Question

Therapeutic What is secure and insecure attachment and how it effects the therapeutic relationship? The links between neurotic defenses and insecure attachment are associated with psychological distress. Moreover, the Attachment system is a mechanism that regulates romantic relationships and infant care-giver relationships (Ciocca et al., 2020). There are four styles of attachment: Secure attachment- positive model of self and others, low levels of anxiety and avoidance Preoccupied attachment- negative model of self and positive model of others Dismissing attachment- positive model of self and negative of others combines low anxiety with high avoidance Fearful Attachment is based on a negative model of self and others, and it is associated with high avoidance and anxiety and high emotional dysregulation (Ciocca et al., 2020). One research article stated secure attachment is primarily found in individuals with good interpersonal skills, as well as individuals who are considered healthy. Conversely, insecure attachment styles are impacted by psychopathology (Ciocca et al., 2020). As a result, attachment styles characterized by high anxiety could be associated with a more severe psychopathology compared to avoidant styles. Consequently, individuals with high anxiety suffer more severe psychopathology that is associated with styles of avoidance (Ciocca et al., 2020).

Answer

therapeutic Secure and Insecure Attachment and its Impact on Therapeutic Relationship

Attachment can be described as a special emotional relationship characterized by an exchange of care, comfort, and pleasure. Early relationships between primary caregivers and individuals contribute to attachment styles and impact internal models of future relationships, such as therapeutic relationship. Therefore, therapists should consider their attachments and how clients are affected by their behaviors. Secure and insecure attachments are the major attachment styles, which impact the therapeutic relationship between healthcare professionals and their clients.

Secure attachment is a positive model of self and others. People with this attachment have low avoidance and low anxiety. They enjoy stability in their relationships while retaining their autonomy, cooperate well, listening empathetically, and are well-balanced. Their primary caregivers were responsive and warm .Secure attachment improves working alliance since clients perceive therapeutic relationships in ways similar to their attachment style.

On the other hand, insecure attachment styles are three, including preoccupied attachment, fearful attachment, and dismissing attachment. Preoccupied attachment is a positive model of others and a negative model of self. People with this attachment style have low avoidance and high anxiety. They magnify their distress, and their need for closeness and support is relatively high (Lin-Arlow, 2018). Fearful Attachment is characterized by a negative model of others and self. Individuals with this attachment style have high anxiety and avoidance. Additionally, they experience a high emotional dysregulation and are socially avoidant and unassertive. Dismissing attachment is a negative model of others and a positive model of self. People with this attachment have high avoidance and low anxiety. Additionally, they are distant, cold, self-reliant, and mistrustful (Lin-Arlow, 2018). They also tend to focus on personal strength rather than interpersonal relationships. Insecurity attachment leads to difficulties in the therapeutic relationship, especially when the client and therapist have this attachment style. They have difficulty maintaining relationships and controlling their emotions. Additionally, their high attachment avoidance leads to the therapeutic alliance low ratings.

References Influences of Therapist-Client Attachment Styles on the Clinical Relationship