Synopses & Reviews
Review
"This book should be required reading for clinicians and graduate students involved in working with or learning about children and families beset by attachment disorders. While numerous other works review attachment disorders, this outstanding book goes a step further, navigating an easily accessible path into the multifaceted domain of psychodynamic treatment. Evocative case studies are used to illustrate attachment-oriented therapy and how it may be successfully applied across the lifespan."--Howard Steele, PhD, Attachment Research Unit, University College London, UK; Editor,
Attachment & Human Development"In this much-needed book, the first of its kind, Brisch brings attachment theory into the consulting room. Through many moving case vignettes, he shows us how he uses countertransference to understand and treat each patient in unique and sensitive ways. In his discussion of childhood and adolescent pathology, Brisch makes clear his conviction that children need both a secure base and the opportunity to explore the world outside the immediate attachment figures. His discussion of an amazing variety of cases illuminates how the dynamics of family interaction have to be understood and treated to relieve children of often crippling symptoms. The way Brisch works with children and families is truly remarkable: he is never intrusive or coercive, but intervenes in sensitive, compelling, and effective ways. Practitioners and trainees in child psychotherapy and parent-infant psychotherapy programs should find this book especially invaluable."--Anni Bergman, PhD, Postdoctoral Program in Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis, New York University; Program for the Study and Treatment of Parents, Infants and Toddlers, New York Freudian Society
"This book couldn't be more timely. After three decades of developmental research establishing the importance of attachment processes in emotional regulation and stress responsiveness, therapists of many orientations are pondering how to apply these findings in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Previous books relating attachment theory to clinical concerns have been heavily theoretically and research-based, with little for the practicing clinician to grab hold of and use. In contrast, Brisch squarely takes on the challenge of articulating for the practicing clinician how attachment concepts can inform clinical process, as 'lived' in the immediacy of the clinical hour. Using a dazzling array of case material from infancy to adulthood, he illustrates the breadth of application of attachment concepts in clinical work and draws out the subtle recentering of clinical stance that can result from an attachment perspective. By bringing attachment concepts into the center of the therapeutic encounter, Brisch's volume opens a rich clinical-theoretical dialogue with both object relations theory and cognitive-behavioral approaches. This clinical debate will surely occupy and enrich all of us for the rest of the decade."--Karlen Lyons-Ruth, PhD, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School
"Dr. Brisch presents an outstanding overview of attachment theory and research, a highly informative discussion of attachment disorders across the lifespan, and an insightful presentation of attachment-oriented psychotherapy. This excellent volume will appeal to professionals from a multitude of disciplines involved with the diagnosis and treatment of attachment disorders."--Byron Egeland, PhD, Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota
Review
"An exceptionally rich account of how attachment theory may be used to guide treatment methods."--Michael Rutter, MD, Institute of Psychiatry, Kings College London, United Kingdom
"This second edition is an essential resource for clinicians, scholars, students, and all others seeking a fuller understanding of attachment disorders across the lifespan and how to treat them. Brisch wisely agrees with other leading authorities that ‘holding therapy is wrongheaded and irreconcilable with attachment theory. But how then should the serious emotional and behavioral troubles that typify the notion of attachment disorders be treated? For what is arguably the best and most comprehensive, research-based, and sensitive answer to date, read Brisch!"--Howard Steele, PhD, Professor and Director of Graduate Studies, Department of Psychology, New School for Social Research
Review
"I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the application of attachment theory for any client group. There is something for everyone here and much to provoke thought and further discussion."--Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry
Review
"A useful, unpretentious, and eminently readable book. The theory, research, and case material addressed in it are crucial to consider for those interested in reflective, honest, and effective clinical practice."--Psychologist-Psychoanalyst APA Division 39 Newsletter
Review
"This is a wonderful textbook for any one treating children with attachment disorders, particularly if involved in individual psychotherapy."--Journal of the Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Review
"The author presents a clear summary of the basic tenets of attachment theory and its theoretical and empirical development....It is then possible for the reader to engage in the author's case illustrations of how knowledge of attachment dynamics can usefully influence a diverse range of psychotherapeutic work."--Bulletin of the Menninger Clinic
Review
"Treating Attachment Disorders is delightfully readable....The reader is quickly drawn into the cases, all of which are interesting and pertinent to clinical practice....[Brisch] offers much for both the novice clinician, for whom learning to establish a secure base is crucial, and for experienced ones who want to integrate attachment theory into their work. Child therapists, in particular, will find many valuable insights....Treating Attachment Disorders is an important and very timely book that shows how understanding attachment and keeping it in mind can immeasurably enrich one's clinical experience."--International Journal of Psychoanalysis (on previous edition)
Review
"Brisch's outstanding integration of John Bowlby's theory of attachment and analytic practice is fascinating to read....Highly recommended. Upper-division graduates and above."--Choice Reviews
Synopsis
Attachment theory and research have greatly enhanced our understanding of the role of parent-child relationships in the development of psychopathology. Yet until now, little has been written on how an attachment perspective can be used to actively inform psychotherapeutic practice. In this invaluable work, Karl Heinz Brisch presents an attachment-oriented framework for assessing and treating patients of all ages. Rich, extended case examples form the core of the book. Demonstrated are the ways attachment-oriented interventions can effectively be used to treat a wide range of patients: couples trying unsuccessfully to conceive, women with severe postpartum depression, children and adolescents with behavioral and emotional disturbances, adults with relationship difficulties and work problems, and others. Applications in short- and long-term psychotherapy are discussed, as well as use of the model in such other contexts as prevention in infant mental health, family therapy, and group work. A vital resource for practitioners, this book is also a compelling text for graduate-level psychotherapy courses.
Synopsis
Organized around extended case illustrations—and grounded in cutting-edge theory and research—this highly regarded book shows how an attachment perspective can inform psychotherapeutic practice with patients of all ages. Karl Heinz Brisch explores the links between early experiences of separation, loss, and trauma and a range of psychological, behavioral, and psychosomatic problems. He demonstrates the basic techniques of attachment-based assessment and intervention, emphasizing the healing power of the therapeutic relationship. With a primary focus on treating infants and young children and their caregivers, the book discusses applications of attachment-based psychotherapy over the entire life course. New to This Edition*Incorporates advances in research on neurobiology, genetics, and psychotraumatology.*Expanded with a section on inpatient treatment for traumatized children, including in-depth cases.*Describes two promising prevention programs for expectant couples, families, and young children.*The latest knowledge on disorganized attachment, attachment disorders, and assessments.
About the Author
Karl Heinz Brisch, MD, is a child and adolescent psychiatrist and psychotherapist, as well as an adult psychiatrist and neurologist; a training psychoanalyst at the Psychoanalytic Institute; and head of the Department of Pediatric Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy at the Children's Hospital at the Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Germany. Dr. Brisch's primary research is on the development of infants and children with high-risk conditions and the development of attachment and its disorders. He has led longitudinal research projects on attachment disturbances and early psychotherapeutic interventions. He is a member of the World Association of Infant Mental Health and of the Society for Research in Child Development.
Table of Contents
Foreword, Lotte Köhler
Introduction
I. Attachment Theory and Its Basic Concepts
II. Attachment Disorders
III. Attachment-Based Psychotherapy
IV. Treatment Cases from Clinical Practice
V. Treatment of Early Childhood Developmental Disorders in an Inpatient Intensive Psychotherapy Unit: A New Model of Treatment
VI. Prospects for Further Application
Afterword, Inge Bretherton
Appendix: Brief Précis of the Adult Attachment Interview Protocol