Attachment and the psychotherapist

I am in a conference session on attachment theory.  According to David Wallin, author of Attachment in Psychotherapy, the therapist’s attachment style has important effect the therapeutic relationship and the treatment of clients. In essence, clients can earn a secure attachment through the experience of therapy.  This has important implications for serving clients who have developed insecure attachment styles.

Because our main tool as therapist is “ourselves,” Wallin poses that we should look at our own attachment styles.  The Shaver test entitled Experiences in close relationships, allows therapists to better understand how they relate.  This in turn can inform us on how we experience our selves and others through the lens of attachment theory.

I encourage therapists reading this blog to take the test and check out Wallin’s book.