Free Taster - Neuroscience of Attachment

Helping clients move from co-regulation to self-regulation

Attachment theory originally was developed as a trauma theory (Bowlby, 1989) but is now conceptualised more as a regulation theory (Schore, 2009). Our therapeutic work with clients often involves working with a wide range of emotions, varying from muted to very strong emotional reactions. Emotional regulation forms the foundation of emotional intelligence and overall wellbeing in our clients. In the attachment we form with our clients, the research has shown that the more securely attached the client is with the therapist (co-regulation), the greater their capacity to regulate their emotions (self-regulation), which otherwise would have been too overwhelming for them to cope with on their own.