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Understanding Attachment Based Therapy: A Brief Guide

Attachment-based therapy is a therapeutic approach that focuses on helping individuals develop a more secure attachment style. This type of therapy can be beneficial for people who have experienced attachment insecurity or trauma, as it can help them to develop a more secure and trusting relationship with themselves and others. Learn more about attachment-based therapy when you continue reading.

What Is Attachment-Based Therapy?

Attachment-based therapy is founded on the belief that humans are innately social beings who need close relationships in order to thrive. This need for close relationships begins in infancy, when babies form attachments to their primary caregivers. These attachments are critical for developing a child’s sense of self and ability to create trusting relationships with others. Secure attachments are characterised by trust, empathy, and a sense of safety. Insecure attachments, on the other hand, can lead to mistrust, anxiety, and avoidance in relationships. People who have experienced attachment insecurity or trauma may benefit from attachment-based therapy, as it can help them to develop a more secure attachment style. Attachment-based therapy typically involves building a trusting relationship with a therapist, which can provide a model for developing more secure attachments in other relationships. Therapy may also involve exploring past relationships and experiences, as well as learning about and practicing healthy relationship skills.

How Does Attachment-Based Therapy Work?

There are a variety of different approaches that therapists may take when providing attachment-based therapy. However, all approaches share a common focus on helping people understand and improve their relationships. One of the key components of attachment-based therapy is developing a safe and supportive relationship with the therapist. This relationship is used as a model for other relationships in the person’s life. So, the therapist first works to create an environment where the person feels safe to express themselves and explore their thoughts and feelings.

When Should Attachment-Based Therapy Be Used?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of when attachment-based therapy should be used. The decision should be made based on the individual needs of the client and the specific circumstances of the case. That said, there are certain situations in which attachment-based therapy can be particularly helpful. For example, it may be useful for people who have experienced early childhood trauma or have difficulty forming attachments. It can also be helpful for people who are struggling with relationship issues or who have difficulty trusting others. If you are considering attachment-based therapy, it is important to find a therapist who is experienced and trained in this approach. This will ensure that you receive the best possible care and that the therapy is tailored to your specific needs.

What Should One Expect in an Attachment-Based Therapy Session?

If you are considering attachment-based therapy, you may be wondering what to expect in a typical session. Here is a brief overview of what you can expect: Your therapist will likely begin by asking about your current situation and how you are feeling. They will then ask about your childhood and early relationships with your parents or caregivers. Next, your therapist will help you to identify your attachment style. There are three main attachment styles: secure, anxious, and avoidant. Once your attachment style has been identified, your therapist will work with you to help you to develop more secure attachments. This may involve learning to express your needs and feelings more effectively, developing a stronger sense of self, and being more emotionally available to others.

Final Thoughts

If you are considering attachment-based therapy for yourself or someone you know, it is important to talk to a mental health professional to see if it is the right fit. This type of therapy can benefit many people, but it is not right for everyone. A mental health professional can help you determine if attachment-based therapy is right for you or your loved one. Are you looking for Calgary counselling services that offer attachment-based therapy? Schedule an appointment at Virtuous Circle Counselling. We have specialists who can help, especially for children and adolescents. Give us a call today to learn more.

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We at Virtuous Circle Counselling acknowledge Moh’kinstsis, the lands where the Bow and Elbow rivers meet, in what we currently call Calgary. We acknowledge that we are visitors on Moh’kinsstis and acknowledge the Blackfoot are those who named this area as Moh’kinsstis. In the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation, we recognize the ancestral territories, cultures, and oral practices of the Blackfoot people, the Îyarhe Nakoda Nations, the Dene people of the Tsuut’ina Nation, and the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3.