Attachment Theory

Attachment Theory is a framework I refer to and consider in all of my work. I view it as a variation of Object Relations; however, it can work specifically with the attachment styles within Somatic Experiencing and Art Therapy.

Attachment Theory describes the nature of emotional attachment between humans, beginning as children with our attachment to our parents. The nature of this attachment, and how well it is fostered and cared for, influences the nature of our attachment to romantic partners later in our life.

Attachment Theory, first described in the 1950s, has amassed a small mountain of research behind it. Bowlby and Ainsworth found that the nature in which infants get their needs met by their parents significantly contributes to their “attachment strategy” throughout their lives.

Your attachment style doesn’t explain everything about your relationships, but it probably explains a great deal of why your relationships have succeeded or failed in the manner they did, why you’re attracted to the people you’re attracted to, and the nature of the relationship problems that come up again and again for you.

Attachment styles can vary and change over time; however, we all have a tendency towards one. See table below for a more in-depth description.