Attachment-based Therapists in Louisa, VA

Photo of Dr. Brenda L Ridgeway Professional Psychologist, PhD/,  LSATP, CCDVC, HS-BCP
Dr. Brenda L Ridgeway Professional Psychologist
PhD/, LSATP, CCDVC, HS-BCP
Verified Verified
Louisa, VA 23093  (Online Only)
I believe that healing is possible and that all of us have the answers and solutions to troubling personal circumstances in our lives, but sometimes we all need a bit of guidance to find those answers. Recovery is an amazing and sacred journey that leads to self-healing, self-fulfillment, and happiness. I am a Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner, Professional Psychologist, Clinically Certified Domestic Violence Counselor, and a Human Serives-Board Certified Practitioner. I use empirically sound evidenced-based interventions to assist with your healing process. Call now for a session and see how wonderful life can be.
I believe that healing is possible and that all of us have the answers and solutions to troubling personal circumstances in our lives, but sometimes we all need a bit of guidance to find those answers. Recovery is an amazing and sacred journey that leads to self-healing, self-fulfillment, and happiness. I am a Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner, Professional Psychologist, Clinically Certified Domestic Violence Counselor, and a Human Serives-Board Certified Practitioner. I use empirically sound evidenced-based interventions to assist with your healing process. Call now for a session and see how wonderful life can be.
(540) 274-0635 View (540) 274-0635
Photo of Kristy L. Bazzanella, MA, LPC, CCTP, RPT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kristy L. Bazzanella
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CCTP, RPT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Louisa, VA 23093
As a client-centered, solution focused counselor, I seek to assist people in finding their own internal strengths so that clients can determine solutions to their problems. I utilize a combination of therapeutic approaches including cognitive-behavioral therapy, experiential, expressive arts and play therapy. I strive to match the treatment approach to individual problems. Together I work with my clients to help them achieve personal growth and meet treatment goals. I offer a highly personalized, supportive approach that helps clients live happy, healthy and productive lives.
As a client-centered, solution focused counselor, I seek to assist people in finding their own internal strengths so that clients can determine solutions to their problems. I utilize a combination of therapeutic approaches including cognitive-behavioral therapy, experiential, expressive arts and play therapy. I strive to match the treatment approach to individual problems. Together I work with my clients to help them achieve personal growth and meet treatment goals. I offer a highly personalized, supportive approach that helps clients live happy, healthy and productive lives.
(540) 307-4009 View (540) 307-4009
Photo of Ann Tourangeau, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Ann Tourangeau
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Louisa, VA 23093
Waitlist for new clients
Building a relationship in which you feel safe and connected is my initial focus with new clients. Through this relationship we’ll work together to find a pace that allows us to pay attention to what’s working well for you as well as to what’s getting in your way. Through this early joining we’ll create a solid ground from which we can work together to help you strengthen your awareness, explore your needs and consider what might be helpful as you move into living in a way that feels more easeful, genuine and sustainable.
Building a relationship in which you feel safe and connected is my initial focus with new clients. Through this relationship we’ll work together to find a pace that allows us to pay attention to what’s working well for you as well as to what’s getting in your way. Through this early joining we’ll create a solid ground from which we can work together to help you strengthen your awareness, explore your needs and consider what might be helpful as you move into living in a way that feels more easeful, genuine and sustainable.
(804) 251-2747 View (804) 251-2747

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Marita Kershaw, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Marita Kershaw
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Kents Store, VA 23084
Welcome! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 8 years of diverse experience and continue to evolve in new treatment models. I have worked with individuals, families, and couples alike. I have specialized training in depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and women's issues. Due to my years of experience, I've learned techniques and strategies that include Solution Focused Brief (SFBT), Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), and Christian Counseling therapies. I believe that using various techniques and strategies to assist you in your journey is a fulfilling movement as a therapist.
Welcome! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 8 years of diverse experience and continue to evolve in new treatment models. I have worked with individuals, families, and couples alike. I have specialized training in depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and women's issues. Due to my years of experience, I've learned techniques and strategies that include Solution Focused Brief (SFBT), Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), and Christian Counseling therapies. I believe that using various techniques and strategies to assist you in your journey is a fulfilling movement as a therapist.
(804) 373-2276 View (804) 373-2276

Online Therapists

Photo of Leah Horton, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Leah Horton
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Lynchburg, VA 24502  (Online Only)
Welcome! My name is Leah Horton and I'm an LPC in Virginia. I began my journey in the counseling world working as a licensed K-12 school counselor and later transitioned into doing clinical work in an outpatient setting and at a collegiate counseling center. I have experience working with children, adolescents, families, and young adults. My personal motto for counseling is "one life touching another". I have a passion for helping people explore and better understand their feelings and experiences in order to assist them in navigating through the difficulties of life within the safety of the therapeutic relationship.
Welcome! My name is Leah Horton and I'm an LPC in Virginia. I began my journey in the counseling world working as a licensed K-12 school counselor and later transitioned into doing clinical work in an outpatient setting and at a collegiate counseling center. I have experience working with children, adolescents, families, and young adults. My personal motto for counseling is "one life touching another". I have a passion for helping people explore and better understand their feelings and experiences in order to assist them in navigating through the difficulties of life within the safety of the therapeutic relationship.
(434) 448-4288 View (434) 448-4288
Photo of Haley Hunt, MSW
Haley Hunt
Supervisee in Clinical Social Work, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
North Chesterfield, VA 23236
I enjoy integrating diverse therapeutic modalities such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Attachment-Based Therapy.
Welcome fellow human! In my practice, I have come to deeply appreciate and embrace the essence of our shared humanness. This fundamental belief—acknowledging and valuing the inherent worth and complexity of every individual—guides my practice and shapes my approach to therapy. I am dedicated to walking alongside my clients as they explore their inner worlds and work towards meaningful change. My specialty is in Veterinary Social Work—supporting individuals facing animal-related challenges such as compassion fatigue in animal welfare or pet loss grief and bereavement.
I enjoy integrating diverse therapeutic modalities such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Attachment-Based Therapy.
Welcome fellow human! In my practice, I have come to deeply appreciate and embrace the essence of our shared humanness. This fundamental belief—acknowledging and valuing the inherent worth and complexity of every individual—guides my practice and shapes my approach to therapy. I am dedicated to walking alongside my clients as they explore their inner worlds and work towards meaningful change. My specialty is in Veterinary Social Work—supporting individuals facing animal-related challenges such as compassion fatigue in animal welfare or pet loss grief and bereavement.
(804) 494-5247 View (804) 494-5247
Photo of Nadine Jumean, LPC-R
Nadine Jumean
Resident in Counseling, LPC-R
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Alexandria, VA 22314
Life’s journey can often feel overwhelming. Together, we’ll explore the biopsychosocial, developmental, and traumatic factors influencing your life, helping you rewrite your narrative to reflect your authentic self and core values. My therapeutic style is interactive, grounded in empathy, non-judgment, and honesty. I am dedicated to a goal-oriented approach, guiding you to initiate and sustain the change you seek within yourself. My toolkit is diverse, drawing from psychodynamic and person-centered therapies and incorporating techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Attachment-Based
Life’s journey can often feel overwhelming. Together, we’ll explore the biopsychosocial, developmental, and traumatic factors influencing your life, helping you rewrite your narrative to reflect your authentic self and core values. My therapeutic style is interactive, grounded in empathy, non-judgment, and honesty. I am dedicated to a goal-oriented approach, guiding you to initiate and sustain the change you seek within yourself. My toolkit is diverse, drawing from psychodynamic and person-centered therapies and incorporating techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Attachment-Based
(571) 240-5730 View (571) 240-5730
Photo of Madison Jones, MA, Pre-Licensed Professional
Madison Jones
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Henrico, VA 23229
I have been trained in various trauma-informed approaches including attachment-based models, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Internal Family Systems.
I am a Resident in Counseling and my experience includes work in university settings, community-based treatment, and out-patient treatment. I believe individuals innately hold the power to heal themselves and I am dedicated to joining individuals in their healing journey. I have a holistic, person-centered approach, aiming to provide a safe and healing therapeutic environment for all individuals. I am passionate about trauma treatment and its capacity to transform the mind and body. I integrate a variety of approaches including CBT, solution-focused, EMDR, and Internal Family Systems to meet the needs of each client.
I have been trained in various trauma-informed approaches including attachment-based models, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Internal Family Systems.
I am a Resident in Counseling and my experience includes work in university settings, community-based treatment, and out-patient treatment. I believe individuals innately hold the power to heal themselves and I am dedicated to joining individuals in their healing journey. I have a holistic, person-centered approach, aiming to provide a safe and healing therapeutic environment for all individuals. I am passionate about trauma treatment and its capacity to transform the mind and body. I integrate a variety of approaches including CBT, solution-focused, EMDR, and Internal Family Systems to meet the needs of each client.
(804) 494-4699 View (804) 494-4699
Photo of Maren Ward, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Maren Ward
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Charlottesville, VA 22901
Therapy is a great gift to yourself. The connection provided in a safe, therapeutic relationship is healing. I encourage self exploration to find and heal wounds that are blocking one's own self-love and connection to the authentic self that feels true and right. I provide a gentle, accepting presence to join you on your journey toward increased life satisfaction. I enjoy working with adults struggling with life transitions, anxiety, shame, depression, anger and grief or just feeling stuck.
Therapy is a great gift to yourself. The connection provided in a safe, therapeutic relationship is healing. I encourage self exploration to find and heal wounds that are blocking one's own self-love and connection to the authentic self that feels true and right. I provide a gentle, accepting presence to join you on your journey toward increased life satisfaction. I enjoy working with adults struggling with life transitions, anxiety, shame, depression, anger and grief or just feeling stuck.
(434) 448-8236 View (434) 448-8236
Photo of Challen Mabry, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Challen Mabry
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Richmond, VA 23225  (Online Only)
I am a humanistic attachment-based counselor and believe in supporting clients build on their unique strengths and resiliencies through building on healthy self-identity and relationship with others.
Hello! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia. I hold a Ph.D. in Counselor Education, am a Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) practitioner, and am trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy.
I am a humanistic attachment-based counselor and believe in supporting clients build on their unique strengths and resiliencies through building on healthy self-identity and relationship with others.
Hello! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia. I hold a Ph.D. in Counselor Education, am a Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) practitioner, and am trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy.
(804) 460-6759 View (804) 460-6759
Photo of Christina Frank, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Christina Frank
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fairfax, VA 22030
Teletherapy/In-Person Available. I own and run a private practice in Fairfax, VA- Fairfax Integrative Therapy. Using a strengths-based approach, I help individuals and couples achieve their internal and relational goals. I incorporate attachment based models to help clients build self-awareness as they address issues related to marital conflict, infidelity, difficult life transitions, personal insecurities, anxiety, depression, and trauma. I create a safe space through empathy, patience, and curiosity, while providing each individual and couple concrete strategies and clear feedback that becomes the foundation for lasting change.
Teletherapy/In-Person Available. I own and run a private practice in Fairfax, VA- Fairfax Integrative Therapy. Using a strengths-based approach, I help individuals and couples achieve their internal and relational goals. I incorporate attachment based models to help clients build self-awareness as they address issues related to marital conflict, infidelity, difficult life transitions, personal insecurities, anxiety, depression, and trauma. I create a safe space through empathy, patience, and curiosity, while providing each individual and couple concrete strategies and clear feedback that becomes the foundation for lasting change.
(571) 339-0446 View (571) 339-0446
Photo of Dr. Kelly Kit, PsyD, Psychologist
Dr. Kelly Kit
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Ashburn, VA 20147
Dr. Kelly Kit, Psy.D. is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who specializes in working with adolescents and adults. Since 2010, she has provided individual, group, and family therapy. She practices from a strength's based approach, utilizing insight-based therapy along with cognitive-behavioral techniques to promote growth in clients. Dr. Kit takes an integrative approach to therapy in order to meet each client's needs by using solution-focused, multi-cultural, attachment-based, and client-centered therapies.
Dr. Kelly Kit, Psy.D. is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who specializes in working with adolescents and adults. Since 2010, she has provided individual, group, and family therapy. She practices from a strength's based approach, utilizing insight-based therapy along with cognitive-behavioral techniques to promote growth in clients. Dr. Kit takes an integrative approach to therapy in order to meet each client's needs by using solution-focused, multi-cultural, attachment-based, and client-centered therapies.
(571) 350-3338 View (571) 350-3338
Photo of Laura Anne Copley, PhD, LPC, CTS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Laura Anne Copley
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, CTS
Verified Verified
Harrisonburg, VA 22801
Our sessions will reflect your individual needs, incorporating the most innovative trauma-informed approaches with leading attachment-based strategies.
The secret ingredient to healing relationship trauma is not what you think... Relationship trauma ruptures our sense of self, making us doubt our thoughts, question our actions, and dismiss our emotions. Slowly, we begin to betray ourselves. What you truly long for is to feel safe in your body, connected in your relationships, and inspired in your life. SELF-TRUST is the key to healing. As the only PhD Certified Trauma Counselor in the Shenandoah Valley, I will guide you in breaking these cycles, rebuilding self-trust, enriching safe relationship intimacy, and finally attaining Post-Traumatic Growth.
Our sessions will reflect your individual needs, incorporating the most innovative trauma-informed approaches with leading attachment-based strategies.
The secret ingredient to healing relationship trauma is not what you think... Relationship trauma ruptures our sense of self, making us doubt our thoughts, question our actions, and dismiss our emotions. Slowly, we begin to betray ourselves. What you truly long for is to feel safe in your body, connected in your relationships, and inspired in your life. SELF-TRUST is the key to healing. As the only PhD Certified Trauma Counselor in the Shenandoah Valley, I will guide you in breaking these cycles, rebuilding self-trust, enriching safe relationship intimacy, and finally attaining Post-Traumatic Growth.
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Sindhu Elagandhala
Resident in Counseling, MA, EdS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
McLean, VA 22101
Waitlist for new clients
I engage in creative therapies that utilize tools from Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), trauma-informed, and attachment-based frameworks.
I strive to create a clinical space that will allow you to experiment with new ways of being and challenge you to grow. I work with clients navigating comorbidities of mood, anxiety, personality, or trauma disorders as well as those seeking to integrate neurotypes such as ADHD and autism. I have in-depth passion and experience working with people of color, disabled clients, LGBTQIA+ clients, clients from non-Western cultural backgrounds, and clients exploring identity. It is deeply important to me to validate the experiences of people within marginalized groups and acknowledge how systemic oppression influences mental health.
I engage in creative therapies that utilize tools from Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), trauma-informed, and attachment-based frameworks.
I strive to create a clinical space that will allow you to experiment with new ways of being and challenge you to grow. I work with clients navigating comorbidities of mood, anxiety, personality, or trauma disorders as well as those seeking to integrate neurotypes such as ADHD and autism. I have in-depth passion and experience working with people of color, disabled clients, LGBTQIA+ clients, clients from non-Western cultural backgrounds, and clients exploring identity. It is deeply important to me to validate the experiences of people within marginalized groups and acknowledge how systemic oppression influences mental health.
(571) 520-6527 View (571) 520-6527
Photo of Maegan Beck, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Maegan Beck
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ashland, VA 23005
Waitlist for new clients
To meet clients where they are, I utilize a variety of therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Attachment-Based Therapy.
Hello! I have experience working with children, adolescents, and families struggling with symptoms of depression, anxiety, ADHD, anger management, grief, low self-esteem, trauma, and communication difficulties. I work alongside children and their caregivers to assist them in reaching their individual goals to improve their emotional and behavioral health.
To meet clients where they are, I utilize a variety of therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Attachment-Based Therapy.
Hello! I have experience working with children, adolescents, and families struggling with symptoms of depression, anxiety, ADHD, anger management, grief, low self-esteem, trauma, and communication difficulties. I work alongside children and their caregivers to assist them in reaching their individual goals to improve their emotional and behavioral health.
(804) 384-9527 x11 View (804) 384-9527 x11
Photo of Shelley Faulkner, LPC, MAEdS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Shelley Faulkner
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MAEdS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Charlottesville, VA 22902
I highly value trust and connection in order for humans to heal. I bring my authentic self and transparency into session in order to give clients the ability to be fully themselves. My goal is to help ease psychological suffering brought on by trauma and other negative life circumstances and then make sense of the overwhelming emotions/responses. It is through compassion and connection that corrective emotional experiences can occur. I believe that our ability to both experience and understand our Self and others is a key component in building secure (emotionally safe) relationships.
I highly value trust and connection in order for humans to heal. I bring my authentic self and transparency into session in order to give clients the ability to be fully themselves. My goal is to help ease psychological suffering brought on by trauma and other negative life circumstances and then make sense of the overwhelming emotions/responses. It is through compassion and connection that corrective emotional experiences can occur. I believe that our ability to both experience and understand our Self and others is a key component in building secure (emotionally safe) relationships.
(434) 505-8653 View (434) 505-8653
Photo of Meghan Robinson, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Meghan Robinson
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Herndon, VA 20170
I am an attachment-based therapist specializing in relational issues around self-worth, anxiety, and sex therapy including sexual orientation, sex anxiety, and sexual shame.
You have spent years battling with wanting to be your authentic self yet unsure of who that is. Stuck in repetitive cycles in your relationships that have left you feeling unseen and disconnected. Constantly fearing failure, rejection, or not being "good enough" for others. You may be noticing how this impacts your sex life. You worry about disappointing your partner(s), struggle feeling comfortable in your body, and unsure how to communicate. You feel shame engaging with your sexuality which causes you to hide parts of yourself both internally and externally. You are ready for relief - to feel confident and at home with yourself.
I am an attachment-based therapist specializing in relational issues around self-worth, anxiety, and sex therapy including sexual orientation, sex anxiety, and sexual shame.
You have spent years battling with wanting to be your authentic self yet unsure of who that is. Stuck in repetitive cycles in your relationships that have left you feeling unseen and disconnected. Constantly fearing failure, rejection, or not being "good enough" for others. You may be noticing how this impacts your sex life. You worry about disappointing your partner(s), struggle feeling comfortable in your body, and unsure how to communicate. You feel shame engaging with your sexuality which causes you to hide parts of yourself both internally and externally. You are ready for relief - to feel confident and at home with yourself.
(571) 556-1666 View (571) 556-1666
Photo of Kathleen M Simpson, LCSW, ACSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kathleen M Simpson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, ACSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Alexandria, VA 22314
With 25+ years experience providing psychotherapy to individuals and couples, I enjoy knowing and helping EACH client. Call/email me if you are struggling with anxiety/depression, low self-esteem, relationship/marital problems or everyday stress. My approach comes from training in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Attachment-based Therapy, Emotionally-Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness. I enjoy working with individuals on problems of everyday living. The couples I see are stuck in negative cycles, or have experienced infidelity. I attend professional conferences/workshops regularly, and frequently collaborate with other professionals.
With 25+ years experience providing psychotherapy to individuals and couples, I enjoy knowing and helping EACH client. Call/email me if you are struggling with anxiety/depression, low self-esteem, relationship/marital problems or everyday stress. My approach comes from training in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Attachment-based Therapy, Emotionally-Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness. I enjoy working with individuals on problems of everyday living. The couples I see are stuck in negative cycles, or have experienced infidelity. I attend professional conferences/workshops regularly, and frequently collaborate with other professionals.
(703) 957-7568 View (703) 957-7568
Photo of Marisa Anita Ohngemach, MA, LRIC, NCC
Marisa Anita Ohngemach
Resident in Counseling, MA, LRIC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fredericksburg, VA 22401  (Online Only)
As human beings, we are complex and dynamic. I am committed to providing a safe space for individuals to openly reflect, explore, and better understand themselves. I will work collaboratively with clients to develop a treatment plan outlined with measurable, achievable, and relevant goals. I use an integrative and multiculturally-sensitive approach to counseling and utilize certain interventions and strategies that derive from different modalities such as: CBT, DBT, ACT, Narrative Therapy, Logotherapy, Attachment-based therapy and more.
As human beings, we are complex and dynamic. I am committed to providing a safe space for individuals to openly reflect, explore, and better understand themselves. I will work collaboratively with clients to develop a treatment plan outlined with measurable, achievable, and relevant goals. I use an integrative and multiculturally-sensitive approach to counseling and utilize certain interventions and strategies that derive from different modalities such as: CBT, DBT, ACT, Narrative Therapy, Logotherapy, Attachment-based therapy and more.
(540) 572-7866 View (540) 572-7866
Photo of Heather Garrett, MA, MSEd, Pre-Licensed Professional
Heather Garrett
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, MSEd
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Williamsburg, VA 23188
Therapy is a safe place to assist you in understanding yourself better, unraveling past hurts, or working to achieve a personal goal. I am an attachment-based, relationally-focused, trauma-aware clinician and I aim to connect with you in a genuine, compassionate, and non-judgmental way. I have experience working with individuals, couples, and families in a variety of therapeutic settings.
Therapy is a safe place to assist you in understanding yourself better, unraveling past hurts, or working to achieve a personal goal. I am an attachment-based, relationally-focused, trauma-aware clinician and I aim to connect with you in a genuine, compassionate, and non-judgmental way. I have experience working with individuals, couples, and families in a variety of therapeutic settings.
(757) 863-7843 View (757) 863-7843
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.