The Search for the Secure Base: Attachment Theory and Psychotherapy

Holmes, Jeremy

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1583911529 ISBN 13: 9781583911525

Publisher: Routledge, 2001

In recent decades, attachment theory has gained widespread interest and acceptance, although the relevance of attachment theory to clinical practice has never been clear. The Search for the Secure Base shows how attachment theory can be used therapeutically. Jeremy Holmes introduces an exciting new attachment paradigm in psychotherapy with adults, describing the principles and practice of attachment-informed therapy in a way that will be useful to beginners and experienced therapists alike. Illustrated with a wide range of clinical examples, this book will be welcomed by practitioners and trainees in psychotherapy, psychoanalysis and in many other disciplines.

Synopsis:

With The Search for the Secure Base , attachment becomes, for the first time, a therapeutic modality in its own right. The book introduces an exciting new attachment paradigm in psychotherapy with adults, describing the principles and practice of attachment-informed therapy in a way that will be useful to beginners and experienced therapists alike. Using a range of clinical and literary examples to illustrate techniques used (such as providing a secure base, methods of listening and responding, facilitation of emergent meaning and reflexive practice), it argues strongly for a rapprochement between psychoanalysis and attachment theory. The Search for the Secure Base will be welcomed by practitioners and trainees in psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, psychiatry, psychology, counselling, social work and nursing.

About the Author:

Jeremy Holmes is Consultant Psychotherapist in North Devon and Senior Lecturer in Psychotherapy in the University of Exeter. He is current chair of the psychotherapy faculty of the Royal College of Psychiatrists. He is the author of over 100 papers and book chapters as well as 10 books, including the acclaimed John Bowlby and Attachment Theory and Introduction to Psychoanalysis, with Anthony Bateman.