Attachment Theory

Question 1

Theory of Change

Answer 1

-when client recieves secure/reliable relationship with therapist ; provides a secure base/containment.
-through exploration of past and current relational attachments and trauma in the environment of a healing, secure, and reliable relationship.

Question 2

Secure Attachment:

Answer 2

The person has easy access to a wide range of feelings and memories, positive and negative. Has a balanced view of parents and has **worked through hurt and anger from the past. **Has developed a strong sense of self and empathy for others.

Question 3

Preoccupied/Anxious Attachment:

Answer 3

The person is still embroiled with anger and hurt at parents. They sometimes value intimacy to such an extent that they become overly dependent on the attachment figure both past and present. They often recall role reversal in childhood and have a hard time seeing their own responsibility in relationships. They dread abandonment.

Question 4

Dismissive/Avoidant Attachment:

Answer 4

The person dismisses the importance of love and connection – and the value of emotions in general. Often idealizes parents, but actual memories don’t corroborate. They dislike looking inward and often have a shallow, if any, self-reflection. They often are very** independent, **dismissive of their own emotionality, and have difficulty tolerating the heightened emotions of others.

Question 5

Fearful/Avoidant Attachment:

Answer 5

The person usually has a* history of trauma and or loss. *Similar to Dismissive/Avoidant, they dismiss the importance of love and connection but usually out of fear or a belief that they are unworthy of love. They have difficulty trusting others and may feel uncomfortable with emotional closeness.