Attachment-based Therapists in Manitoba

Photo of Wai Mei Kwok, BSc, MMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Wai Mei Kwok
Marriage & Family Therapist, BSc, MMFT
Verified Verified
Winnipeg, MB R3T  (Online Only)
My approach in therapy is client-centred, trauma-informed, and attachment-based.
"Why me? Why do I need to feel the pain?" Most of my clients asked some similar questions at the beginning of their therapy. They may be disconnected from others and being isolated. Therapy can offer them opportunities to make sense of their experiences, understand more about how things had happened, and rebuild relationships among themselves and others. During the therapeutic journey, my clients may take different perspectives to make sense of their experiences and learn new life skills to cope with their distress. They may feel more comfortable feeling uncomfortable and able to make new choices.
My approach in therapy is client-centred, trauma-informed, and attachment-based.
"Why me? Why do I need to feel the pain?" Most of my clients asked some similar questions at the beginning of their therapy. They may be disconnected from others and being isolated. Therapy can offer them opportunities to make sense of their experiences, understand more about how things had happened, and rebuild relationships among themselves and others. During the therapeutic journey, my clients may take different perspectives to make sense of their experiences and learn new life skills to cope with their distress. They may feel more comfortable feeling uncomfortable and able to make new choices.
(204) 813-7046 View (204) 813-7046
Photo of Maria Isabel Toro-Vidal, BSW, MSW, RSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Maria Isabel Toro-Vidal
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Winnipeg, MB R3T
I work with children of all ages, their families as well as individual adults. My therapeutic practice incorporates a diverse set of theories including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Child Play Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Attachment Based Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Solution Focused Approach.
I work with children of all ages, their families as well as individual adults. My therapeutic practice incorporates a diverse set of theories including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Child Play Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Attachment Based Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Solution Focused Approach.
(204) 813-6539 View (204) 813-6539
Photo of Lucy Brandes, MACP, CCC, Counsellor
Lucy Brandes
Counsellor, MACP, CCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Winnipeg, MB R3L
My work has an attachment-based trauma focus, giving care to inner parts (e.
Welcome! I'm so glad you found my page. My name is Lucy, my pronouns are she and her, and I am currently living in the city of Winnipeg, located on Treaty 1 Territory. As a proud member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community I have special interest and passion for working with queer folx—including those in who are gender non-conforming or trans, and I have experience working with non-traditional family structures like polyamory/ethical non-monogamy. My experiences and training have also given me unique insights for working with faith deconstruction, religious trauma, shifting worldviews, and spiritual practices.
My work has an attachment-based trauma focus, giving care to inner parts (e.
Welcome! I'm so glad you found my page. My name is Lucy, my pronouns are she and her, and I am currently living in the city of Winnipeg, located on Treaty 1 Territory. As a proud member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community I have special interest and passion for working with queer folx—including those in who are gender non-conforming or trans, and I have experience working with non-traditional family structures like polyamory/ethical non-monogamy. My experiences and training have also given me unique insights for working with faith deconstruction, religious trauma, shifting worldviews, and spiritual practices.
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Photo of Vanessa Honeyborne, BA, BSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker
Vanessa Honeyborne
Registered Social Worker, BA, BSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Winnipeg, MB R3C
I work from a strength based model, recognizing you as the expert in your life. Together we discuss goals for therapy, and collaborate on the best approach, while incorporating individualized coping strategies, attachment based perspectives, nervous system regulation, and mindfulness. I use Accelerated Resolution Therapy to treat trauma/PTSD/phobias. This is a brief therapy and treatment can be accomplished in 1-5 sessions. A.R.T uses bilateral stimulation, with a specific script (this allows you to go into the trauma without retelling). A.R.T is more somatic based than cognitive, compared to other treatments (EMDR)
I work from a strength based model, recognizing you as the expert in your life. Together we discuss goals for therapy, and collaborate on the best approach, while incorporating individualized coping strategies, attachment based perspectives, nervous system regulation, and mindfulness. I use Accelerated Resolution Therapy to treat trauma/PTSD/phobias. This is a brief therapy and treatment can be accomplished in 1-5 sessions. A.R.T uses bilateral stimulation, with a specific script (this allows you to go into the trauma without retelling). A.R.T is more somatic based than cognitive, compared to other treatments (EMDR)
(204) 817-9157 x100 View (204) 817-9157 x100
Photo of Ashley Olynick, MACP, CCC, Counsellor
Ashley Olynick
Counsellor, MACP, CCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Winnipeg, MB R3L  (Online Only)
I am a trauma-informed therapist and work mainly from an attachment-based, and acceptance and commitment model.
Life is really hard, right? I'd love to help you through it. I am passionate about being a therapist and walking with my clients through the things they struggle with. I have a lot of experience working with clients who have experienced trauma, self-harm, suicidality, abuse, parenting challenges, and PTSD. I am queer friendly and have experience in religious trauma, as well. As a parent myself, I love to offer support to other parents and caregivers of children of all ages.
I am a trauma-informed therapist and work mainly from an attachment-based, and acceptance and commitment model.
Life is really hard, right? I'd love to help you through it. I am passionate about being a therapist and walking with my clients through the things they struggle with. I have a lot of experience working with clients who have experienced trauma, self-harm, suicidality, abuse, parenting challenges, and PTSD. I am queer friendly and have experience in religious trauma, as well. As a parent myself, I love to offer support to other parents and caregivers of children of all ages.
(431) 804-5527 View (431) 804-5527
Photo of Jennifer Sveinson, BSW, MA, RSW, Registered Social Worker
Jennifer Sveinson
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MA, RSW
Verified Verified
Winnipeg, MB R3L
New clients are welcome. Overwhelmed by thoughts and emotions? Having difficulty expressing yourself in important relationships? In the Mental Health Program at HSC, I helped countless people to heal their emotional wounds. Life bruises us all over the years, but with the right support and therapy we're all capable of healing & even thriving. My training includes: Mindful Self-Compassion & Attachment Based Therapy. Focusing on your own well-being is the doorway to transforming relationships. Gain freedom from self-criticism. You deserve to enjoy the present moment and be able to show up fully in all aspects of your life.
New clients are welcome. Overwhelmed by thoughts and emotions? Having difficulty expressing yourself in important relationships? In the Mental Health Program at HSC, I helped countless people to heal their emotional wounds. Life bruises us all over the years, but with the right support and therapy we're all capable of healing & even thriving. My training includes: Mindful Self-Compassion & Attachment Based Therapy. Focusing on your own well-being is the doorway to transforming relationships. Gain freedom from self-criticism. You deserve to enjoy the present moment and be able to show up fully in all aspects of your life.
(204) 813-9805 View (204) 813-9805
Photo of Jen Haddad, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker
Jen Haddad
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Winnipeg, MB R2M  (Online Only)
Tailored to your unique needs, I use an integrative therapeutic approach focused on attachment-based interventions, and therapies such as: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) .
Hello and welcome. Is emotional pain getting in the way of living your best life? What needs attention in your life? Where are you stuck? Pain is our mind and body sharing a message with us. I want to help you unpack this message and change your relationship with your pain. I want to help you move from being stuck to being curious about what it is telling you. I want to help you discover what makes you stronger and what matters most to you in life. We are always interpreting the present through the lens of our past. Every stressor in our present has a history. Understanding these connections is key.
Tailored to your unique needs, I use an integrative therapeutic approach focused on attachment-based interventions, and therapies such as: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) .
Hello and welcome. Is emotional pain getting in the way of living your best life? What needs attention in your life? Where are you stuck? Pain is our mind and body sharing a message with us. I want to help you unpack this message and change your relationship with your pain. I want to help you move from being stuck to being curious about what it is telling you. I want to help you discover what makes you stronger and what matters most to you in life. We are always interpreting the present through the lens of our past. Every stressor in our present has a history. Understanding these connections is key.
(204) 817-6914 View (204) 817-6914
Photo of Monique Tellier, MSW, RSW, CCAAT, Registered Social Worker
Monique Tellier
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, CCAAT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Winnipeg, MB R2H
My practice is guided by therapeutic strategies/models including Child-Centered Animal-Assisted Therapy, Attachment-based, Strengths-Based, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Psycho-educational, Theraplay and Mindfulness. I have experience treating adults, children and adolescents struggling with anxiety, ADHD, separation/divorce, attachment, social skills, grief/loss, self-regulation and anger management.
My practice is guided by therapeutic strategies/models including Child-Centered Animal-Assisted Therapy, Attachment-based, Strengths-Based, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Psycho-educational, Theraplay and Mindfulness. I have experience treating adults, children and adolescents struggling with anxiety, ADHD, separation/divorce, attachment, social skills, grief/loss, self-regulation and anger management.
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Photo of Carmella Birori, BAHons, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker
Carmella Birori
Registered Social Worker, BAHons, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Winnipeg, MB R3N
Clinically, I use a melded blend of narrative, somatic, emotion-focused and attachment-based interventions in my practice.
I am a relationship and trauma centred Therapist and Social Worker. Leading with curiosity and compassion, I see my role as holding space for you to find the hope, sit in the discomfort and make sense of the stuck. I am always curious about the things we do and why we do them, as this can help us make sense of and cultivate compassion for ourselves. I ground my work in helping adults calm their anxious minds and make sense of their experiences to live true and authentic lives.
Clinically, I use a melded blend of narrative, somatic, emotion-focused and attachment-based interventions in my practice.
I am a relationship and trauma centred Therapist and Social Worker. Leading with curiosity and compassion, I see my role as holding space for you to find the hope, sit in the discomfort and make sense of the stuck. I am always curious about the things we do and why we do them, as this can help us make sense of and cultivate compassion for ourselves. I ground my work in helping adults calm their anxious minds and make sense of their experiences to live true and authentic lives.
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Photo of Erin Boissonneault, MACP, CCC
Erin Boissonneault
MACP, CCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Winnipeg, MB R2M
I have worked as a counsellor for over 15 years. My work is grounded in the belief that providing a safe, non-judgemental environment allows us to explore, heal and grow. I use multiple approaches including Attachment-based, Emotion-Focussed Therapy, Humanistic, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and Active Therapy. Collaboratively, we can personalize which approach(es) work best for you. If you are interested in connecting with me, call or email me to book a free 15-minute consultation. During this consultation we can get to know one another and see if we are a good match to forward together.
I have worked as a counsellor for over 15 years. My work is grounded in the belief that providing a safe, non-judgemental environment allows us to explore, heal and grow. I use multiple approaches including Attachment-based, Emotion-Focussed Therapy, Humanistic, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and Active Therapy. Collaboratively, we can personalize which approach(es) work best for you. If you are interested in connecting with me, call or email me to book a free 15-minute consultation. During this consultation we can get to know one another and see if we are a good match to forward together.
(204) 400-3867 View (204) 400-3867
Photo of Kathleen McDonald - Courageous Connections Counseling & Consulting, MSW, RSW
At Courageous Connections we offer individual, family, couple and group therapy to children, youth, families and adults. Our team is made up of Social Workers and Counselors who specialize in Play Therapy, EMDR and Attachment-based therapies. We have therapists that work with people from all ages and stages of life. We focus on relationships, trauma, and supporting individuals with neurodivergence and their families.
At Courageous Connections we offer individual, family, couple and group therapy to children, youth, families and adults. Our team is made up of Social Workers and Counselors who specialize in Play Therapy, EMDR and Attachment-based therapies. We have therapists that work with people from all ages and stages of life. We focus on relationships, trauma, and supporting individuals with neurodivergence and their families.
(431) 813-2735 View (431) 813-2735
Photo of Lara Coppola, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker
Lara Coppola
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Winnipeg, MB R3M
Accepting new clients! Appointments available evenings. I work with children and adolescents . I am here to provide a safe space, non-judgmental and calm approach to support children and teens in their journeys towards healing. Through a trauma informed and attachment based lens, I help individuals explore their life difficulties and and find solutions. Utilizing a strength-based approach, I incorporate play, art, laughter, games, and talk therapy to support children and teens discover new ways to cope, understand and feel more empowered in their lives.
Accepting new clients! Appointments available evenings. I work with children and adolescents . I am here to provide a safe space, non-judgmental and calm approach to support children and teens in their journeys towards healing. Through a trauma informed and attachment based lens, I help individuals explore their life difficulties and and find solutions. Utilizing a strength-based approach, I incorporate play, art, laughter, games, and talk therapy to support children and teens discover new ways to cope, understand and feel more empowered in their lives.
(204) 813-0304 View (204) 813-0304
Photo of Dallas Wiebe, BA, MA, CCC, Counsellor
Dallas Wiebe
Counsellor, BA, MA, CCC
Verified Verified
Steinbach, MB R5G
My work is person-centered and influenced by attachment-based, narrative and interpersonal neurobiology, and CBT among others, but I tailor my therapy to fit your individual needs.
I offer counselling for adults, couples, and teens. My goal is to provide you with a safe, trusting space where you will be heard and understood. I have experience working with issues of grief, trauma, PTSD, anxiety, adoption & fostering, life & cultural transitions, mental health, interpersonal conflict, parenting, marriage, and faith and spirituality. It takes courage to reach out when life gets hard. Maybe you’ve made efforts to resolve a stress, only to find that it was a temporary fix. I would be honored to walk with you in the process of exploring together the root of the issue in order to heal and find hope for the future.
My work is person-centered and influenced by attachment-based, narrative and interpersonal neurobiology, and CBT among others, but I tailor my therapy to fit your individual needs.
I offer counselling for adults, couples, and teens. My goal is to provide you with a safe, trusting space where you will be heard and understood. I have experience working with issues of grief, trauma, PTSD, anxiety, adoption & fostering, life & cultural transitions, mental health, interpersonal conflict, parenting, marriage, and faith and spirituality. It takes courage to reach out when life gets hard. Maybe you’ve made efforts to resolve a stress, only to find that it was a temporary fix. I would be honored to walk with you in the process of exploring together the root of the issue in order to heal and find hope for the future.
(431) 441-7211 View (431) 441-7211
Photo of Marni Still, BA, BSW, MSW, RSW, PhD Can, Registered Social Worker
Marni Still
Registered Social Worker, BA, BSW, MSW, RSW, PhD Can
Verified Verified
Winnipeg, MB R2H
I use a holistic and eclectic model of therapy to meet each person's needs, using methods I teach such as: CBT, Attachment-based therapy, Narrative Therapy, Crisis Intervention, Family Systems, & more).
Accepting new clients - Are you or your child struggling and not knowing the path forward? Experiencing challenges is normal, but can be overwhelming. You do not have to do it alone! Often, having someone truly listen and assist us in unpacking our difficulties is what is needed to heal and move forward in the way we want to live. I believe healing happens best in a space where you feel valued, understood, and empowered with zero judgement. My approach is based on a few key aspects: relationships matter, a non-judgemental environment, a holistic and client-centred approach, cultural safety, and narrative/trauma-informed care.
I use a holistic and eclectic model of therapy to meet each person's needs, using methods I teach such as: CBT, Attachment-based therapy, Narrative Therapy, Crisis Intervention, Family Systems, & more).
Accepting new clients - Are you or your child struggling and not knowing the path forward? Experiencing challenges is normal, but can be overwhelming. You do not have to do it alone! Often, having someone truly listen and assist us in unpacking our difficulties is what is needed to heal and move forward in the way we want to live. I believe healing happens best in a space where you feel valued, understood, and empowered with zero judgement. My approach is based on a few key aspects: relationships matter, a non-judgemental environment, a holistic and client-centred approach, cultural safety, and narrative/trauma-informed care.
(431) 400-3051 View (431) 400-3051
Photo of Nicole Leclaire, MACP, CCC, Counsellor
Nicole Leclaire
Counsellor, MACP, CCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Winnipeg, MB R2H
Nicole is a play-based therapist who uses a person-centered, trauma-informed and compassionate approach to focus on her client’s needs and therapeutic goals. She incorporates play, mindfulness, art, somatic, sand tray, attachment-based, and cognitive-behavioural strategies to help children and teens in navigating emotional, social, behavioural and mental health struggles. Nicole has a passion for helping children and youth learn coping strategies for their struggles while building strength and understanding for themselves and those around them.
Nicole is a play-based therapist who uses a person-centered, trauma-informed and compassionate approach to focus on her client’s needs and therapeutic goals. She incorporates play, mindfulness, art, somatic, sand tray, attachment-based, and cognitive-behavioural strategies to help children and teens in navigating emotional, social, behavioural and mental health struggles. Nicole has a passion for helping children and youth learn coping strategies for their struggles while building strength and understanding for themselves and those around them.
(431) 340-9554 View (431) 340-9554
Photo of Aseel Al-Saheb, CCC, MA, Registered Psychotherapist
Aseel Al-Saheb
Registered Psychotherapist, CCC, MA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Brandon, MB R7C  (Online Only)
I utilize techniques from various evidence-based therapies, CBT, DBT, EFT, IFS, Person-Centred, Attachment-Based Therapy, Psychodynamic, CPT, and Gottman Method.
I am a Registered Psychotherapist and Canadian Certified Counsellor. I believe each person has their own distinct life experiences and qualities that call for a tailored approach to meet their individual needs. Each obstacle presents a chance for personal growth, and with guidance, you can develop greater self-awareness. With that, we work collaboratively to explore the Past and the Present to Unravel themes and patterns within your life that could operate as obstacles to help you reach your goals.
I utilize techniques from various evidence-based therapies, CBT, DBT, EFT, IFS, Person-Centred, Attachment-Based Therapy, Psychodynamic, CPT, and Gottman Method.
I am a Registered Psychotherapist and Canadian Certified Counsellor. I believe each person has their own distinct life experiences and qualities that call for a tailored approach to meet their individual needs. Each obstacle presents a chance for personal growth, and with guidance, you can develop greater self-awareness. With that, we work collaboratively to explore the Past and the Present to Unravel themes and patterns within your life that could operate as obstacles to help you reach your goals.
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Photo of Melanie Roy, BA, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker
Melanie Roy
Registered Social Worker, BA, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Winnipeg, MB R2H
I make use of a wide range of techniques – including EMDR with adults, CBT, DBT, MIG, art and play therapy, attachment-based, and mindfulness-based practices – to collaboratively build a treatment plan that is personal and authentic to each client and their struggles.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges? Depression, anxiety, grief, stress, family conflict, and other hardships can make peace and happiness feel out of reach. But it doesn’t have to be – together we can find a path forward. With over 14 years of experience in helping professions, my practice is dedicated to supporting individuals and families (including kinship/foster settings) who are facing challenges like anxiety, depression, self-esteem, trauma, grief, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts.
I make use of a wide range of techniques – including EMDR with adults, CBT, DBT, MIG, art and play therapy, attachment-based, and mindfulness-based practices – to collaboratively build a treatment plan that is personal and authentic to each client and their struggles.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges? Depression, anxiety, grief, stress, family conflict, and other hardships can make peace and happiness feel out of reach. But it doesn’t have to be – together we can find a path forward. With over 14 years of experience in helping professions, my practice is dedicated to supporting individuals and families (including kinship/foster settings) who are facing challenges like anxiety, depression, self-esteem, trauma, grief, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts.
(431) 533-1291 View (431) 533-1291
Photo of Jess Marshall, RCT-C, MA, Counsellor
Jess Marshall
Counsellor, RCT-C, MA
Verified Verified
Winnipeg, MB R3B  (Online Only)
I may draw from attachment-based, psychodynamic, narrative, mindfulness based, and/or cognitive behavioural approaches.
Feeling disconnected? Perhaps you're struggling to exist in a society that doesn't feel like its accepting of you? I specialize in working with clients who often feel they diverge from societal norms. I have special interest in working with clients who may describe themselves as belonging to these groups: Neurodiverse, LGBTQIA+, Ethically Non-Monogamous, Kinky, and/or those involved in non-traditional family/relationship dynamics. If this is you, now that you are not alone! My experience may not be the same as yours, but through collaboration, we can work together to help find the best treatment methods for your unique situation.
I may draw from attachment-based, psychodynamic, narrative, mindfulness based, and/or cognitive behavioural approaches.
Feeling disconnected? Perhaps you're struggling to exist in a society that doesn't feel like its accepting of you? I specialize in working with clients who often feel they diverge from societal norms. I have special interest in working with clients who may describe themselves as belonging to these groups: Neurodiverse, LGBTQIA+, Ethically Non-Monogamous, Kinky, and/or those involved in non-traditional family/relationship dynamics. If this is you, now that you are not alone! My experience may not be the same as yours, but through collaboration, we can work together to help find the best treatment methods for your unique situation.
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Photo of Lauren Middlemiss, MA, RP, CCC, Registered Psychotherapist
Lauren Middlemiss
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP, CCC
Verified Verified
Niverville, MB R0A
I work from a person-centered approach, integrating aspects of various modalities including Attachment-based Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Emotion Focused Therapy.
It's not easy to reach out for help, and it can be difficult to find support that fits your individual needs. I offer free phone consults to allow you a chance to see if I can be the right fit for you. I value being authentic and creating a genuine connection with my clients. It is very important to me that clients from all walks of life feel safe and heard in our sessions together. Together we will create a specialized treatment plan with goals that best suit you and your unique needs.
I work from a person-centered approach, integrating aspects of various modalities including Attachment-based Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Emotion Focused Therapy.
It's not easy to reach out for help, and it can be difficult to find support that fits your individual needs. I offer free phone consults to allow you a chance to see if I can be the right fit for you. I value being authentic and creating a genuine connection with my clients. It is very important to me that clients from all walks of life feel safe and heard in our sessions together. Together we will create a specialized treatment plan with goals that best suit you and your unique needs.
(431) 244-0193 View (431) 244-0193
Photo of Rebecca Howgate (Occupational Therapist), OT Reg, (MB), Occupational Therapist
Rebecca Howgate (Occupational Therapist)
Occupational Therapist, OT Reg, (MB)
Verified Verified
Winnipeg, MB R2M
I have a bilingual Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Ottawa, and an undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Winnipeg. I enjoy learning and using a variety of approaches such as sensory, play-based, motor development, and traditional mental health counselling. As an occupational therapist, I work with people to identify meaningful goals and explore approaches to help them reach those goals with a unique, client-centred perspective. I also have recent training in approaches such as Circle of Security, Theraplay (Level 1), and the Safe and Sound Protocol.
I have a bilingual Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Ottawa, and an undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Winnipeg. I enjoy learning and using a variety of approaches such as sensory, play-based, motor development, and traditional mental health counselling. As an occupational therapist, I work with people to identify meaningful goals and explore approaches to help them reach those goals with a unique, client-centred perspective. I also have recent training in approaches such as Circle of Security, Theraplay (Level 1), and the Safe and Sound Protocol.
(204) 900-5972 View (204) 900-5972
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Attachment-based Counsellors

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.