CC08 Dialogue 01 - Key Concepts from Attachment Theory That Influence Your Work - Susan Johnson, EdD and Stan Tatkin, PsyD

Description:

Educational Objectives:

1. To become aware of the key concepts of Attachment Theory.

*Sessions may be edited for content and to preserve confidentiality*

Outline:

Integrating Attachment, Differentiation, and Neuroscience in Couples Therapy

• The conference theme focuses on blending attachment, differentiation, and neuroscience in couples therapy.

• The goal is to provide therapists with practical, integrative strategies drawn from multiple theoretical models.

Sue Johnson’s Journey into Attachment Theory

• Sue Johnson shares how a pivotal moment during a conference led to a deep realization about attachment’s central role in couples therapy.

• Describes how Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT) brought surprising and consistent results by emphasizing bonding over transactions.

• Reframes attachment as an emotional bond rather than a deal.

Stan Tatkin’s Developmental and Neurobiological Approach

• Stan Tatkin explains his background in developmental psychology, infant brain development, and work with personality disorders.

• Compares mother-infant attachment dynamics to adult romantic relationships.

• Emphasizes mindfulness, self-regulation, and the importance of early neurological development in shaping relationship behavior.

Mindfulness and Reflective Function in Couples Therapy

• Mindfulness supports mentalization and builds empathy between partners.

• Reflective function is tied to the orbital frontal cortex and helps people recognize their own and their partner’s internal states.

• Therapists must regulate themselves first to avoid countertransference and model calm engagement.

Attachment Theory in Practice (Sue Johnson)

• Emotion is central in couples therapy and must be processed, not bypassed.

• EFCT focuses on organizing distress through attachment needs and patterns.

• Describes softening sequences where partners move from reactivity to bonding and repair.

Attachment-Based Emotional Processing

• Couples often present distress that stems from unmet attachment needs and longings.

• Therapy helps partners understand, express, and respond to those needs clearly and vulnerably.

• Attachment-based work normalizes distress and supports mutual affect regulation.

Tatkin on Attachment Interviews and Interpretation

• Attachment interviews serve as interventions to help therapists and partners understand attachment styles.

• Highlights the neglect profile often seen in avoidant partners.

• Emphasizes the need for coherence in the therapist's interpretation of attachment dynamics.

The Role of Emotion in Attachment

• Emotions are not just expressions but signals of attachment-related needs.

• Helping partners share those signals accurately builds deeper connection.

• Emotional attunement and regulation become central tasks in therapy.

Therapist Coherence and Belief System

• The therapist’s clarity about the value of attachment and relationship repair influences outcomes.

• Therapists guide partners through misunderstandings by holding a coherent attachment model.

• Helps couples realign around shared emotional meaning and purpose.

Addressing Affairs in the Attachment Framework

• Affairs are framed as reactions to unmet needs in the primary attachment relationship.

• Rather than moralizing, therapists explore the emotional context behind the betrayal.

• Focuses on helping partners understand the injury and rebuild safety and connection.