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Systemic therapy and attachment narratives
Author(s) -
Vetere Arlene,
Dallos Rudi
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
journal of family therapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.52
H-Index - 45
eISSN - 1467-6427
pISSN - 0163-4445
DOI - 10.1111/j.1467-6427.2008.00449.x
Subject(s) - narrative , attachment theory , narrative therapy , systemic therapy , family therapy , action (physics) , psychology , epistemology , psychotherapist , social psychology , medicine , linguistics , philosophy , physics , cancer , quantum mechanics , breast cancer
In this paper we describe how we bring together three major systems of thought: attachment theory; family systems theories; and theories of narrative development, in an integrated approach to systemic practice that we call attachment narrative therapy (ANT). ANT provides a four‐stage framework for practice: creating a secure base; exploring narratives and attachment experiences within a systemic framework; considering alternatives and taking action; and the future and maintenance of the therapeutic base. Formulation, especially regarding the role of emotions and attachments in family dynamics and narratives, is at the heart of our approach and helps us hold ourselves accountable for our particular weave of theory and practice.