Attachment Theory
The therapists at Create Balance Psychotherapy and Counselling utilise attachment based therapies to support a range of mental health issues, such as relationship concerns, anxiety, depression, addiction, confidence concerns, trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD.
Attachment theory is based on the work of John Bowlby who theorised that the relationship formed between a child and their primary caregiver will be responsible for the social, emotional and cognitive blueprint for the way in which they form and maintain relationships as a grown adult. It is believed that the responsiveness of a child’s caregiver will influence the degree of anxiety and the degree of emotional avoidance they experience in adult relationships. There are four different types of attachments. Although you may demonstrate characteristics from each attachment type, being able to recognise your primary attachment style can be hugely beneficial in understanding yourself and your relationships with others. It is also important to note that a secure attachment style can be learned in the right environments, even if an individual has experienced avoidant, ambivalent or disorganised responses from their caregivers.
Secure attachment
Caregiver responsiveness
Avoidant attachment
Caregiver responsiveness
Ambivalent attachment
Caregiver responsiveness
Disorganised attachment
Caregiver responsiveness
Attachment theory is based on the work of John Bowlby who theorised that the relationship formed between a child and their primary caregiver will be responsible for the social, emotional and cognitive blueprint for the way in which they form and maintain relationships as a grown adult. It is believed that the responsiveness of a child’s caregiver will influence the degree of anxiety and the degree of emotional avoidance they experience in adult relationships. There are four different types of attachments. Although you may demonstrate characteristics from each attachment type, being able to recognise your primary attachment style can be hugely beneficial in understanding yourself and your relationships with others. It is also important to note that a secure attachment style can be learned in the right environments, even if an individual has experienced avoidant, ambivalent or disorganised responses from their caregivers.
Secure attachment
Caregiver responsiveness
- Responds consistently, quickly and positively to the needs of the child
- Happy and trusting
- Explorative and curious
- Distressed upon separation from caregiver
- Seeks comfort upon caregiver’s return and is easily comforted
- Comfortable with intimacy and autonomy in close relationships
- Confident, content and resilient
- Able resolve conflict constructively
Avoidant attachment
Caregiver responsiveness
- Does not respond to the needs of the child
- Demonstrated uncaring and dismissive attitude
- Not explorative
- Emotionally distant
- Does not show distress upon separation from caregiver
- Does not acknowledge or seek comfort from caregiver upon their return
- Compulsively self reliant
- Distrusts partner’s availability and commitment
- Distant in relationships and downplays importance
Ambivalent attachment
Caregiver responsiveness
- Provides inconsistent care - both responsive and dismissive
- Anxious and insecure
- Angry and distressed upon separation from caregiver
- Is not able to be comforted by their caregiver upon their return
- Overly invested and involved in close relationships
- Dependent on others for self worth
- Demanding and high needs
Disorganised attachment
Caregiver responsiveness
- Abusive or neglectful responses
- Demonstrates frightening or frightened responses
- Depressed and angry
- Passive and non-responsive
- Appears dazed, confused and apprehensive in the company of caregiver
- Dependent on others but avoids intimacy
- Fearful of rejection
- Low self esteem and high anxiety
