Attachment-Informed Counselling: Implications for Alliance, Engagement, and Therapeutic Practice
Attachment-Informed Counselling: Implications for Alliance, Engagement, and Therapeutic Practice
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Issue Date
2025-11-28
Authors
Lu, Rachel
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Abstract
This capstone research project examines the relevance of attachment theory to current approaches in counselling. It emphasizes how learned attachment patterns influence the development of the therapeutic alliance, client engagement in treatment, and the emergence of countertransference within the counsellor. The discussion integrates theoretical foundations with practical applications, illustrating how having an attachment-informed perspective can guide clinical practice and support counsellors in responding to clients with greater sensitivity, knowledge, and adaptability. Ethical considerations are discussed, highlighting the importance of applying attachment theory in ways that are responsive to diverse client populations. This project demonstrates that applying attachment-informed practices can strengthen the therapeutic alliance, enhance treatment outcomes, and promote counsellor reflection and growth. It concludes by offering a practical guide for counsellors to integrate attachment theory into practice.
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Keywords
attachment , attachment theory , attachment-informed practices , therapeutic alliance , engagement