The Search for the Secure Base Attachment Theory and Psychotherapy

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.

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.

The Psychological Defense System. The Six Domains of Attachment-based Therapy. Attachment Theory and Psychoanalysis - Finding a Common Language. Attachment in Clinical Practice. An Attachment Perspective on Change in Psychotherapy. Disorganised Attachment and the Basic Fault. Attachment and the 'Storied Self'. Narrative, Psychoanalysis and Attachment. Abuse and Trauma - An Attachment Perspective. Art, Attachment and Psychotherapy. Money and Psychotherapy. Endings in Psychotherapy.

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.