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An Attachment Perspective on Therapeutic Processes and Outcomes
Author(s) -
Mikulincer Mario,
Shaver Phillip R.,
Berant Ety
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
journal of personality
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.082
H-Index - 144
eISSN - 1467-6494
pISSN - 0022-3506
DOI - 10.1111/j.1467-6494.2012.00806.x
Subject(s) - psychotherapist , therapeutic relationship , psychology , perspective (graphical) , safe haven , attachment theory , therapeutic approach , haven , emotional security , clinical psychology , social psychology , medicine , international economics , mathematics , disease , pathology , combinatorics , artificial intelligence , computer science , economics
Over the past decade, there has been an explosion of interest in clinical applications of attachment theory. In the present article, we briefly describe J ohn B owlby's model of therapeutic change, the therapeutic relationship, and the therapist's role in emotional healing. We then review empirical evidence for three key propositions in B owlby's model. First, a client's sense of security during therapy is crucial for facilitating therapeutic work. Second, a therapist's own sense of security contributes to positive therapeutic outcomes. Third, attachment insecurities can be effectively reduced in therapy, and movement toward greater attachment security is central to achieving favorable therapeutic outcomes. In sum, research evidence confirms the importance of establishing what B owlby called a safe haven and a secure base within a therapeutic relationship.