Attachment theory and family therapy: A clinical view

Attachment theory carries implications for family therapy. From an attachment perspective, a fundamental aim of family therapy is to create a secure enough base within therapy for the family to explore how each member, and the family as a unit, can provide a secure base for each other outside of therapy. Family problems relevant to attachment may involve (1) turning to an inappropriate attachment figure, (2) competition for an attachment figure, (3) defensive responses to attachment cues, or (4) anticipation that losses similar to those of the past will recur. Sessions with a particular family illustrate how such attachment-related interactions may be identified and incorporated into treatment.