What is Attachment-Based Therapy?
How Does It Work?
All of the focus stays on you, but there's a much warmer and more connected "feel" to therapy sessions. Essentially the client "practices" safe communication and a trusted, close bondedness with her therapist. This way, she may become capable of taking these skills out into the world and using them within her relationships.
Attachment breeches most often happen as a child when a caregiver is inconsistent or fails to be present for the needs of the child. Attachment breeches can also happen to adults within their primary relationships. Attachment happens when you can count on someone not to intentionally let you down... and if they do, there is immediately care and repair. Learning to trust another human being is a vital skill for someone who may not have had a safe relationship to rely on as a young person. We can use therapy to practice attachment through a safe, caring bond that we create together. Neuroscience shows that even experiences with a safe, present therapist - who is committed to you - can change the nervous system. Anxiety and depression can drastically decrease as the mind, heart and body learn that it is POSSIBLE to feel safety and closeness with another human being.
What are sessions like?
Sessions are virtual. Occasionally I'll do Facetime calls for the first few sessions if the client feels that s/he would like that. Once the trance and meditative work begin, all of the work will be on the phone. 99% of my clients LOVE this, because they can be safe and quiet in their own bed or sofa to do very deep work. The work is not frightening. I won't let it go there. But it can feel "unknown". A phone call from your bed means no fighting with traffic before the all-important hypnosis work.... it's just more efficient.Attachment-Based Therapy was developed by psychologist John Bowlby in the 1960s. He first proposed that strong emotional attachment to at least one primary caregiver is necessary for children to build a sense of security they need to feel free and safe in their environment, to explore their worlds, to learn from new experiences, and to connect with others.”
You and I will develop more than just a weekly clinical relationship, we will become a team. I'll be available via text 24/7, whenever you need my encouragement and care. Drop-in emergency sessions are available. I'm not just your therapist, I'm an important part of your support system. This kind of accountability is how we learn to trust others. I believe it's vitally important to use Attachment-Based Therapy with my clients, as a warm, personal relationship with me can help to soothe and heal those places inside that were disappointed or abused by beloved parents as a child.
From our very first conversation, you will find that I'm easy to talk to. I'm not one of those quiet, distant, clinical-type therapists; I openly and honestly share my perceptions and intuitions, and I ask lots of questions. You will also find me to be (gently) challenging when you need and want to be challenged. And, while much of what we discuss will be serious, a sense of humor not only builds trust and strengthens relationship, but it makes therapy more personal and FUN!