. I encourage safety and empowerment during sessions, while compassionately challenging you to work toward your individual goals and embrace your intuitive sense of self.
(267) 651-0660 View (267) 651-0660
Photo of Mariel Little, Marriage & Family Therapist in Philadelphia, PA
Mariel Little
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19130  (Online Only)
I use trauma-informed techniques from contextual-therapy, narrative-therapy and attachment-based therapy.
Hello! And welcome to my page! I focus on relationships in my practice, either to ourselves or to others. Our identities are influenced by our many relationships. These relationships can be defined by many aspects; our family of origin, our chosen family, and our outside communities. When our cultural narratives clash, it can disrupt the ways we self-identify and connect with others. I focus on building security and trust in our relationships can improve our ways to overcome the many challenges of life.
I use trauma-informed techniques from contextual-therapy, narrative-therapy and attachment-based therapy.
Hello! And welcome to my page! I focus on relationships in my practice, either to ourselves or to others. Our identities are influenced by our many relationships. These relationships can be defined by many aspects; our family of origin, our chosen family, and our outside communities. When our cultural narratives clash, it can disrupt the ways we self-identify and connect with others. I focus on building security and trust in our relationships can improve our ways to overcome the many challenges of life.
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Photo of Makenzie Pacocha, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Philadelphia, PA
Makenzie Pacocha
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19130
My approach to therapy is trauma informed, relational, and attachment-based.
If you are dealing with the impact of past or current trauma, all while trying to keep it together and manage the stress of daily life- you are in the right place. I work with adults and teens (16+) who yearn to heal, but feel like they can never quite find a therapist that they can be real with. You may be facing relationship challenges and attachment wounds, anxiety and low self-worth, past patterns resurfacing, or approval seeking and perfectionism. You deserve time and space to navigate these complexities, to untangle the threads of your experiences, and to rediscover profound self-compassion and connection.
My approach to therapy is trauma informed, relational, and attachment-based.
If you are dealing with the impact of past or current trauma, all while trying to keep it together and manage the stress of daily life- you are in the right place. I work with adults and teens (16+) who yearn to heal, but feel like they can never quite find a therapist that they can be real with. You may be facing relationship challenges and attachment wounds, anxiety and low self-worth, past patterns resurfacing, or approval seeking and perfectionism. You deserve time and space to navigate these complexities, to untangle the threads of your experiences, and to rediscover profound self-compassion and connection.
(215) 709-5930 View (215) 709-5930
Photo of Dese'Rae L. Stage, Licensed Social Worker in Philadelphia, PA
Dese'Rae L. Stage
Licensed Social Worker, LSW, MSW, BS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19125  (Online Only)
Hi, I'm Des! I'm a social worker and suicidologist, and a queer, white, cisgender single parent. My practice is trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and person-centered. Using an eclectic approach, mainly rooted in relational and attachment-based work, alongside some CBT techniques and DBT skills training, I work with teens and adults experiencing suicidal ideation and self-injury, grief/traumatic loss, ADHD, depression, anxiety, mood and personality disorders, fertility challenges (especially for those who are visibly queer), queer family-building, and pregnancy loss—many of which I have personal experience with.
Hi, I'm Des! I'm a social worker and suicidologist, and a queer, white, cisgender single parent. My practice is trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and person-centered. Using an eclectic approach, mainly rooted in relational and attachment-based work, alongside some CBT techniques and DBT skills training, I work with teens and adults experiencing suicidal ideation and self-injury, grief/traumatic loss, ADHD, depression, anxiety, mood and personality disorders, fertility challenges (especially for those who are visibly queer), queer family-building, and pregnancy loss—many of which I have personal experience with.
(215) 631-8350 View (215) 631-8350
Photo of Jotie Mondair, Licensed Professional Counselor in Philadelphia, PA
Jotie Mondair
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, ATR-BC, CCTP
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19121  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Jotie is a licensed professional counselor located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with many years of experience working with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and trauma-related disorders. Jotie uses an attachment-based model to identify and address distorted thought patterns and improve relationships (between people, with themselves, or with food).
Jotie is a licensed professional counselor located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with many years of experience working with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and trauma-related disorders. Jotie uses an attachment-based model to identify and address distorted thought patterns and improve relationships (between people, with themselves, or with food).
(215) 974-0190 View (215) 974-0190
Photo of Varney Glassman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Philadelphia, PA
Varney Glassman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19107  (Online Only)
People come to therapy for many reasons, sometimes it’s an unexpected or painful transition, other times it might be conflict in important relationships. Often, people have tried to help themselves feel better, and are unsure of where to go next. Regardless of the reason you are seeking help, you are likely looking for relief from pain or suffering. I’m glad you’ve taken this important first step. My role is to offer you a warm and non-judgmental space to process life’s complexities and create meaningful change.
People come to therapy for many reasons, sometimes it’s an unexpected or painful transition, other times it might be conflict in important relationships. Often, people have tried to help themselves feel better, and are unsure of where to go next. Regardless of the reason you are seeking help, you are likely looking for relief from pain or suffering. I’m glad you’ve taken this important first step. My role is to offer you a warm and non-judgmental space to process life’s complexities and create meaningful change.
(802) 327-8265 View (802) 327-8265
Photo of Sylvie Beauvais, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Philadelphia, PA
Sylvie Beauvais
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MLA, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19102
I incorporate narrative strategies, attachment-based therapy, mindfulness, and your creativity.
Finding the right therapist can be intimidating. My goal is to make the therapy process welcoming and transparent. I work particularly well with people who've been told they are "too sensitive" or who identify as Highly Sensitive People. My talent lies in treating anxiety, trauma, and attachment/relationship wounds, as well as self-esteem. I support those who care for their communities: healers, caregivers, artists or those with creative practices, and activists. I've worked with ages 3-90 across class, race, gender, sexual orientation, & health status. Together, we can explore hard topics with sensitivity and humor.
I incorporate narrative strategies, attachment-based therapy, mindfulness, and your creativity.
Finding the right therapist can be intimidating. My goal is to make the therapy process welcoming and transparent. I work particularly well with people who've been told they are "too sensitive" or who identify as Highly Sensitive People. My talent lies in treating anxiety, trauma, and attachment/relationship wounds, as well as self-esteem. I support those who care for their communities: healers, caregivers, artists or those with creative practices, and activists. I've worked with ages 3-90 across class, race, gender, sexual orientation, & health status. Together, we can explore hard topics with sensitivity and humor.
(267) 433-4435 View (267) 433-4435
Photo of Tressa Dabney, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Philadelphia, PA
Tressa Dabney
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19103
In my work, I pull from different models, including ACT, psychodynamic therapy, IFS, relational and attachment-based, and somatic approaches.
Therapy is one avenue to building a life that is more authentic, connected, and filled with meaning. My goal as a therapist is to co-create a space that is warm and safe where you can approach issues from a strengths-based lens, and where curiosity and creativity can flourish. As a therapist, I value my unique relationship with each client, and I am deeply grateful to be able to witness growth, meaning-making, and changes that positively impact a client’s life. Therapy is a unique, personal, and specific journey, and I am humbled and eager to be on that journey with each individual client with whom I work.
In my work, I pull from different models, including ACT, psychodynamic therapy, IFS, relational and attachment-based, and somatic approaches.
Therapy is one avenue to building a life that is more authentic, connected, and filled with meaning. My goal as a therapist is to co-create a space that is warm and safe where you can approach issues from a strengths-based lens, and where curiosity and creativity can flourish. As a therapist, I value my unique relationship with each client, and I am deeply grateful to be able to witness growth, meaning-making, and changes that positively impact a client’s life. Therapy is a unique, personal, and specific journey, and I am humbled and eager to be on that journey with each individual client with whom I work.
(484) 446-2519 View (484) 446-2519
Photo of Jenna L. Cotton, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Philadelphia, PA
Jenna L. Cotton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19147
Chances are if you’re reading this, things are getting to be way too much. During times like these it can be difficult to see a clear path forward and it can be challenging to cope. I am here to support and guide you in the process of looking within so you can face things deep inside of yourself. Sometimes this can be challenging work. We will work collaboratively to safely move towards discomfort and make connections between the way your history, thoughts, emotions, and body sensations impact the way you respond to the world. When you’re ready, let’s find ways to honor what you truly need.
Chances are if you’re reading this, things are getting to be way too much. During times like these it can be difficult to see a clear path forward and it can be challenging to cope. I am here to support and guide you in the process of looking within so you can face things deep inside of yourself. Sometimes this can be challenging work. We will work collaboratively to safely move towards discomfort and make connections between the way your history, thoughts, emotions, and body sensations impact the way you respond to the world. When you’re ready, let’s find ways to honor what you truly need.
(609) 201-1001 View (609) 201-1001

See more therapy options for Philadelphia

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.