Attachment-based Therapy

Attachment research describes children’s behaviors along a wellness spectrum from secure attachment (most healthy) to insecure attachment (where children are at highest risk). With secure attachments, caregivers display relaxed, warm and positive interactions involving some form of direct expression of feelings or desires and the ability to negotiate conflict or disagreement. In this manner, caregivers are encouraging, sensitive, consistent and responsive. With insecure attachments, the child loses confidence to varying degrees in the caregiving system and may feel alone and abandoned.

Researchers have suggested that symptoms of traumatic stress in early childhood include interrupted attachment displays of distress such as inconsolable crying, disorientation, diminished interest, aggression, withdrawing from peers, and thoughts or feelings that disrupt normal activities. Traumatic stress, a condition caused by pervasive, systemic external forces, can result in physiological, psychological and behavioral symptoms that negatively affect everyday functioning.

Therapist Will:

   *. Set up a safe and warm environment in our clinical settings

   *  Display trust through culturally sensitive gestures, tone of voice and facial expressions

   *  Nurture a nonjudgmental understanding of young clients while focusing on exploration, empowerment and acceptance