| Abstract: | Attachment style is proposed as an important client variable that psychotherapists may need to assess in order to tailor their interpersonal stance in psychotherapy. The authors draw on J. Bowlby's (1969, 1973, 1978) attachment theory and describe the therapeutic implications of 3 adult attachment styles: Anxious/Ambivalent, Avoidant, and Secure. Results are summarized from a psychotherapy research program, including the finding that attachment style was related to symptomatology and to therapists' perceptions of the therapeutic alliance. Case illustrations of clients displaying the 3 types of attachment style are presented to illustrate how therapists can productively alter their interpersonal stance to enhance treatment outcome. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
