Attachment-based Therapists in Forney, TX

Photo of James G Harlow - Jim Harlow Counseling, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jim Harlow Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Forney, TX 75126
People generally come to therapy because there is some area of their life in which they are stuck and in pain. I practice from an “attachment” perspective which is the key to unlocking a different way of understanding yourself and your interactions with others, opening a pathway to practical and relational healing. My office is a no-blame/no-shame environment. I provide both traditional talk therapy as well as Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) to individuals (age 8 and up), couples, and families just 20 miles SE of Dallas. Because of my experience as an adoptive dad, foster and adoptive families are a focus of my practice.
People generally come to therapy because there is some area of their life in which they are stuck and in pain. I practice from an “attachment” perspective which is the key to unlocking a different way of understanding yourself and your interactions with others, opening a pathway to practical and relational healing. My office is a no-blame/no-shame environment. I provide both traditional talk therapy as well as Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) to individuals (age 8 and up), couples, and families just 20 miles SE of Dallas. Because of my experience as an adoptive dad, foster and adoptive families are a focus of my practice.
(214) 960-2407 View (214) 960-2407
Photo of Shannon Francom, PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Shannon Francom
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Forney, TX 75126
Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, experiences some sort of hardship, trauma, conflict, or setback at one time or another in their life. Sometimes we seem to handle these distressing situations and events with ease, and sometimes we seem a little lost, misunderstood, or like we can't quite keep our head above water. I can help! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with nearly a decade of experience working with individuals, couples, and families, with a variety of presenting concerns, such as depression and anxiety, trauma, marriage/family problems, addiction, eating disorders, and many more.
Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, experiences some sort of hardship, trauma, conflict, or setback at one time or another in their life. Sometimes we seem to handle these distressing situations and events with ease, and sometimes we seem a little lost, misunderstood, or like we can't quite keep our head above water. I can help! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with nearly a decade of experience working with individuals, couples, and families, with a variety of presenting concerns, such as depression and anxiety, trauma, marriage/family problems, addiction, eating disorders, and many more.
(469) 721-6521 View (469) 721-6521
Photo of Cristina Parsons, LCSW-S, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Cristina Parsons
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S
Verified Verified
Forney, TX 75126
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, with a diverse professional background including community mental health, gerontology, special education social work and advocacy, group therapy, and private practice. My goal is to assist clients to find their strengths and live an authentic life. I strive to help clients find and build a core toolbox of coping skills that can assist them through the most difficult of times.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, with a diverse professional background including community mental health, gerontology, special education social work and advocacy, group therapy, and private practice. My goal is to assist clients to find their strengths and live an authentic life. I strive to help clients find and build a core toolbox of coping skills that can assist them through the most difficult of times.
(469) 392-4612 View (469) 392-4612
Photo of Steffani Wooley - Growth Counseling Center, Inc, LPC, CCTSI, Licensed Professional Counselor
Growth Counseling Center, Inc
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CCTSI
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Forney, TX 75126  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
You try to stop...stop the worrying, stop the thoughts, stop the behavior, stop the tears. But it's so hard. And it's effecting your quality of life. It's time. This is your time to work through what is stopping you from living a fulfilling life. Using the best approach tailored to you, we will work through past issues that may be impeding your life while at the same time giving you the skills to live a fuller life today.
You try to stop...stop the worrying, stop the thoughts, stop the behavior, stop the tears. But it's so hard. And it's effecting your quality of life. It's time. This is your time to work through what is stopping you from living a fulfilling life. Using the best approach tailored to you, we will work through past issues that may be impeding your life while at the same time giving you the skills to live a fuller life today.
(469) 837-8541 View (469) 837-8541
Photo of Katie Jean Mcdonald, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Katie Jean Mcdonald
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Forney, TX 75126  (Online Only)
Walking through this journal called life is difficult and there lies an extra layer of challenges when one is struggling with their mental health specifically related to past or current traumatic events. In fact, without awareness, we often make decisions and behave based upon how our past experiences have made us feel. I am here to help you explore the root of these issues, which in turn, will lead to the discovery of your true identity and self worth. My therapeutic approach is holistic in nature and this is why I specialize in the use of EMDR, IFS, and ACT.
Walking through this journal called life is difficult and there lies an extra layer of challenges when one is struggling with their mental health specifically related to past or current traumatic events. In fact, without awareness, we often make decisions and behave based upon how our past experiences have made us feel. I am here to help you explore the root of these issues, which in turn, will lead to the discovery of your true identity and self worth. My therapeutic approach is holistic in nature and this is why I specialize in the use of EMDR, IFS, and ACT.
(716) 466-9175 View (716) 466-9175
Photo of Dr. Ariel McKinney, PhD, LP, LSSP, NCSP, Psychologist
Dr. Ariel McKinney
Psychologist, PhD, LP, LSSP, NCSP
Verified Verified
Forney, TX 75126
I am a results-driven psychologist who offers psychological and neuropsychological evaluations, in addition to therapy services. In my practice, I ensure that my clients feel seen, heard, and safe. All of my services are evidence-based, holistic, and tailored to my clients' specific needs. After working with me, my clients see improvements in their personal and professional relationships and feel empowered, equipped, evolved, and at peace with themselves.
I am a results-driven psychologist who offers psychological and neuropsychological evaluations, in addition to therapy services. In my practice, I ensure that my clients feel seen, heard, and safe. All of my services are evidence-based, holistic, and tailored to my clients' specific needs. After working with me, my clients see improvements in their personal and professional relationships and feel empowered, equipped, evolved, and at peace with themselves.
(945) 215-8966 View (945) 215-8966
Photo of Jen Espino, MA, LMFT, PMH-C, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jen Espino
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, PMH-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Forney, TX 75126  (Online Only)
You didn't realize just how overwhelmed, broken, and alone you'd feel. Suffering through infertility and baby loss is beyond devastating. Traumatic experiences bring anxiety and shame up to the surface and impact our most meaningful relationships. Even 'happy' things like marriage and becoming a new mom becomes a complex mash-up of emotions. Despite your best efforts, the emotional roller coaster and quiet despair haven't gone away. You try so so hard. And yet, you are lost, filled with worry and guilt. You fear losing intimacy and connection with your partner and see the beginnings of drifting apart.
You didn't realize just how overwhelmed, broken, and alone you'd feel. Suffering through infertility and baby loss is beyond devastating. Traumatic experiences bring anxiety and shame up to the surface and impact our most meaningful relationships. Even 'happy' things like marriage and becoming a new mom becomes a complex mash-up of emotions. Despite your best efforts, the emotional roller coaster and quiet despair haven't gone away. You try so so hard. And yet, you are lost, filled with worry and guilt. You fear losing intimacy and connection with your partner and see the beginnings of drifting apart.
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Photo of Jennifer K Smith - 246 Counseling, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
246 Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Forney, TX 75126
With a team of 6 therapists, our goal is to provide a level of life experience and expertise to meet our clients where they are. We understand that seeking counseling can be scary, which is why we work hard to create a safe space for our clients to explore any and all areas of their lives. We do not take a cookie cutter approach to therapy, our team is trained to tailor therapy to the individual. We will work with you to establish realistic goals, and achieve them, through working with a therapist on our team who best meets your needs.
With a team of 6 therapists, our goal is to provide a level of life experience and expertise to meet our clients where they are. We understand that seeking counseling can be scary, which is why we work hard to create a safe space for our clients to explore any and all areas of their lives. We do not take a cookie cutter approach to therapy, our team is trained to tailor therapy to the individual. We will work with you to establish realistic goals, and achieve them, through working with a therapist on our team who best meets your needs.
(469) 289-1377 View (469) 289-1377
Photo of Chris Barela, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Chris Barela
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Forney, TX 75126
I am a graduate of St. Edwards University with my MA in Marriage and Family Counseling. I have experience working with couples, individuals, families, and adolescents ages 12-17. Having worked with clients and families possessing a variety of cultural values, biases, and worldviews, I have developed highly effective interpersonal and intercultural communication skills. For Online therapy only please visit my website at BarelaCounseling.com. I also see clients in person at Pathway Psychiatry (Different rates apply). Please visit Pathway at PathwayPsychiatry.com.
I am a graduate of St. Edwards University with my MA in Marriage and Family Counseling. I have experience working with couples, individuals, families, and adolescents ages 12-17. Having worked with clients and families possessing a variety of cultural values, biases, and worldviews, I have developed highly effective interpersonal and intercultural communication skills. For Online therapy only please visit my website at BarelaCounseling.com. I also see clients in person at Pathway Psychiatry (Different rates apply). Please visit Pathway at PathwayPsychiatry.com.
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Photo of Katie Jean McDonald - Reign Psychotherapy, PLLC , LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Reign Psychotherapy, PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Forney, TX 75126
I want to applaud you for taking a brave step as you have decided to explore your therapy options. My approach to the therapeutic process is one that is down to earth, direct, and compassionate in nature. I would love to help you explore and heal from your trauma whether it be lack of attachment or mental/ emotional abuse. Or are you looking to create a more meaningful and healthy relationship with your spouse/ partner, then let’s get started on your journey to freedom and wholeness.
I want to applaud you for taking a brave step as you have decided to explore your therapy options. My approach to the therapeutic process is one that is down to earth, direct, and compassionate in nature. I would love to help you explore and heal from your trauma whether it be lack of attachment or mental/ emotional abuse. Or are you looking to create a more meaningful and healthy relationship with your spouse/ partner, then let’s get started on your journey to freedom and wholeness.
(469) 378-9980 View (469) 378-9980
Photo of Megan R. Young, MSW, LCSW-S, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Megan R. Young
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW-S
Verified Verified
Forney, TX 75126
For some people, it is easy to ask for help & for others, it is extremely difficult. You might be struggling with managing difficult behaviors with your child & unsure of how to help them. You might question whether you should even come to counseling because you are not sure if what you are going through is "really bad enough" compared to others. Maybe you have done counseling before and did not feel it helped. Counseling is about learning how to manage difficult feelings as they arise. Mental health is not linear, & ups and downs will happen in the course of life, so it helps to have someone to listen when they are struggling.
For some people, it is easy to ask for help & for others, it is extremely difficult. You might be struggling with managing difficult behaviors with your child & unsure of how to help them. You might question whether you should even come to counseling because you are not sure if what you are going through is "really bad enough" compared to others. Maybe you have done counseling before and did not feel it helped. Counseling is about learning how to manage difficult feelings as they arise. Mental health is not linear, & ups and downs will happen in the course of life, so it helps to have someone to listen when they are struggling.
(214) 225-3881 View (214) 225-3881
Photo of Kylee Fisher, LMFT-A, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Kylee Fisher
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, LMFT-A
Verified Verified
Forney, TX 75126
Not only are we individuals with our own thoughts, feelings and experiences, we are part of a more complex network of family, culture and community. That looks different for everyone! Learning how to navigate and nurture our personal development is crucial, and understanding ourselves within the greater context of our relationships remains equally important in setting one up to thrive and grow.
Not only are we individuals with our own thoughts, feelings and experiences, we are part of a more complex network of family, culture and community. That looks different for everyone! Learning how to navigate and nurture our personal development is crucial, and understanding ourselves within the greater context of our relationships remains equally important in setting one up to thrive and grow.
(469) 727-6562 View (469) 727-6562
Photo of Elizabeth McConnell, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Elizabeth McConnell
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Forney, TX 75126
I am now accepting NEW clients. Are you too busy to try to piece things together that you've seen on social media? Do you want something to work NOW? Are you feeling emotionally exhausted, overwhelmed or frustrated? Do you feel out of control? I help parents with: toddler tantrums; bonding after adoption; blended families; divorce; adolescent/teen self-esteem, anger, and self-harming; sibling conflict; grief; ADHD and other behavioral problems. I'm Elizabeth and I specialize in parent coaching of children and adolescents. If you are looking for a therapist who can help you grow your skills as a parent - I am here for you.
I am now accepting NEW clients. Are you too busy to try to piece things together that you've seen on social media? Do you want something to work NOW? Are you feeling emotionally exhausted, overwhelmed or frustrated? Do you feel out of control? I help parents with: toddler tantrums; bonding after adoption; blended families; divorce; adolescent/teen self-esteem, anger, and self-harming; sibling conflict; grief; ADHD and other behavioral problems. I'm Elizabeth and I specialize in parent coaching of children and adolescents. If you are looking for a therapist who can help you grow your skills as a parent - I am here for you.
(469) 489-3784 View (469) 489-3784
Photo of R Lance Gardner, MA, LPC-S, CSAT, Licensed Professional Counselor
R Lance Gardner
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-S, CSAT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Forney, TX 75126
I work with clients struggling with sexual addiction, marriage issues, betrayal trauma, failure to launch, depression, anxiety and substance addiction.
I work with clients struggling with sexual addiction, marriage issues, betrayal trauma, failure to launch, depression, anxiety and substance addiction.
(469) 746-3019 View (469) 746-3019
Photo of Natasha Montgomery, MA, LPC, LCDC, CLC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Natasha Montgomery
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LCDC, CLC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Forney, TX 75126  (Online Only)
Asking for help is the best choice to make when you feel you have run out of options. Life happens to everyone and can feel overwhelming. But there is hope that your life doesn't have to stay the way it has always been. When life gets tough it is often helpful to have a person lend an open ear and heart while supporting you through your circumstances. Making the decision to come to counseling is often a tough choice to make. However, it will be the greatest gift you can give yourself. Choose to put yourself first today and give yourself space to process & heal by scheduling an appointment with our office.
Asking for help is the best choice to make when you feel you have run out of options. Life happens to everyone and can feel overwhelming. But there is hope that your life doesn't have to stay the way it has always been. When life gets tough it is often helpful to have a person lend an open ear and heart while supporting you through your circumstances. Making the decision to come to counseling is often a tough choice to make. However, it will be the greatest gift you can give yourself. Choose to put yourself first today and give yourself space to process & heal by scheduling an appointment with our office.
(682) 307-4458 View (682) 307-4458
Photo of Elizabeth Davis - ADULTs & COUPLEs @ Embrace New Life, DSW, PsyD, LPC, LCSW, Licensed Professional Counselor
ADULTs & COUPLEs @ Embrace New Life
Licensed Professional Counselor, DSW, PsyD, LPC, LCSW
Verified Verified
Forney, TX 75126
🅐🅒🅒🅔🅟🅣🅘🅝🅖 New Adult & Couple Clients! We are 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 & 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐬 with 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓 15 𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒛𝒆𝒅 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆. We treat individuals & couples for anxiety, stress, depression, anger, fear, substance abuse, family relational conflict, postpartum, self-esteem, and more. Therapy at 𝙀𝙢𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝓝𝓮𝔀 𝓛𝓲𝓯𝓮 is a collaborative process that starts with providing you skills from our first session together. We help you 𝑚𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑠 in your life & 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑛 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑙𝑡ℎ𝑦 𝑔𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑. ➳ #𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘀 ✞
🅐🅒🅒🅔🅟🅣🅘🅝🅖 New Adult & Couple Clients! We are 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 & 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐬 with 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓 15 𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒛𝒆𝒅 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆. We treat individuals & couples for anxiety, stress, depression, anger, fear, substance abuse, family relational conflict, postpartum, self-esteem, and more. Therapy at 𝙀𝙢𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝓝𝓮𝔀 𝓛𝓲𝓯𝓮 is a collaborative process that starts with providing you skills from our first session together. We help you 𝑚𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑠 in your life & 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑛 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑙𝑡ℎ𝑦 𝑔𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑. ➳ #𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘀 ✞
(469) 273-1765 View (469) 273-1765
Photo of Elizabeth Davis - Embrace New Life / Counseling & Wellness, DSW, PsyD , PhD, LPC, AACC LC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Embrace New Life / Counseling & Wellness
Licensed Professional Counselor, DSW, PsyD , PhD, LPC, AACC LC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Forney, TX 75126
Our hope is that 𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 (𝐞𝐍𝐋) is a place where each and every person who enters our doors, no matter how big or small their problems - feel cared for, safe, and important. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫! Our goal is to come alongside you as you work toward personal healing and emotional connection. 𝐞𝐍𝐋 is a leading provider of high-quality, private counseling for teens, adults & couples. #𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 #𝐖𝐞𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞 #𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐬 We are 𝙛𝙖𝙞𝙩𝙝-𝙗𝙖𝙨𝙚𝙙 ✞, 𝙥𝙨𝙮𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙤𝙜𝙮-𝙞𝙣𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙚𝙙 Ψ & 𝙛𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙮-𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙙 ♥ ! ☎ Today!
Our hope is that 𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 (𝐞𝐍𝐋) is a place where each and every person who enters our doors, no matter how big or small their problems - feel cared for, safe, and important. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫! Our goal is to come alongside you as you work toward personal healing and emotional connection. 𝐞𝐍𝐋 is a leading provider of high-quality, private counseling for teens, adults & couples. #𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 #𝐖𝐞𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞 #𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐬 We are 𝙛𝙖𝙞𝙩𝙝-𝙗𝙖𝙨𝙚𝙙 ✞, 𝙥𝙨𝙮𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙤𝙜𝙮-𝙞𝙣𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙚𝙙 Ψ & 𝙛𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙮-𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙙 ♥ ! ☎ Today!
(972) 449-1687 View (972) 449-1687
Photo of Kimberley B Montgomery, MA, LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kimberley B Montgomery
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-S
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Forney, TX 75126
Waitlist for new clients
I am committed to helping people. I have a passion for supervision. I believe that supervision helped me to become a confident clinician and I feel empowered to help others find their clinical voice as well. I also have a passion for people dealing with chronic illness. People who deal with health issues on a daily basis need someone to talk to as they navigate the struggles of getting well. As a parent of four children I understand that parenting can be difficult and at times frustrating. I want to help parents find the joys in raising children and help them feel successful as caregivers. I am kind, compassionate, and honest.
I am committed to helping people. I have a passion for supervision. I believe that supervision helped me to become a confident clinician and I feel empowered to help others find their clinical voice as well. I also have a passion for people dealing with chronic illness. People who deal with health issues on a daily basis need someone to talk to as they navigate the struggles of getting well. As a parent of four children I understand that parenting can be difficult and at times frustrating. I want to help parents find the joys in raising children and help them feel successful as caregivers. I am kind, compassionate, and honest.
(214) 972-3478 View (214) 972-3478
Photo of Abby Davidson, MA, LPC-A
Abby Davidson
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MA, LPC-A
Verified Verified
Forney, TX 75126  (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Professional Counseling Associate, under the supervision of Jennifer Smith. I am passionate about meeting people where they are and providing a safe and confidential space where no topic is off limits and growth can occur.
I am a Licensed Professional Counseling Associate, under the supervision of Jennifer Smith. I am passionate about meeting people where they are and providing a safe and confidential space where no topic is off limits and growth can occur.
(469) 871-7396 View (469) 871-7396
Photo of Danita R Duncan, MA, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Danita R Duncan
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Forney, TX 75126
I work with individual adults who need support due to the effects of trauma, anxiety, depression, grief/loss and relationship issues. My work incorporates a structured approach to reduce symptoms. I offer tangible tools to help you fight the effects of substance use/abuse and calm down reactive responses. I can help with family/relational issues to improve your quality of life.
I work with individual adults who need support due to the effects of trauma, anxiety, depression, grief/loss and relationship issues. My work incorporates a structured approach to reduce symptoms. I offer tangible tools to help you fight the effects of substance use/abuse and calm down reactive responses. I can help with family/relational issues to improve your quality of life.
(214) 463-2861 View (214) 463-2861
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Attachment-based Therapists

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.