Attachment-based Therapists in Pierre, SD

Photo of Mary Pat Mueller Certified Gottman Therapist, MS, LPC-MH, CGT, QMHP, Counselor
Mary Pat Mueller Certified Gottman Therapist
Counselor, MS, LPC-MH, CGT, QMHP
Verified Verified
Pierre, SD 57501
I work with teens, individuals, and couples who have anxiety or depression, have been through trauma, are experiencing a struggle in their relationships or marriage, are trying to decide whether to stay in their marriage, suffer with alcohol or drug issues, have experienced infidelity in their relationship, or struggles in their careers. My approach comes from advanced training in evidenced based, scientifically proven treatment that I have gained over several decades. I love meeting my clients, exploring where they want to be and watching them grow.
I work with teens, individuals, and couples who have anxiety or depression, have been through trauma, are experiencing a struggle in their relationships or marriage, are trying to decide whether to stay in their marriage, suffer with alcohol or drug issues, have experienced infidelity in their relationship, or struggles in their careers. My approach comes from advanced training in evidenced based, scientifically proven treatment that I have gained over several decades. I love meeting my clients, exploring where they want to be and watching them grow.
(605) 789-5351 View (605) 789-5351
Photo of Sarah Swantner, LPC-MH, CFT-I, CFP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Sarah Swantner
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-MH, CFT-I, CFP
Verified Verified
Pierre, SD 57501
This anxiety is relentless. It’s been going on for so long that you can’t remember what life is like without it. You have two modes – anxious and extremely anxious. It blows you away to hear people say you have it together, because you know you don’t. Somehow, you’re pulling off life and looking successful, but on the inside you’re a wreck. The thoughts about all the ways you’re not good enough never let up. The anxiety and critical voices are what keep you from failing, right? They won’t allow you to slack off, to relax, to stop worrying. It’s beginning to take a toll on your relationships, your physical health, and on your life.
This anxiety is relentless. It’s been going on for so long that you can’t remember what life is like without it. You have two modes – anxious and extremely anxious. It blows you away to hear people say you have it together, because you know you don’t. Somehow, you’re pulling off life and looking successful, but on the inside you’re a wreck. The thoughts about all the ways you’re not good enough never let up. The anxiety and critical voices are what keep you from failing, right? They won’t allow you to slack off, to relax, to stop worrying. It’s beginning to take a toll on your relationships, your physical health, and on your life.
(605) 519-6141 View (605) 519-6141
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.