John Bowlby understood the critical role of early child-caregiver attachment in the development of mental health and healthy relationships. Safety and security in that early relationship as opposed to fear and uncertainty, made the difference between emotionally healthy and unhealthy children, and the adults they would become.
Clinicians can become sidetracked by the client’s presenting problems. By expanding your clinical focus to include early and ongoing attachment bonds, you will deepen your understanding of pathology to assist your client in navigating relationships. By applying attachment principles to the psychotherapy relationship, your clients will deepen their self-understanding as well as their relational roles and expectations.
