Attachment Therapy and Related Concerns

'Attachment' is a term describing the nature of the emotional relationship shared initially between a child and their primary caregiver(s) and later within important adult relationships. In childhood, healthy or 'secure' attachments are characteristic of children whose physical and emotional needs are adequately met by their primary caregivers; they develop a general sense of safety, security, and feel loved. Through these early interactions, they learn that the world is a relatively safe and predictable place and that they can rely on people who care about them for support and reassurance during times of stress (Cassidy & Shaver, 2008). Psychologists have discovered that attachment also provides a context for regulating emotion. In healthy relationships, we learn that emotional distress (e.g. fears or feelings of sadness) can be shared with people who care about us. Through their eye contact, familiar tone of voice, and comforting touch, we feel less alone, supported, and validated. Our emotions become co-regulated with the help of other people.

If our experiences during childhood involved interactions where we may have experienced emotional neglect or abuse, or if our parents just did not know how to respond to our emotional needs in an empathic and attuned way, we may develop characteristics of an 'insecure attachment.' In these situations, children will generally adapt by suppressing or minimizing their emotional needs, or by being excessively anxious or cautious about trusting others, requiring continuous reassurance. While these alternative ways of coping may have been adaptive during childhood, they can continue to operate outside of our awareness, become overgeneralized, and cause significant problems in our present relationships.

Therapy can often be helpful to explore whether emotions tied to early relationships, could be influencing some aspect of a person's current life. Our psychologists will sometimes use an attachment-focused therapy approach to make sense of these early experiences and challenge tenacious emotional reflexes tied to the past.

Recommended Reading

Parenting from the Inside Out: How a deeper self-understanding can help you raise children who thrive (D. Siegel & M. Hartzell)

This book is great for both parents and adults without children. The authors draw from both attachment theory and neuroscience to describe how these early relationships help shape who we are today. The reader will likely gain a greater insight, understanding, and appreciation for the emotional reflexes they may have learned during their own childhood. Through careful self-reflection and making peace with the past, one can avoid having to repeat maladaptive patterns of family interaction with one's own children. A highly recommended book.

References

Cassidy, J. & Shaver, P. (2008). Handbook of Attachment, 2nd ed. New York: Guilford Press.

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