Treating Attachment Disorders: From Theory to Therapy

by Karl Heinz Brisch, Kenneth Kronenberg

Attachment theory and research have greatly enhanced our understanding of the role of parent-child relationships in the development of psychopathology. Yet until now, little has been written on how an attachment perspective can be used to actively inform psychotherapeutic practice. In this invaluable work, Karl Heinz Brisch presents an attachment-oriented framework for assessing and treating patients of all ages. Rich, extended case examples form the core of the book. Demonstrated are the ways attachment-oriented interventions can effectively be used to treat a wide range of couples trying unsuccessfully to conceive, women with severe postpartum depression, children and adolescents with behavioral and emotional disturbances, adults with relationship difficulties and work problems, and others. Applications in short- and long-term psychotherapy are discussed, as well as use of the model in such other contexts as prevention in infant mental health, family therapy, and group work. A vital resource for practitioners, this book is also a compelling text for graduate-level psychotherapy courses.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Relationships, 21st Century

294 pages, Paperback

First published July 3, 2002

Reviews

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best thing about Treating Attachment Disorders is the considerable Clinical Case examples (around three-fifths of the book) covering initial presentation, patient history, consideration of attachment dynamics, therapy and course and follow-up. Furthermore Brisch looks at attachment issues coming to the forefront for people from pregnancy through to old-age - where attachment through the lifespan is rarely looked at. He also looks at areas of society where attachment issues need to, or could be considered to assist individuals, such as schools.

I found the writing in the first part of the book, which covered theory and typology and diagnosis of attachment disorders, drier than other books I've read on the subject, but there was information or conceptualization of this material that was new to me which made up from it. I also appreciated the organization and overall the succinctness of material presented, and clarity and simplicity of writing. Brisch also makes use of the concepts and diagnostic labels in the field, yet somehow I get the sense he holds these in a light and flexible way, maintaining some deeper understanding of individuals suffering.

Brisch connects attachment difficulties to a range of symptom presentations and disorders, reflective of his stance that attachment is a "fundamental human motivation" (which I agree), and which more importantly is always present and operating in the therapeutic relationship (definitely). In noting the importance of attachment in therapy, I would have liked, in the clinical case examples, more information on his countertransference experience with some of his patients - he certainly names some of his responses, but does not go into them.

Treating Attachment Disorders is a book I'd go back to, to refresh my perspective and remind myself of the central importance of attachment issues in therapy, regardless of presentation.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a joy to read and very informative about attachment theory and attachment diorders. The author presens dozens of cases from all age groups showing the application of attachment theory to psychotherapy and psychoanalys. A wonderful writing style.

[Miguel · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first book on attachment theory and it hit all the points I wanted. The beginning of the book is extremely dense but the second half is mostly case studies that provide easier reading but will equally leave you thinking. There were moment where I had to put the book down due to the intensity of the situations. Psychotherapy is hard emotional work and this book will remind you of that.

Would highly recommend it

[Evil Secret Ninja · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was decent it explained attachment theory and some ideas for putting it into practice however I found there to be too much case studies and not enough technique. I would have liked more information on how to build attachment bonds with my clients. I did find a lot of information that I hope will be helpful for me as a client and I enjoyed reading about how mental health services are different in Germany than they are here in the US.

[Jan Notzon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite clearly written and informative. I could have used a reminder along the way of the different categories of attachment types (avoidant, etc) as I was reading the case studies. Still, I enjoyed it. And it will help me in the novel I'm now working on.
Recommended for those interested in psychology.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read for my EMDR book club. I overall really liked the book and thought it provided a solid overview of attachment theory. I found his case studies to be very helpful in seeing how attachment-based therapy can be used but my group members all hated the book and felt there weren’t enough clear “techniques” or explained structure around how attachment-based therapy is conducted.