Attachment-based Therapists in Allston, MA
![Photo of Leslie Piken, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/883903d1-036b-4243-829f-24af0301afcc/2/320x400.jpeg)
Leslie Piken
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Allston, MA 02134 (Online Only)
My treatment approach is integrative and personalized to my clients’ needs, focused on building a foundation of trust. I work with clients to identify underlying roots of problems and elicit existing and new strengths and resources. I prefer a holistic approach to treatment which, while based in a psychodynamic framework, draws from my specialized training in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, attachment based, trauma-informed and mindfulness modalities. I work with adults ranging from young adulthood through end of life, using a culturally-sensitive approach.
My treatment approach is integrative and personalized to my clients’ needs, focused on building a foundation of trust. I work with clients to identify underlying roots of problems and elicit existing and new strengths and resources. I prefer a holistic approach to treatment which, while based in a psychodynamic framework, draws from my specialized training in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, attachment based, trauma-informed and mindfulness modalities. I work with adults ranging from young adulthood through end of life, using a culturally-sensitive approach.
![Photo of Lily Hall, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fee42f08-1c61-4ddd-b39a-47d51b855d49/1/320x400.png)
I believe everyone deserves a warm, safe space to process life's experiences! I will work with you in a collaborative manner that often involves education, encouragement, humor, and careful listening. Together, we will connect to your emotional experience, explore why certain patterns of thinking and behaving exist, heal wounds of the past, and create meaningful change for you. My focus is on supporting teens and young adults to compassionately navigate things like anxiety, depression, trauma, life stressors/transitions, self worth, identity, and relationships.
I believe everyone deserves a warm, safe space to process life's experiences! I will work with you in a collaborative manner that often involves education, encouragement, humor, and careful listening. Together, we will connect to your emotional experience, explore why certain patterns of thinking and behaving exist, heal wounds of the past, and create meaningful change for you. My focus is on supporting teens and young adults to compassionately navigate things like anxiety, depression, trauma, life stressors/transitions, self worth, identity, and relationships.
![Photo of Jialin Xiang, EdM, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/39f49914-cf2d-4556-aab7-680f8dd15daa/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jialin Xiang
Pre-Licensed Professional, EdM
Verified Verified
Allston, MA 02134 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I am a compassionate and dedicated Chinese counselor. Being a Chinese woman myself, I have a profound understanding of the unique challenges that Asian individuals face in the American context. I strongly believe that culture plays a significant role in shaping our mental health. It influences our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Recognizing this, I am committed to empowering Asian individuals living in the United States.
I am a compassionate and dedicated Chinese counselor. Being a Chinese woman myself, I have a profound understanding of the unique challenges that Asian individuals face in the American context. I strongly believe that culture plays a significant role in shaping our mental health. It influences our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Recognizing this, I am committed to empowering Asian individuals living in the United States.
![Photo of Grace Lawton, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c1052d92-6876-46f4-9587-33fcee3079fb/2/320x400.jpeg)
Grace Lawton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Allston, MA 02134 (Online Only)
I offer individual, couples & group psychotherapy to adults and adolescents, taking an integrative holistic approach to treatment. If you are navigating challenges with anxiety, OCD, depression, family/relationship conflicts, trauma, women's issues, low self-esteem, impulsivity, or a life transition, we may be a good fit! My expertise is in integrative psychotherapy, where I draw from a variety of modalities, including CBT, DBT, mindfulness, ACT, relational & strengths-based approaches to provide individualized treatment. If you have a spiritual practice or faith, I also incorporate your faith and spiritual practices into our work.
I offer individual, couples & group psychotherapy to adults and adolescents, taking an integrative holistic approach to treatment. If you are navigating challenges with anxiety, OCD, depression, family/relationship conflicts, trauma, women's issues, low self-esteem, impulsivity, or a life transition, we may be a good fit! My expertise is in integrative psychotherapy, where I draw from a variety of modalities, including CBT, DBT, mindfulness, ACT, relational & strengths-based approaches to provide individualized treatment. If you have a spiritual practice or faith, I also incorporate your faith and spiritual practices into our work.
![Photo of Analisa Savini, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d4b944dc-e3fc-4eb1-95ef-47040caa29b6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Analisa Savini
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Allston, MA 02134 (Online Only)
Analisa is a Licensed Independent Certified Social Worker (LICSW) in Boston, MA. She specializes in treating individuals who struggle with addiction, codependency, and complex trauma. Analisa empowers her clients to step into their strength and healing using a holistic and humanistic perspective. She is excited to work with motivated individuals from all walks of life. As an advocate for social justice, Analisa recognizes the intersectionality that exists between race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, faith, and socioeconomic status with individual treatment concerns. She prioritizes emotional safety for her clients.
Analisa is a Licensed Independent Certified Social Worker (LICSW) in Boston, MA. She specializes in treating individuals who struggle with addiction, codependency, and complex trauma. Analisa empowers her clients to step into their strength and healing using a holistic and humanistic perspective. She is excited to work with motivated individuals from all walks of life. As an advocate for social justice, Analisa recognizes the intersectionality that exists between race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, faith, and socioeconomic status with individual treatment concerns. She prioritizes emotional safety for her clients.
![Photo of Michael Grassa, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ddae9158-3dcf-44b6-8c4f-97bf4fd728b1/6/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who values individualized, person-centered psychotherapy where the therapeutic relationship is the catalyst for change, growth, and healing. I have worked with varying age groups across residential, in-home, and outpatient settings. I specialize in treating adolescents, young adults, and adults struggling with OCD, substance use, depression, anxiety, trauma, self-esteem issues, relationship challenges, and difficult life circumstances.
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who values individualized, person-centered psychotherapy where the therapeutic relationship is the catalyst for change, growth, and healing. I have worked with varying age groups across residential, in-home, and outpatient settings. I specialize in treating adolescents, young adults, and adults struggling with OCD, substance use, depression, anxiety, trauma, self-esteem issues, relationship challenges, and difficult life circumstances.
![Photo of Lisa Buckingham, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6cbedac9-f7fc-4c09-9b88-288382320676/1/320x400.jpeg)
In person clients preferred. Similar to life therapy is a journey. And with all journeys, nobody deserves to go at it alone. I offer a safe and supportive space for self exploration and healing. My practice is strongly eclectic, art therapy based, and person-centered. Therapy is a collaborative process and together we will find the best interventions to tailor to your unique needs, as I believe the most successful journeys are done as a team. You are the expert and I am here to support you with unconditional positive regard and provide the tools you need as you navigate your journey.
In person clients preferred. Similar to life therapy is a journey. And with all journeys, nobody deserves to go at it alone. I offer a safe and supportive space for self exploration and healing. My practice is strongly eclectic, art therapy based, and person-centered. Therapy is a collaborative process and together we will find the best interventions to tailor to your unique needs, as I believe the most successful journeys are done as a team. You are the expert and I am here to support you with unconditional positive regard and provide the tools you need as you navigate your journey.
![Photo of Whitney Lew, MA, LMHC, LPCC, CCH, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/50fcedc2-1ad1-4449-825c-42c8d52afc07/4/320x400.jpeg)
In these times of uncertainty and change, I am offering a space of hope and connection. I believe that therapy is a space to be seen and valued - a space to slow down, reflect, and engage in vulnerability. I understand the unique challenges faced by POC and immigrants, such as navigating cultural differences, acculturation stress, and intergenerational conflicts. In addition, I have a focus on working with college students and working professionals. In our work, we'll explore how cultural factors intersect with your mental health, nurturing a strong sense of identity, helping you to navigate life's complexities.
In these times of uncertainty and change, I am offering a space of hope and connection. I believe that therapy is a space to be seen and valued - a space to slow down, reflect, and engage in vulnerability. I understand the unique challenges faced by POC and immigrants, such as navigating cultural differences, acculturation stress, and intergenerational conflicts. In addition, I have a focus on working with college students and working professionals. In our work, we'll explore how cultural factors intersect with your mental health, nurturing a strong sense of identity, helping you to navigate life's complexities.
![Photo of Raphael Apter, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6916b81b-2767-4173-8f78-d030f06dddb1/2/320x400.jpeg)
Raphael Apter
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Allston, MA 02134 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
How do we remain hopeful with so much uncertainty, inequality, and suffering in the world? How do we take care of ourselves while also supporting others? How do we practice compassion? How do we accept those parts of ourselves (and of others) that are so often judged by our society? These are some of the kinds of questions I often pose to clients as we explore how our individually-lived experiences, coupled with larger historic and systemic trends, often influence the ways we understand and feel about our lives. My work with clients is rooted in a greater commitment to social justice issues.
How do we remain hopeful with so much uncertainty, inequality, and suffering in the world? How do we take care of ourselves while also supporting others? How do we practice compassion? How do we accept those parts of ourselves (and of others) that are so often judged by our society? These are some of the kinds of questions I often pose to clients as we explore how our individually-lived experiences, coupled with larger historic and systemic trends, often influence the ways we understand and feel about our lives. My work with clients is rooted in a greater commitment to social justice issues.
![Photo of Jennifer Brindley, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a88e3e90-7f3a-49a0-8304-41916ca9d72b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jennifer Brindley
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Allston, MA 02134
Not accepting new clients
Everyone needs support at some point. I strive to help people find strength during difficult times - to keep going, build supports, and focus on finding solutions. I can help identify ways to find more energy and appreciation in your life, and increase insight into sources of distress. Together we can work to identify your natural supports and improve on your strengths, as well as build coping skills and healthy ways to process difficult feelings.
Everyone needs support at some point. I strive to help people find strength during difficult times - to keep going, build supports, and focus on finding solutions. I can help identify ways to find more energy and appreciation in your life, and increase insight into sources of distress. Together we can work to identify your natural supports and improve on your strengths, as well as build coping skills and healthy ways to process difficult feelings.
![Photo of Eliana Freeman, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d6372193-a066-40c5-a44c-80149ea2d710/3/320x400.jpeg)
Eliana Freeman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Allston, MA 02134
Not accepting new clients
Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or anxious? Hoping to talk through and better understand patterns you notice? I am here and trained to help. We will work collaboratively to build skills to best meet your needs, hopes, and goals while exploring and building insight to better understand yourself. Together we will work to best support you as you navigate different life phases, relationships, and environments. I specialize in working with young adults traversing school, work, and life challenges. I have extensive training and experience working with the LGBTQIA+ community. I have an individualized and strengths-based framework.
Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or anxious? Hoping to talk through and better understand patterns you notice? I am here and trained to help. We will work collaboratively to build skills to best meet your needs, hopes, and goals while exploring and building insight to better understand yourself. Together we will work to best support you as you navigate different life phases, relationships, and environments. I specialize in working with young adults traversing school, work, and life challenges. I have extensive training and experience working with the LGBTQIA+ community. I have an individualized and strengths-based framework.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Olivia Eusden, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8b782e4c-d394-4fa0-b8ae-692606619b58/1/320x400.jpeg)
Olivia Eusden
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 (Online Only)
I draw on narrative, CBT, Internal Family Systems, and attachment-based treatment modalities to create a client-centered and effective space for therapy.
I work with adults who are navigating relationship challenges, life transitions, and/or the parenting journey. I help clients orient themselves towards their needs and goals, set and maintain healthy boundaries in their relationships, and develop skills for regulating emotions and managing behaviors. I support my clients in nurturing more loving, trusting relationships with themselves.
I draw on narrative, CBT, Internal Family Systems, and attachment-based treatment modalities to create a client-centered and effective space for therapy.
I work with adults who are navigating relationship challenges, life transitions, and/or the parenting journey. I help clients orient themselves towards their needs and goals, set and maintain healthy boundaries in their relationships, and develop skills for regulating emotions and managing behaviors. I support my clients in nurturing more loving, trusting relationships with themselves.
![Photo of Amanda Weintraub, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e3e75343-0d7b-4501-9ffc-1303d39f7c4b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Amanda Weintraub
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Boston, MA 02116 (Online Only)
Limited availability at this time. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has provided psychotherapy to children, adolescents, adults, and families across the life spectrum for over 10 years. I have been told my style is warm, engaging, and dynamic. I believe that overcoming anxiety, depression, PTSD, complex trauma, and other forms of chronic and acute symptoms can happen within a collaborative and attachment-based therapeutic approach. Transformative healing is possible for all of us! It is an honor to be with my clients on each of their unique journeys.
Limited availability at this time. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has provided psychotherapy to children, adolescents, adults, and families across the life spectrum for over 10 years. I have been told my style is warm, engaging, and dynamic. I believe that overcoming anxiety, depression, PTSD, complex trauma, and other forms of chronic and acute symptoms can happen within a collaborative and attachment-based therapeutic approach. Transformative healing is possible for all of us! It is an honor to be with my clients on each of their unique journeys.
![Photo of Keisha Barnes, LCSW, LICSW, PIP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/64308a5a-53d5-4a82-a320-860eb2f04fba/3/320x400.jpeg)
Keisha Barnes
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW, PIP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Boston, MA 02131 (Online Only)
As an attachment-based therapist, I specialize in emotional pain & trauma.
Emotions like anxiety, sadness and shame are so overwhelming that it feels like your body could shatter from all of your feelings. A painful childhood, challenging relationships, loss or another distressing experience has left you feeling hopeless. You've never been able to explain what feeling abandoned is like, or why it's so hard to trust, so you feel more isolated in being misunderstood. You have some regrets on how you've responded or acted in the past while you were just trying to survive or feel connection.
As an attachment-based therapist, I specialize in emotional pain & trauma.
Emotions like anxiety, sadness and shame are so overwhelming that it feels like your body could shatter from all of your feelings. A painful childhood, challenging relationships, loss or another distressing experience has left you feeling hopeless. You've never been able to explain what feeling abandoned is like, or why it's so hard to trust, so you feel more isolated in being misunderstood. You have some regrets on how you've responded or acted in the past while you were just trying to survive or feel connection.
![Photo of Nikki Huijun Li, MA, R-DMT, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/42377b72-9a8c-46bf-987e-3041fe10484c/3/320x400.jpeg)
Nikki Huijun Li
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, R-DMT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Cambridge, MA 02138
Nikki provides culturally-affirming, attachment-based, queer-affirming, poly-friendly, strength-based and client-centered services, integrating trauma-informed and evidence-based theories including Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT), Expressive Arts Therapy, Family Systems Theory, Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Mindfulness.
Nikki works with children and adults of all backgrounds, specializing in LGBTQIA+, couples therapy and polyamory, parenting/co-parenting, children with special needs, immigrants and international students, and Asian mental health. She has experience with a wide range of issues including anxiety, communication, self-image, people pleasing, personal growth, embodiment, relational issues, boundary setting, neurodivergent and queer experiences, racial trauma, etc. Her therapeutic approach is creative and relational, and she provides language-specific care in both English and Mandarin Chinese.
Nikki provides culturally-affirming, attachment-based, queer-affirming, poly-friendly, strength-based and client-centered services, integrating trauma-informed and evidence-based theories including Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT), Expressive Arts Therapy, Family Systems Theory, Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Mindfulness.
Nikki works with children and adults of all backgrounds, specializing in LGBTQIA+, couples therapy and polyamory, parenting/co-parenting, children with special needs, immigrants and international students, and Asian mental health. She has experience with a wide range of issues including anxiety, communication, self-image, people pleasing, personal growth, embodiment, relational issues, boundary setting, neurodivergent and queer experiences, racial trauma, etc. Her therapeutic approach is creative and relational, and she provides language-specific care in both English and Mandarin Chinese.
![Photo of Youngsuk Kim, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b119a2d2-aa98-457f-b448-fc20e21bbc06/1/320x400.jpeg)
I provide integrative therapy using evidence-based treatment approaches including cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), exposure and response prevention (ERP), cognitive processing therapy (CPT), prolonged exposure (PE), complex grief therapy, trauma-focused therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and attachment-based therapy.
Independent of my job at MGH/Harvard Medical School as a clinical psychologist, I see clients in my private practice (Psychological Care and Consultancy, PLLC). I provide video telehealth only. I have extensive experience treating adults and 65+ suffering from anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, trauma, grief and loss, adjustment difficulties, low self-esteem, stresses associated with relationship and family conflicts, and educational and occupational concerns. I also have experience working with health professionals, high-functioning autism, late teens, and military service members. I am licensed in MA and RI.
I provide integrative therapy using evidence-based treatment approaches including cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), exposure and response prevention (ERP), cognitive processing therapy (CPT), prolonged exposure (PE), complex grief therapy, trauma-focused therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and attachment-based therapy.
Independent of my job at MGH/Harvard Medical School as a clinical psychologist, I see clients in my private practice (Psychological Care and Consultancy, PLLC). I provide video telehealth only. I have extensive experience treating adults and 65+ suffering from anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, trauma, grief and loss, adjustment difficulties, low self-esteem, stresses associated with relationship and family conflicts, and educational and occupational concerns. I also have experience working with health professionals, high-functioning autism, late teens, and military service members. I am licensed in MA and RI.
![Photo of Ashley Walker, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cb79c21e-7433-45aa-a804-5dc3dc2e64f8/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ashley Walker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Boston, MA 02120 (Online Only)
I utilize a variety of treatment methods including CBT, mindfulness, and attachment-based strategies that are tailored to each individual.
Are there times when you feel anxious, sad, or uncertain? Do you have difficulty coping with your stressors and find that you often push or run away from unwanted thoughts and feelings? You have taken the brave first step to search for a clinician who may fit your needs. Clients who come to me can expect a trusting, compassionate, respectful therapeutic environment that fosters creating positive solutions. We will work together to address your unique needs and challenges in a non-judgmental, safe environment.
I utilize a variety of treatment methods including CBT, mindfulness, and attachment-based strategies that are tailored to each individual.
Are there times when you feel anxious, sad, or uncertain? Do you have difficulty coping with your stressors and find that you often push or run away from unwanted thoughts and feelings? You have taken the brave first step to search for a clinician who may fit your needs. Clients who come to me can expect a trusting, compassionate, respectful therapeutic environment that fosters creating positive solutions. We will work together to address your unique needs and challenges in a non-judgmental, safe environment.
![Photo of Andre Perreault, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/47b4eeb4-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a psychotherapist specializing in relationship counseling. Couples most often come in saying, “we’re having difficulty communicating”. I understand relationship dynamics, emotional communication, and the neurophysiology of secure connections. I help clients better understand their patterns of connection as well as conflict, and I will help make your relationship stronger.
I am a psychotherapist specializing in relationship counseling. Couples most often come in saying, “we’re having difficulty communicating”. I understand relationship dynamics, emotional communication, and the neurophysiology of secure connections. I help clients better understand their patterns of connection as well as conflict, and I will help make your relationship stronger.
![Photo of Megan Blomberg, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/28b53615-ea19-4382-a8e3-0ad6934a772c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Megan Blomberg
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Brighton, MA 02135 (Online Only)
I work with adults at all stages who express concerns with depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, relationship difficulties, and adjustment challenges to loss or life transitions. My approach to therapy is very non-judgmental and de-stigmatizing, which tends to help lower defensiveness and enable honest self-reflection. The psychological safety to reflect on deep seated trauma wounds, difficult emotions, or toxic shame is paramount to healing because they are often the primary drivers of most mental health symptoms and unwanted behaviors.
I work with adults at all stages who express concerns with depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, relationship difficulties, and adjustment challenges to loss or life transitions. My approach to therapy is very non-judgmental and de-stigmatizing, which tends to help lower defensiveness and enable honest self-reflection. The psychological safety to reflect on deep seated trauma wounds, difficult emotions, or toxic shame is paramount to healing because they are often the primary drivers of most mental health symptoms and unwanted behaviors.
![Photo of Johnny Xu, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/06212b32-e87d-461f-b979-3b1ab9b2f9aa/4/320x400.jpeg)
Johnny Xu
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Boston, MA 02116 (Online Only)
Using attachment-based, cognitive, solution-focused, mindfulness-based, and trauma-informed therapy I ensure that our therapeutic relationship is a refuge from larger systemic trauma.
I believe the greatest gift a therapist can offer is full presence with a compassionate ear. Many clients seek therapy because something that was working for them is no longer working. Maybe you feel stuck, unseen, unheard, anxious, angry, or "enmeshed" in your interpersonal relationships. Maybe there's estrangement or you are contemplating cutoff. Maybe your values are being tested by your workplace. You have been here for a long time, but believed you needed permission to feel this way: "Just another year," "just a little more." In our therapy space, even if you take your shoes off at the door, you can bring your whole self.
Using attachment-based, cognitive, solution-focused, mindfulness-based, and trauma-informed therapy I ensure that our therapeutic relationship is a refuge from larger systemic trauma.
I believe the greatest gift a therapist can offer is full presence with a compassionate ear. Many clients seek therapy because something that was working for them is no longer working. Maybe you feel stuck, unseen, unheard, anxious, angry, or "enmeshed" in your interpersonal relationships. Maybe there's estrangement or you are contemplating cutoff. Maybe your values are being tested by your workplace. You have been here for a long time, but believed you needed permission to feel this way: "Just another year," "just a little more." In our therapy space, even if you take your shoes off at the door, you can bring your whole self.
See more therapy options for Allston
Nearby Attachment-based Therapists Searches for Allston
- Belmont
- Boston
- Brighton
- Brookline
- Brookline Village
- Cambridge
- Chestnut Hill
- Jamaica Plain
- Newton Centre
- Roxbury
- Somerville
- Watertown
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.