Photo of Staci Robinson, Counselor in Utah
Staci Robinson
Counselor, MS, LCMHC, CHT
Verified Verified
Sandy, UT 84094
The team at A New Direction understands that individuals come to a point in their lives when change is needed. We are here to offer the support, resources and skills to accommodate a healthy lifestyle while working on "the self" to incorporate needed changes that lead to a productive life. We specialize in mental health, addiction and trauma related issues. We have a variety of modalities to reach each person where he/she is now, allowing an individualized approach to recovery and/or wellness.
The team at A New Direction understands that individuals come to a point in their lives when change is needed. We are here to offer the support, resources and skills to accommodate a healthy lifestyle while working on "the self" to incorporate needed changes that lead to a productive life. We specialize in mental health, addiction and trauma related issues. We have a variety of modalities to reach each person where he/she is now, allowing an individualized approach to recovery and/or wellness.
(801) 666-2959 View (801) 666-2959
Photo of Tammy Dunn, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Utah
Tammy Dunn
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, CSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Layton, UT 84040
In her practice, Tammy strives to create a safe, non-judgmental space for clients to explore their emotions and experiences openly. The foundation of her practice is deeply informed by Internal Family Systems as well as mind, body, and spirit-based approaches. Tammy is trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and ART (Accelerated Resolution Therapy). She also utilizes Polyvagal Theory to help clients befriend their nervous system.
In her practice, Tammy strives to create a safe, non-judgmental space for clients to explore their emotions and experiences openly. The foundation of her practice is deeply informed by Internal Family Systems as well as mind, body, and spirit-based approaches. Tammy is trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and ART (Accelerated Resolution Therapy). She also utilizes Polyvagal Theory to help clients befriend their nervous system.
(385) 381-8825 View (385) 381-8825

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.