The role of reliable attachment in trauma therapy. Emotionally focused approach

Abstract

According to John Bowlby's attachment theory, searching for and maintaining the contact with significant others is a basic human need during one's life span. The demand for attachment intensifies in situations of (acute) need, stress or uncertainty. Research shows that the secure attachment, characterized by the availability, responsiveness, and emotional involvement in the relationship is a natural defense in such circumstances. Secure bonds are of crucial importance in case of traumas of different etiology: any trauma destroys the sense of safety on a very basic level, while secure attachment provides this safety. The following article is specifically focused on the trauma healing by means of emotionally-focused therapy, the modern integrative model developed by Sue Johnson, with the goal of building/forming secure attachment bonds. The therapeutic process is illustrated by means of a clinical case.

Keywords

• secure attachment
• trauma
• emotionally-focused therapy
• eft