Photo of Julianna Fomenko, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Pennsylvania
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 Megan Matusky, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Pennsylvania
Megan Matusky
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Ardmore, PA 19003
I am trained in EMDR, Ecosystemic Structural Family Therapy, Attachment-Based Family Therapy, and Trauma Art Narrative Therapy.
Hi there. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and founder of Calm Mind Therapy. I love helping clients become the best versions of themselves. I work with all clients, but I specialize in working with families and adolescents. I know how difficult it can be when a member of your family is struggling. It is my goal to support individuals in the family, as well as the whole family system, to get to a healthier place. I view all my client's through a trauma-informed lens. I take a validating and supportive approach with all my clients — and also love to challenge them to make change.
I am trained in EMDR, Ecosystemic Structural Family Therapy, Attachment-Based Family Therapy, and Trauma Art Narrative Therapy.
Hi there. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and founder of Calm Mind Therapy. I love helping clients become the best versions of themselves. I work with all clients, but I specialize in working with families and adolescents. I know how difficult it can be when a member of your family is struggling. It is my goal to support individuals in the family, as well as the whole family system, to get to a healthier place. I view all my client's through a trauma-informed lens. I take a validating and supportive approach with all my clients — and also love to challenge them to make change.
(484) 207-5628 View (484) 207-5628
Photo of Jennifer Leah Pizzuto, Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania
Jennifer Leah Pizzuto
Licensed Professional Counselor, MSCP, LPC
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
I have extensive experience with anxiety, depression and mood disorders, adjustment disorder, and attachment-based conditions.
You're busy. You're pulled in a million different directions and you have a million more responsibilities. Sometimes you have someone to share this with, and sometimes not. Sometimes you feel lost under all of the pressure to "be better." I'm here to help. Let's peel away the layers of stress, grief, trauma, and pressure to reveal the very best version of you. Let's take journey of self-discovery together. I'm here to listen, support, and help.
I have extensive experience with anxiety, depression and mood disorders, adjustment disorder, and attachment-based conditions.
You're busy. You're pulled in a million different directions and you have a million more responsibilities. Sometimes you have someone to share this with, and sometimes not. Sometimes you feel lost under all of the pressure to "be better." I'm here to help. Let's peel away the layers of stress, grief, trauma, and pressure to reveal the very best version of you. Let's take journey of self-discovery together. I'm here to listen, support, and help.
(412) 561-9758 View (412) 561-9758
Photo of Josie Albrecht, Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania
Josie Albrecht
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
West Chester, PA 19380
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.
(484) 946-4579 View (484) 946-4579
Photo of Samantha A Duranti, Marriage & Family Therapist in Pennsylvania
Samantha A Duranti
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Broomall, PA 19008  (Online Only)
Knowing that therapy is not a one size fits all, I employ the use of play therapy, CBT, psychodynamic, structural family therapy, solution focused, narrative and attachment-based therapy.
Are you struggling in your relationships? Maybe disruptive behavior is making it difficult to connect with your child or teenager. Maybe you are struggling in your relationship with your partner or even in the relationship you have with yourself. Hi! I’m Samantha and I work together with my clients, who include children, adolescents, adults, and families, to find realistic and creative solutions to the struggles they are facing. I enjoy drawing on the strengths of my clients and being a part of their journey of making the changes they want in their lives.
Knowing that therapy is not a one size fits all, I employ the use of play therapy, CBT, psychodynamic, structural family therapy, solution focused, narrative and attachment-based therapy.
Are you struggling in your relationships? Maybe disruptive behavior is making it difficult to connect with your child or teenager. Maybe you are struggling in your relationship with your partner or even in the relationship you have with yourself. Hi! I’m Samantha and I work together with my clients, who include children, adolescents, adults, and families, to find realistic and creative solutions to the struggles they are facing. I enjoy drawing on the strengths of my clients and being a part of their journey of making the changes they want in their lives.
(610) 298-9305 View (610) 298-9305
Photo of Lisa Diorio, Pre-Licensed Professional in Pennsylvania
Lisa Diorio
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Malvern, PA 19355
I utilize EMDR and attachment-based relational therapy to help move my clients through their process of healing.
Everyone deserves to live their life authentically and fully. Many of us are hindered by our past experiences and trauma. The shadow of trauma and pain may follow our daily lives and keep us from reaching our goals and deepening our relationships. Trauma therapy can be the course-correction needed to jump start your life. My passion is helping my clients sort through those experiences to reach their internal joy, peace and authenticity.
I utilize EMDR and attachment-based relational therapy to help move my clients through their process of healing.
Everyone deserves to live their life authentically and fully. Many of us are hindered by our past experiences and trauma. The shadow of trauma and pain may follow our daily lives and keep us from reaching our goals and deepening our relationships. Trauma therapy can be the course-correction needed to jump start your life. My passion is helping my clients sort through those experiences to reach their internal joy, peace and authenticity.
(610) 540-7171 View (610) 540-7171
Photo of Josie Albrecht, Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania
Josie Albrecht
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Yardley, PA 19067
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.
(614) 502-2620 View (614) 502-2620
Photo of Bernie Epstein, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Pennsylvania
Bernie Epstein
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Rydal, PA 19046  (Online Only)
In my work, I utilize a number of approaches, including EMDR, Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP), Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (SP), Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), and Trauma-informed Stabilization Treatment (TIST), and Ecosystemic Family Therapy.
If we often struggle to connect with ourselves and with others, then how can we feel safe, how can we make sense of what's happening inside, how can we make sense of what's happening between us and others? I help people find meaningful ways to effectively communicate and connect with themselves and each other, make sense of their experiences and relationships, and ultimately, find a path toward healing. I believe in the innate drive of every person to move toward health. With acceptance, curiosity, and compassion, I help people slow down, attune to that drive, and support them in moving with it.
In my work, I utilize a number of approaches, including EMDR, Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP), Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (SP), Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), and Trauma-informed Stabilization Treatment (TIST), and Ecosystemic Family Therapy.
If we often struggle to connect with ourselves and with others, then how can we feel safe, how can we make sense of what's happening inside, how can we make sense of what's happening between us and others? I help people find meaningful ways to effectively communicate and connect with themselves and each other, make sense of their experiences and relationships, and ultimately, find a path toward healing. I believe in the innate drive of every person to move toward health. With acceptance, curiosity, and compassion, I help people slow down, attune to that drive, and support them in moving with it.
(215) 774-6301 View (215) 774-6301
Photo of Lauren Ziegler, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Pennsylvania
Lauren Ziegler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MBA, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Hellertown, PA 18055  (Online Only)
My therapeutic orientation revolves around Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), while also incorporating other effective approaches such as Strengths-based, Person-centered, Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Attachment-based techniques.
I thrive in assisting motivated adolescents (ages 14+), adults, and couples who are seeking support and guidance in navigating the complexities of their lives, particularly those dealing with issues like depression, anxiety, co-dependency, anger management, self-esteem, trauma, divorce, and relationship challenges. My approach is tailored to those who are committed to their personal growth and open to new experiences. Embark on a journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and healing with a compassionate therapist dedicated to guiding you as you navigate the challenges and opportunities life presents.
My therapeutic orientation revolves around Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), while also incorporating other effective approaches such as Strengths-based, Person-centered, Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Attachment-based techniques.
I thrive in assisting motivated adolescents (ages 14+), adults, and couples who are seeking support and guidance in navigating the complexities of their lives, particularly those dealing with issues like depression, anxiety, co-dependency, anger management, self-esteem, trauma, divorce, and relationship challenges. My approach is tailored to those who are committed to their personal growth and open to new experiences. Embark on a journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and healing with a compassionate therapist dedicated to guiding you as you navigate the challenges and opportunities life presents.
(484) 795-0012 View (484) 795-0012
Photo of Emily Tangert, Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania
Emily Tangert
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, PMH-C
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Lancaster, PA 17603
I employ various trauma treatment approaches (EMDR, Attachment-based, IFS, Trauma Informed Yoga), tailored to your needs.
I help individuals facing challenges in managing painful emotions, trauma, depression, anxiety, and the complexities of pregnancy, postpartum, and motherhood. Navigating emotional highs and lows can be distressing, especially if influenced by trauma. Managing emotions like anxiety, sadness, shame, and anger may impact relationships, fostering feelings of inadequacy and isolation.
I employ various trauma treatment approaches (EMDR, Attachment-based, IFS, Trauma Informed Yoga), tailored to your needs.
I help individuals facing challenges in managing painful emotions, trauma, depression, anxiety, and the complexities of pregnancy, postpartum, and motherhood. Navigating emotional highs and lows can be distressing, especially if influenced by trauma. Managing emotions like anxiety, sadness, shame, and anger may impact relationships, fostering feelings of inadequacy and isolation.
(717) 613-6687 View (717) 613-6687
Photo of Lexie Kremp, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Pennsylvania
Lexie Kremp
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Warminster, PA 18974  (Online Only)
As a trauma-informed, attachment-based therapist, I’m not interested in fixing you. I am interested in simply getting to know you. That’s it. Of course, we will be working together on YOU. But our relationship will be the center of the work. I ask that you show up each session as yourself, as much as you can that day, and we will take it from there. If showing up as yourself sounds scary, I totally understand. I will always work to show up as myself, too. You can expect me to tell you about my cat, or the coffee place I’ve tried recently, or to talk about whatever book I am reading. My goal is for therapy to be a conversation.
As a trauma-informed, attachment-based therapist, I’m not interested in fixing you. I am interested in simply getting to know you. That’s it. Of course, we will be working together on YOU. But our relationship will be the center of the work. I ask that you show up each session as yourself, as much as you can that day, and we will take it from there. If showing up as yourself sounds scary, I totally understand. I will always work to show up as myself, too. You can expect me to tell you about my cat, or the coffee place I’ve tried recently, or to talk about whatever book I am reading. My goal is for therapy to be a conversation.
(215) 714-4300 View (215) 714-4300
Photo of Josie Albrecht, Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania
Josie Albrecht
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Warrington, PA 18976
I mainly work with attachment-based traumas, symptoms of post-traumatic stress, and difficulties in 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.
I mainly work with attachment-based traumas, symptoms of post-traumatic stress, and difficulties in 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.
(215) 593-2658 View (215) 593-2658
Photo of Todd Shirley, Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania
Todd Shirley
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Downingtown, PA 19335
Waiting lists are long, situations are urgent, and help can be hard to find. Compassionate and successful therapeautic care for you or your struggling teen is available through the counseling services I offer. If you or someone you know is struggling with issues like depression, anxiety, academic struggles, obsessive compulsive disorder, ADHD, self injury, sexual orientation, gender identity, or suicidal ideation reach out to set up an appointment or brief introductory virtual meeting. Weekend and evening appointment times are available. I know first hand how scary it can be to watch an adolescent you love struggle and suffer.
Waiting lists are long, situations are urgent, and help can be hard to find. Compassionate and successful therapeautic care for you or your struggling teen is available through the counseling services I offer. If you or someone you know is struggling with issues like depression, anxiety, academic struggles, obsessive compulsive disorder, ADHD, self injury, sexual orientation, gender identity, or suicidal ideation reach out to set up an appointment or brief introductory virtual meeting. Weekend and evening appointment times are available. I know first hand how scary it can be to watch an adolescent you love struggle and suffer.
(610) 557-8332 View (610) 557-8332
Photo of Josie Albrecht, Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania
Josie Albrecht
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Quakertown, PA 18951
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) 520-6181 View (267) 520-6181
Photo of Josie Albrecht, Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania
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 Maureen Zdanis, Psychologist in Pennsylvania
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 Robin Axelrod Sabag, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Pennsylvania
Robin Axelrod Sabag
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
In addition, I draw from other therapeutic modalities in my work including: Dialectical Behavior Therapy, EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral, Attachment-Based Family Therapy, & Narrative Techniques.
As a therapist, I value and create a safe, warm, non-judgmental, and empathetic environment for individuals, couples, and families to explore underlying issues. I realize that coming to see a therapist and opening up is an act of trust and not always easy. In your work with me, I hope you will feel accepted and understood and experience our work as an ongoing process that we co-create. If we work together, you can expect to gain a better understanding of yourself and of meaningful people in your life. My areas of expertise include: eating disorders, relationship issues, anxiety, depression, moodiness, trauma, and addiction.
In addition, I draw from other therapeutic modalities in my work including: Dialectical Behavior Therapy, EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral, Attachment-Based Family Therapy, & Narrative Techniques.
As a therapist, I value and create a safe, warm, non-judgmental, and empathetic environment for individuals, couples, and families to explore underlying issues. I realize that coming to see a therapist and opening up is an act of trust and not always easy. In your work with me, I hope you will feel accepted and understood and experience our work as an ongoing process that we co-create. If we work together, you can expect to gain a better understanding of yourself and of meaningful people in your life. My areas of expertise include: eating disorders, relationship issues, anxiety, depression, moodiness, trauma, and addiction.
(215) 995-1199 View (215) 995-1199
Photo of Emily Sullivan, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Pennsylvania
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 Peter McCall, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Pennsylvania
Peter McCall
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSS, LCSW
Verified Verified
Paoli, PA 19301
I work against the position that views human challenges through a narrow lens bound by diagnosis and pathology. In family therapy, I work with adolescents and their caregivers who are impacted by protracted conflict and disconnection. I work with couples who are caught in patterns of conflict, avoidance, and misunderstanding. Individual therapy places emphasis on the security and safety of the therapeutic relationship in order to create opportunities for change.
I work against the position that views human challenges through a narrow lens bound by diagnosis and pathology. In family therapy, I work with adolescents and their caregivers who are impacted by protracted conflict and disconnection. I work with couples who are caught in patterns of conflict, avoidance, and misunderstanding. Individual therapy places emphasis on the security and safety of the therapeutic relationship in order to create opportunities for change.
(484) 759-9467 View (484) 759-9467
Photo of Dese'Rae L. Stage, Licensed Social Worker in Pennsylvania
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

See more therapy options for Pennsylvania

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.