Clinical Implications of Attachment Theory

Abstract

Among the clinical implications of attachment theory are the ideas of the therapist as a secure base, internalization of a secure base, and feeling understood as an aspect of secure attachment. I also discuss some issues that need to be integrated into attachment theory, namely, survivor guilt and loyalty to early objects, and the relation between attachment pattern and oedipal conflicts. Finally, attachment theory is related to the nature of therapeutic change. Clinical case material is presented in the context of discussing the above issues.