Attachment-Focused Family Therapy : Attachment-Focused Family Therapy

Attachment-Focused Family Therapy : Attachment-Focused Family Therapy
ISBN: 9780393705263
Publication Date: 17 May 2007

Over fifty years ago, John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth's research on the developmental psychology of children formed the basic tenets of attachment theory. And for years, following these tenets, the theory's focus has been on how children develop vis-a-vis the attachments?whether secure or insecure?they form with their caregivers.

In the therapy room, this has meant working with individuals one-on-one, with the therapist assuming the role of the attachment figure in order to provide a secure base for treating clients' problems that arose from troubled interpersonal relationships in childhood.

Here, Daniel A. Hughes, an eminent clinician and attachment specialist, is the first to expand this traditional model, applying attachment theory to a family therapy setting. Drawing on more than 20 years of clinical experience, Hughes presents his comprehensive, effective, and accessible treatment model for working with all members of a family?not simply the individual in question?to recognize, resolve, and heal personal and family problems using principles from theories of attachment and intersubjectivity.

Beginning with an overview of attachment and intersubjectivity?the twin theories from which he forms his treatment plan?Hughes carefully outlines, chapter by chapter, the core principles and strategies of his family-based approach. He elaborates on the need to develop and maintain PACE (playfulness, acceptance, curiosity, and empathy)?the central therapeutic stance of attachment-focused family therapy?and supplies tips and sample dialogues for implementing this position. The importance of fostering affective/reflective (a/r) dialogue is covered in detail, as well as helping families to manage shame, understand and embrace the break-and-repair cy...