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Have you utilized attachment theory with your clients? If so, then what did you learn from it?

It’s important to figure out where attachment is coming from as in the behavior so that clients can be self-aware and can have a better understanding of their relationships. In addition, it also helps us with self-conceptualization. Also, making clients aware of the fact that this is very natural as it comes from their history. Psycho-education holds significant importance on attachment theory. We can also use assessments to make the clients aware of where they fall in regards to their attachments.

Attachment theory isn’t culturally universal. How do we view it from a cultural perspective.

It is very challenging since what works for one culture may not work for another. There are some generalizations which are true. Some cultures are all about family and for some cultures it’s about independence. It’s imperative that we ask clients how it’s in their family. It’s great to compare and see the differences. Different cultures are based on different countries of origins.

Culture has different definitions of attachment style. Culture isn’t only about racial identity but it’s related to different generations too. It also develops with time and their ways of interacting with each other and how they could view it differently from their perspectives.

Have you ever wondered to ask your clients about why they keep ending up in the same situation even with a different  partner in their relationship and asking them if they have noticed or paid attention to that pattern in their life? What a secure attachment would look like for them?

Sometimes clients say that they have issues with their partners with the insecurities they have for themselves. They lack self-confidence and self-compassion. So, we work on self-acceptance and for a positive self-take. 

Firstly, investigating the patterns of their relationship like finding out about their childhood. Then ask clients if they are observing any pattern in their relationships and if they want to change  one. It’s important to figure out if the attachment style is worth it for the clients or not. Look at the secure attachment styles such as the different child/adult attachment styles which are:

• Secure – autonomous;

• Avoidant – dismissing;

• Anxious – preoccupied; and.

• Disorganized – unresolved.

It’s important to share this information with the clients since it helps them to recognize what patterns of behavior they are displaying. It allows them to think about the changes they do want to make in their lives and how it is impacting them.