I work from a family systems-based approach that helps individuals resolve their difficulty within the context of their family unit.  One of the primary ideas behind this theory is that what happens to one family member happens to everyone. This approach encourages reflection on how an individual’s actions affect the family as a whole.  From this basic tenant, it is easy to see how individuals form their understanding of relationships and how to navigate relationships based upon the healthy and unhealthy experiences they had within their early childhood experiences.

The idea of attachment was developed in the 1960’s by a British psychologist named John Bowlby.  He described four different attachment styles: secure attachment, anxious attachment; avoidant attachment; and disorganized attachment.  This theory provides a useful framework for understanding individual differences in how people have learned to relate to the people around them based upon their own experiences in early childhood.  Understanding individual attachment patterns helps me as a therapist increase safety within our relationship by providing a structure for working together.   Initial counseling sessions are spent partnering with my clients to explore patterns of response to situations such as high stress, self-management, personal relationships, work, etc.  Time spent exploring these areas with curiosity helps to bring awareness for the client as to which coping skills they are really good at and which skills may be less developed.  Building awareness and understanding of how a person responds to certain situations, allows the opportunity to make more informed decisions about creating safety; developing and processing relationship experiences; and working toward different attachment styles or patterns. 

It is important to note that in the 1970’s unconventional, unproven, and potentially harmful treatments referred to as “Attachment Therapy” were developed that have been since investigated and rejected by mainstream psychology and medicine.  In my practice I DO NOT utilize or encourage holding techniques, rebirthing techniques, forced/coercive bonding, or controversial attachment techniques of any kind.  Relationship building within the context of this practice is built on mutual respect, understanding, and felt safety.