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What is attachment therapy?
Attachment therapy explores how someone’s childhood experiences might affect their ability to form meaningful bonds as an adult.
Caroline Fenkel, DSW, co-founder and chief clinical officer of Charlie Health.
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She continues, It really boils down to doing inner-child work.
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What Is Attachment Theory?
To understand attachmenttherapy, its important to know about attachmenttheory.
It’s based on extensive research by psychologistJohn Bowlbyinto how young children attach to their parents and caregivers.
Bowlby defined four attachment types: secure, avoidant, anxious, and disorganized.
He hypothesized that attachment style informs peoples relationships later in life, well past childhood and into adulthood.
Theres nothing inherently wrong with having this attachment style, and many people have it.
What to Expect
The mantra taking back power is often used in attachment therapy.
Youll typically explore events from your childhood and determine how these experiences affect your life today.
Be prepared to dissect how those early dynamics continue manifesting.
Whatever approach you take, youll likely do exercises that help you connect with yourself and bond with others.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Instead, its fluid and organic.
Its a deep process, but its so worth it.
If youre a student, ask your colleges health office if they provide free services.
Speak with your primary care provider or therapist about providers who offer this form of therapy.
Or, reach out to local mental health organizations; they can point you in the right direction.
But observe without judgment.
Find out which option is the best for you.
Turner M, Beckwith H, Duschinsky R, et al.Attachment difficulties and disorders.InnovAiT.
2019;12(4):173. doi:10.1177/1755738018823817
