Attachment-based Therapists in Tennessee

Photo of Courtney Sanchez, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Tennessee
Courtney Sanchez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Smyrna, TN 37167
I embrace a humanistic, emotional, and attachment-based approach.
My passion involves helping couples and individuals navigate the complexities of life. Do you feel stuck in a stagnant relationship or frustrated with unresolved issues? Long for connection but feel isolated? I can help couples break negative patterns, enhance communication, and rebuild intimacy to establish emotional safety for growth and connection. Perhaps you are facing personal challenges? Do you feel trapped in worry, lost in what-ifs, feel invisible tension in your body, or are overwhelmed with simple tasks? Let's explore the roots of your struggles, work together to alleviate symptoms, and find a path toward healing.
I embrace a humanistic, emotional, and attachment-based approach.
My passion involves helping couples and individuals navigate the complexities of life. Do you feel stuck in a stagnant relationship or frustrated with unresolved issues? Long for connection but feel isolated? I can help couples break negative patterns, enhance communication, and rebuild intimacy to establish emotional safety for growth and connection. Perhaps you are facing personal challenges? Do you feel trapped in worry, lost in what-ifs, feel invisible tension in your body, or are overwhelmed with simple tasks? Let's explore the roots of your struggles, work together to alleviate symptoms, and find a path toward healing.
(629) 209-0840 View (629) 209-0840
Photo of Katie Anthony, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Tennessee
Katie Anthony
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, LMFT, (temp)
Verified Verified
Franklin, TN 37067
I use a trauma-informed approach to therapy, using EMDR, CBT, experiential and attachment-based approaches, depending on your needs and goals.
Therapy is a place to slow down, explore who you are, get unstuck, and engage in the important work of improving your relationships with yourself and others. I am genuinely and deeply interested in you- what experiences have shaped you, how you view the world, yourself and those around you. You and I will explore what is working well for you and what isn't, and will work together to move you toward a life of greater peace, congruency, connection and authenticity. My goal as a therapist is to create a space where you feel safe and fully seen for who have been and who you are today, and who you can be in the future.
I use a trauma-informed approach to therapy, using EMDR, CBT, experiential and attachment-based approaches, depending on your needs and goals.
Therapy is a place to slow down, explore who you are, get unstuck, and engage in the important work of improving your relationships with yourself and others. I am genuinely and deeply interested in you- what experiences have shaped you, how you view the world, yourself and those around you. You and I will explore what is working well for you and what isn't, and will work together to move you toward a life of greater peace, congruency, connection and authenticity. My goal as a therapist is to create a space where you feel safe and fully seen for who have been and who you are today, and who you can be in the future.
(615) 882-4099 View (615) 882-4099
Photo of Danielle Phillips, Licensed Professional Counselor in Tennessee
Danielle Phillips
Licensed Professional Counselor, LMFT
Verified Verified
Chattanooga, TN 37404  (Online Only)
Danielle utilizes multiple treatment approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), attachment-based family therapy, and play therapy.
Danielle Phillips is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 3 years of experience in the mental health field. She is passionate about helping individuals, adolescents, and parents overcome challenges and live happier lives. Danielle specializes in anxiety, stress, depression, coping skills, parenting issues, self-esteem, and women's issues.
Danielle utilizes multiple treatment approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), attachment-based family therapy, and play therapy.
Danielle Phillips is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 3 years of experience in the mental health field. She is passionate about helping individuals, adolescents, and parents overcome challenges and live happier lives. Danielle specializes in anxiety, stress, depression, coping skills, parenting issues, self-esteem, and women's issues.
(423) 455-5239 View (423) 455-5239
Photo of SpringWell Group, Psychologist in Tennessee
SpringWell Group
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Johnson City, TN 37601
Welcome to SpringWell Group! My name is Dr. Martinez & I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist offering comprehensive psychological testing, including Court-related evaluations. I also provide relational-focused therapy from a trauma-informed & attachment-based foundation that views secure relationship & interpersonal connection as central to healing and growth. I believe people have an innate need to be seen & are capable of remarkable growth, & that with caring support they can flourish in even the most difficult times. Services at client preferred location available for high privacy.
Welcome to SpringWell Group! My name is Dr. Martinez & I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist offering comprehensive psychological testing, including Court-related evaluations. I also provide relational-focused therapy from a trauma-informed & attachment-based foundation that views secure relationship & interpersonal connection as central to healing and growth. I believe people have an innate need to be seen & are capable of remarkable growth, & that with caring support they can flourish in even the most difficult times. Services at client preferred location available for high privacy.
(423) 441-4279 View (423) 441-4279
Photo of Molly Akin, Marriage & Family Therapist in Tennessee
Molly Akin
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Memphis, TN 38104
EFT is an attachment-based model focusing on rebuilding and strengthening the connection between partners so that they can feel safe and trust each other more.
Many experiences in life can motivate us to look for support―a difficult current or past relationship, overwhelming stress, unprocessed trauma, or maybe just a sense of being stuck. You aren't alone. My hope is that you find in me a nonjudgmental, caring presence to listen and help you process whatever pain or disconnection you might be experiencing. My aim is to guide you toward the wholeness you seek.
EFT is an attachment-based model focusing on rebuilding and strengthening the connection between partners so that they can feel safe and trust each other more.
Many experiences in life can motivate us to look for support―a difficult current or past relationship, overwhelming stress, unprocessed trauma, or maybe just a sense of being stuck. You aren't alone. My hope is that you find in me a nonjudgmental, caring presence to listen and help you process whatever pain or disconnection you might be experiencing. My aim is to guide you toward the wholeness you seek.
(901) 245-5627 View (901) 245-5627
Photo of Dr. Leigh Pitre, Licensed Professional Counselor in Tennessee
Dr. Leigh Pitre
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPCMHSP, NCC, CH
Verified Verified
Memphis, TN 38117
I would like to start off by saying it takes courage to take the first step in your healing journey! I specialize in treating trauma, attachment-based issues, and couples. I take a whole-body approach that helps create and maintain lasting change. My ultimate goal for therapy with my clients is to help create corrective emotional experiences so that healing can occur. Whether that’s on an individual basis, or with a couple and the relational cycle. I truly believe it is an honor to walk alongside my clients throughout the healing process!
I would like to start off by saying it takes courage to take the first step in your healing journey! I specialize in treating trauma, attachment-based issues, and couples. I take a whole-body approach that helps create and maintain lasting change. My ultimate goal for therapy with my clients is to help create corrective emotional experiences so that healing can occur. Whether that’s on an individual basis, or with a couple and the relational cycle. I truly believe it is an honor to walk alongside my clients throughout the healing process!
(901) 617-4260 View (901) 617-4260
Photo of Frank Bunner, Marriage & Family Therapist in Tennessee
Frank Bunner
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37209
Our life and relationship experiences can take us to places where we feel stuck, hopeless and overwhelmed. My therapy practice exists to provide a safe place for you to explore, listen, reconnect, and experience change. I have experience working with couples, individuals, and families who are dealing with disconnection in relationship, infidelity, unhealthy conflict, failures in communication, trauma, grief, divorce, depression, anxiety, and difficult life transitions. My aim is to provide you with a therapeutic space where you can experience yourself and others in a new, hopeful, transformative way.
Our life and relationship experiences can take us to places where we feel stuck, hopeless and overwhelmed. My therapy practice exists to provide a safe place for you to explore, listen, reconnect, and experience change. I have experience working with couples, individuals, and families who are dealing with disconnection in relationship, infidelity, unhealthy conflict, failures in communication, trauma, grief, divorce, depression, anxiety, and difficult life transitions. My aim is to provide you with a therapeutic space where you can experience yourself and others in a new, hopeful, transformative way.
(615) 265-6044 View (615) 265-6044
Photo of Kendal McDaniel, Pre-Licensed Professional in Tennessee
Kendal McDaniel
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, MFTI
Verified Verified
Chattanooga, TN 37405
I am trauma informed and utilize evidence-based therapies such as CBT, EFT, and Attachment-Based Therapy.
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I am passionate about working with our community and can personally relate to how religious, childhood, relational, and societal trauma can impact sexuality and sexual orientation. Sexuality is a unique spectrum and is a beautiful part of who we are. In therapy together, you will find an accepting and safe space to explore all questions related to sexuality, sexual orientation and gender, non-traditional relationships, and sense of self, all with compassion and care. At Affirming Therapy Services, you are free to be who you are and to continue to discover your most authentic self.
I am trauma informed and utilize evidence-based therapies such as CBT, EFT, and Attachment-Based Therapy.
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I am passionate about working with our community and can personally relate to how religious, childhood, relational, and societal trauma can impact sexuality and sexual orientation. Sexuality is a unique spectrum and is a beautiful part of who we are. In therapy together, you will find an accepting and safe space to explore all questions related to sexuality, sexual orientation and gender, non-traditional relationships, and sense of self, all with compassion and care. At Affirming Therapy Services, you are free to be who you are and to continue to discover your most authentic self.
(423) 592-8149 View (423) 592-8149
Photo of Hannah Starr, Pre-Licensed Professional in Tennessee
Hannah Starr
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
Lebanon, TN 37087
It takes courage to reach out for help. I am passionate about partnering and walking alongside others in some of their most difficult moments to help them reach a sense of hope and healing. I believe we are designed to heal. My greatest priority is creating an atmosphere of safety where my clients can feel seen, heard, and understood. There may have been places in your story where you learned tools to help you survive and those tools are no longer helpful but actually keeping you from living from a place of wholeness.
It takes courage to reach out for help. I am passionate about partnering and walking alongside others in some of their most difficult moments to help them reach a sense of hope and healing. I believe we are designed to heal. My greatest priority is creating an atmosphere of safety where my clients can feel seen, heard, and understood. There may have been places in your story where you learned tools to help you survive and those tools are no longer helpful but actually keeping you from living from a place of wholeness.
(615) 933-2978 View (615) 933-2978
Photo of Megan Tresh, Marriage & Family Therapist Intern in Tennessee
Megan Tresh
Marriage & Family Therapist Intern, MS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37405
Embracing life's uncertainties, transitions, & unmet expectations can be challenging, but we are able to move forward with meaning & purpose. Sometimes building a level of resilience & mental fortitude is required for us to progress. By using an underlying attachment-based approach, I’m able to provide therapeutic services that are safe, authentic, & non-judgemental to allow for healing & growth. I have found that tailoring the modalities used to each client provides positive outcomes in various situations. EMDR, exposure & response prevention (ERP), experiential activities, & play therapy are among those that I am trained in.
Embracing life's uncertainties, transitions, & unmet expectations can be challenging, but we are able to move forward with meaning & purpose. Sometimes building a level of resilience & mental fortitude is required for us to progress. By using an underlying attachment-based approach, I’m able to provide therapeutic services that are safe, authentic, & non-judgemental to allow for healing & growth. I have found that tailoring the modalities used to each client provides positive outcomes in various situations. EMDR, exposure & response prevention (ERP), experiential activities, & play therapy are among those that I am trained in.
(423) 370-0124 View (423) 370-0124
Photo of Rachel Cox, Licensed Professional Counselor in Tennessee
Rachel Cox
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Knoxville, TN 37919
Waitlist for new clients
I integrate skill-building, somatic and attachment-based work as well, as I firmly believe we are holistic creatures requiring holistic care.
Hello! Helping individuals to heal from their pasts and grow into the best version of themselves is something I truly love. Today, we know that trauma settles into our brains and bodies in ways that time cannot fully heal (despite the old adage, “time heals everything”) . Would you like to be more present in your daily life, have a healthier relationship to yourself and others? I would love to work together to help you heal from your past, so that you can live life more fully today.
I integrate skill-building, somatic and attachment-based work as well, as I firmly believe we are holistic creatures requiring holistic care.
Hello! Helping individuals to heal from their pasts and grow into the best version of themselves is something I truly love. Today, we know that trauma settles into our brains and bodies in ways that time cannot fully heal (despite the old adage, “time heals everything”) . Would you like to be more present in your daily life, have a healthier relationship to yourself and others? I would love to work together to help you heal from your past, so that you can live life more fully today.
(865) 328-9538 View (865) 328-9538
Photo of Vicki Scott, Pastoral Counselor in Tennessee
Vicki Scott
Pastoral Counselor, MA
Verified Verified
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
I am an attachment-based specialist and trained in, Story Informed Trauma Therapy, SITT, and Certified Temperament Counselor.
Welcome to New Journeys Counseling. I am Vicki and I am a Christian Counselor focused on helping women find hope and healing. Life is full of struggles and heart aches and no matter who we are none of us are immune to the trials of life, but God did not intend for us to walk this life alone, we need to have relationships with others. With a wholistic approach aimed at engaging the whole self: heart, mind, and body I desire to provide a safe, supportive space for my clients to explore your thought, emotions, behaviors and grow to discover who God created them to be as they let Him be the light on their journey.
I am an attachment-based specialist and trained in, Story Informed Trauma Therapy, SITT, and Certified Temperament Counselor.
Welcome to New Journeys Counseling. I am Vicki and I am a Christian Counselor focused on helping women find hope and healing. Life is full of struggles and heart aches and no matter who we are none of us are immune to the trials of life, but God did not intend for us to walk this life alone, we need to have relationships with others. With a wholistic approach aimed at engaging the whole self: heart, mind, and body I desire to provide a safe, supportive space for my clients to explore your thought, emotions, behaviors and grow to discover who God created them to be as they let Him be the light on their journey.
(629) 276-3082 View (629) 276-3082
Photo of Danielle Drew, Licensed Professional Counselor in Tennessee
Danielle Drew
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Knoxville, TN 37922  (Online Only)
Danielle utilizes an integrative treatment approach to match her client's needs, but she mostly uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and attachment-based (AT) theories to guide her sessions.
Danielle Drew is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with a Mental Health Service Provider designation (LPC-MHSP) in the state of Tennessee. She has years of experience working with clients as young as 4 and as old as 65. Danielle specializes in treating anxiety, depression, adjustment-related issues, PTSD, personality disorders, relationships and marital issues, gender dysphoria- or identity-related issues, grief, and more.
Danielle utilizes an integrative treatment approach to match her client's needs, but she mostly uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and attachment-based (AT) theories to guide her sessions.
Danielle Drew is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with a Mental Health Service Provider designation (LPC-MHSP) in the state of Tennessee. She has years of experience working with clients as young as 4 and as old as 65. Danielle specializes in treating anxiety, depression, adjustment-related issues, PTSD, personality disorders, relationships and marital issues, gender dysphoria- or identity-related issues, grief, and more.
(865) 270-5559 View (865) 270-5559
Photo of Haley Whetstone, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Tennessee
Haley Whetstone
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Franklin, TN 37064
Whether you are seeking refuge and healing from trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, identity issues, suicidal ideation, or various other life complexities, I strive to be a safe and welcoming space for you. I am a strong advocate for meeting people where they are.
Whether you are seeking refuge and healing from trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, identity issues, suicidal ideation, or various other life complexities, I strive to be a safe and welcoming space for you. I am a strong advocate for meeting people where they are.
(615) 552-0984 View (615) 552-0984
Photo of Alyssa Birmingham, Marriage & Family Therapist in Tennessee
Alyssa Birmingham
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
16 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37212
There is something beautiful about becoming the most authentic version of yourself. My passion lies in helping individuals and couples work to uncover what is keeping them stuck and develop a more fulfilling life. Through therapy, we will develop a relationship where you feel heard, understood, and respected while working to recognize and change the unhelpful thoughts, behaviors, and patterns in your life that are no longer serving you. Our sessions will feel like a conversation, where I will offer a fresh perspective and tangible ways to achieve your therapy goals.
There is something beautiful about becoming the most authentic version of yourself. My passion lies in helping individuals and couples work to uncover what is keeping them stuck and develop a more fulfilling life. Through therapy, we will develop a relationship where you feel heard, understood, and respected while working to recognize and change the unhelpful thoughts, behaviors, and patterns in your life that are no longer serving you. Our sessions will feel like a conversation, where I will offer a fresh perspective and tangible ways to achieve your therapy goals.
(615) 784-5752 View (615) 784-5752
Photo of Patrick Oellerich, Marriage & Family Therapist in Tennessee
Patrick Oellerich
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37408
I am trained in Attachment-based Individual, Couples, and Family Therapy as well as specifically trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT) and Emotionally Focused Therapy.
Hey there! I'm a therapist that specializes in couple's therapy and individual therapy for men ages 15-35. My primary expertise are in trauma reprocessing/integration, infidelity recovery/repair, and attachment maintenance in family systems. On any given day you could find me helping a young man processing life's struggles, a couple seeking healing from a constant sense of disconnection, or a family needing deeper connection through new experiences of one another. Whatever the situation, I love coming alongside others to journey with them towards wholeheartedness.
I am trained in Attachment-based Individual, Couples, and Family Therapy as well as specifically trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT) and Emotionally Focused Therapy.
Hey there! I'm a therapist that specializes in couple's therapy and individual therapy for men ages 15-35. My primary expertise are in trauma reprocessing/integration, infidelity recovery/repair, and attachment maintenance in family systems. On any given day you could find me helping a young man processing life's struggles, a couple seeking healing from a constant sense of disconnection, or a family needing deeper connection through new experiences of one another. Whatever the situation, I love coming alongside others to journey with them towards wholeheartedness.
(423) 220-4508 View (423) 220-4508
Photo of Dave Flowers, Marriage & Family Therapist Intern in Tennessee
Dave Flowers
Marriage & Family Therapist Intern, MMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Franklin, TN 37064
I specialize in experiential, attachment-based therapy, and I am trained in EMDR.
After a brief stint as a touring musician and 20 years in the equipment finance industry, I finally found my perfect work-fit: helping families find healing from previous hurts, cope and move through current life difficulties, and prepare for a healthy future. I work with children and young adults who are dealing with trauma, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and grief/loss. As a parent, myself, I understand that when our children struggle, we struggle as well. So, I provide support to parents who are navigating difficult challenges with their children.
I specialize in experiential, attachment-based therapy, and I am trained in EMDR.
After a brief stint as a touring musician and 20 years in the equipment finance industry, I finally found my perfect work-fit: helping families find healing from previous hurts, cope and move through current life difficulties, and prepare for a healthy future. I work with children and young adults who are dealing with trauma, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and grief/loss. As a parent, myself, I understand that when our children struggle, we struggle as well. So, I provide support to parents who are navigating difficult challenges with their children.
(615) 805-6478 View (615) 805-6478
Photo of Elizabeth J. Burton, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Tennessee
Elizabeth J. Burton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, PMH-C
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37203
Waitlist for new clients
My therapy style is client-centered and attachment-based, integrating individualized therapeutic approaches.
Hi! I’m Elizabeth and am so glad you are here looking for a safe space to heal and process life. I support adults and adolescents (16+) navigating anxiety, OCD, depression, grief, behavioral issues, and trauma recovery. I specialize in therapy for attachment & relationship dynamics, trauma & abuse, and perinatal mood & anxiety disorders for expectant and postpartum parents.
My therapy style is client-centered and attachment-based, integrating individualized therapeutic approaches.
Hi! I’m Elizabeth and am so glad you are here looking for a safe space to heal and process life. I support adults and adolescents (16+) navigating anxiety, OCD, depression, grief, behavioral issues, and trauma recovery. I specialize in therapy for attachment & relationship dynamics, trauma & abuse, and perinatal mood & anxiety disorders for expectant and postpartum parents.
(615) 209-9225 View (615) 209-9225
Photo of Ashton Ross, Pre-Licensed Professional in Tennessee
Ashton Ross
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, LPC, MHSP(T)
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brentwood, TN 37027
I utilize a person-centered approach and an attachment-based lens, and incorporate Narrative, IFS, CBT, Emotion-Focused Therapy, and experiential techniques to explore effective ways to break through wounds and empower clients to reach a deeper level of functioning and wholeness.
Are you tired of feeling stuck, hopeless, and disconnected? I've been there too. I am passionate about helping individuals gain a greater sense of peace, inner freedom, and cultivating a deeper connection with self and others. My heart is to provide compassionate and holistic care to my clients throughout their healing journey. I work with individuals and couples with a variety of presenting issues including, C-PTSD/Trauma, Relational trauma & Narcissistic Abuse, Anxiety, Relationship Anxiety, Depression, Relationship challenges, Family Conflict, Attachment wounds, Codependency, Low self-esteem, Perfectionism, and life transitions.
I utilize a person-centered approach and an attachment-based lens, and incorporate Narrative, IFS, CBT, Emotion-Focused Therapy, and experiential techniques to explore effective ways to break through wounds and empower clients to reach a deeper level of functioning and wholeness.
Are you tired of feeling stuck, hopeless, and disconnected? I've been there too. I am passionate about helping individuals gain a greater sense of peace, inner freedom, and cultivating a deeper connection with self and others. My heart is to provide compassionate and holistic care to my clients throughout their healing journey. I work with individuals and couples with a variety of presenting issues including, C-PTSD/Trauma, Relational trauma & Narcissistic Abuse, Anxiety, Relationship Anxiety, Depression, Relationship challenges, Family Conflict, Attachment wounds, Codependency, Low self-esteem, Perfectionism, and life transitions.
(629) 276-4631 View (629) 276-4631
Photo of Cassandra Riddle, Pre-Licensed Professional in Tennessee
Cassandra Riddle
Pre-Licensed Professional, LPC, MHSP, Temp
Verified Verified
Chattanooga, TN 37404
Her therapeutic style is informed by an eclectic approach, using Solution-Focused Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, CBT, and utilizing Attachment-based insight on a foundation of Person-Centered Theory to help clients gain autonomy.
Finding the right person to help with life’s problems can be an overwhelming task. Aided by her warmth and authenticity, Cassandra creates an environment where clients feel supported and empowered to share their experiences. She has decades of life experience working with adolescents and adults across multiple settings, which informs her practice. Cassandra works with clients who have experienced a life change, trauma, grief/loss and are experiencing adjustment difficulties, anxiety, and/or depression. She provides individual therapy for adolescents, adults as well as couples therapy.
Her therapeutic style is informed by an eclectic approach, using Solution-Focused Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, CBT, and utilizing Attachment-based insight on a foundation of Person-Centered Theory to help clients gain autonomy.
Finding the right person to help with life’s problems can be an overwhelming task. Aided by her warmth and authenticity, Cassandra creates an environment where clients feel supported and empowered to share their experiences. She has decades of life experience working with adolescents and adults across multiple settings, which informs her practice. Cassandra works with clients who have experienced a life change, trauma, grief/loss and are experiencing adjustment difficulties, anxiety, and/or depression. She provides individual therapy for adolescents, adults as well as couples therapy.
(754) 220-5946 View (754) 220-5946
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.