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Integrating attachment theory and neuroscience in couple therapy
Author(s) -
Goldstein Sondra,
Thau Susan
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
international journal of applied psychoanalytic studies
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.314
H-Index - 15
eISSN - 1556-9187
pISSN - 1742-3341
DOI - 10.1002/aps.73
Subject(s) - attunement , attachment theory , psychology , perspective (graphical) , unconscious mind , affect regulation , affect (linguistics) , psychotherapist , psychodynamics , cognitive psychology , cognitive science , developmental psychology , psychoanalysis , communication , medicine , computer science , alternative medicine , pathology , artificial intelligence
The authors integrate findings from neurophysiology, affect regulation and attachment research, and apply them to treating couples. They observe that adult styles of relating to primary attachment figures parallel the attachment styles identified in infant–caregiver relationships. They work with couples on maintaining a state of attunement, providing a secure base, recognizing non‐verbal signals of unconscious associations, and processing the emotionally charged interactions that frequently occur in the relationship. They give a clinical example that shows how an understanding of attachment styles and internal working models of relationships provides a perspective in couple therapy for dealing with the underlying needs and longings of intimate relationships. Copyright © 2004 Whurr Publishers Ltd.