"As someone who bears witness daily to the suffering of the insecurely attached, I am deeply grateful for Attachment in Psychotherapy , a remarkable synthesis of scientific research, clinical observation and theory, and reflection on mindfulness. Wallin not only elucidates the vast empirical literature on attachment, but also with the clarity of a natural teacher and the wisdom of a seasoned clinician makes such findings relevant to the complex challenges of practice. Therapists of all orientations will find help here in fostering a sense of safety and in facilitating their clients' emotional growth."—Nancy McWilliams, PhD, Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
"Wallin's understanding of attachment work and his integration of attachment theory with other modern relational perspectives are quite impressive. People are always asking me what they can read about the clinical implications of attachment work, and now I know what to tell them. This book is an amazing accomplishment. It is definitely my favorite book on this topic."—L. Alan Sroufe, PhD, William Harris Professor of Child Development, University of Minnesota
Attachment in Psychotherapy advances psychotherapeutic method and theory through an innovative integration of new work in affect regulation and models of relationship. David Wallin offers a brilliant leap in realizing the clinical promise of attachment theory, a synthesis that should be required reading—and will be rewarding—for every psychotherapist."—Daniel Goleman, PhD, author of Social Intelligence "What a delight! Wallin has written an extremely insightful, broadly integrative, clinically applicable, and highly engaging book. Keeping his personal and clinical experiences coherently in mind and using them as examples, he synthesizes recent literatures on attachment theory and research, mindfulness, mentalization, metacognition, nonverbal communication, intersubjectivity, and mechanisms of therapeutic change. The book moves deftly from clear analyses of contemporary theoretical issues to specific, well-described clinical techniques that can be used with particular clients; for example, those with a particular adult attachment pattern. The book identifies diverse theoretical and empirical advances that, in Wallin’s skillful hands, fit together beautifully, deepening our understanding of the human mind, its relational context, and its transformation in psychotherapy."—Phillip R. Shaver, PhD, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Psychology, University of California, Davis
Affect Regulation and the Repair of the Self "This book has an interesting and solid foundation of neurobiology, intersubjectivity, mindfulness, transgenerational issues, and, of course, attachment theory, which makes it both a stimulating read and an instructive guide for clinical practice. I use this book in my family therapy trauma course; Wallin beautifully illustrates the embeddedness of trauma and healing in attachment relationships."—Lorna Hecker, PhD, Marriage and Family Therapy Program, Purdue University Calumet
"Takes on the huge task of integrating many aspects of contemporary research theory with clinical practice....A good resource for experienced clinicians."
Bulletin of the Menninger Clinic
Despite widespread interest, how to really think about attachment in the clinical situation remained for all intents and purposes fairly obscure….All this has changed with the publication of David Wallin's extraordinary book….This intellectual and clinical tour-de-force is what we have been waiting for: a book that is on the one hand a coherent, creative, thoughtful, and remarkably integrated view of contemporary psychoanalysis, with attachment, and attachment processes, at its core, and on the other a reflection on our daily, complex, work with patients. Wallin's ambitious and deeply satisfying book is remarkable for a number of reasons….Wallin is a seasoned, experienced clinician, with a deep appreciation of the complexities of both clinical work and human development. Thus, his clinical voice, and his insights into the clinical experience (both the patient's as well as the therapist's) unify each of his forays into research, theory, and science. Indeed, it is his ability to engage all of these elements at once that makes this such a gem of a book….This book should be essential reading for anyone interested in contemporary psychoanalysis. Few writers have the ability to write so directly and clearly about complex science and theory; his scholarship and reach are extraordinary. This book is also a book for therapists at all levels of experience….He creates a truly contemporary vision of human development, affect regulation, and relational processes, grounded in the body and in the brain, and in the fundamental relationships that make us who we are, as therapists, as patients, and as human beings.
"Wallin presents a thorough and research-based explanation of how attachment theory can explain change and growth within psychotherapy and, importantly, how counselors can use attachment theory to guide practice decisions....Wallin's book provides both an introduction and an in-depth examination of attachment theory and some of the therapeutic implications arising from this seminal and unfolding theory....Wallin organizes the book in an interesting and readable fashion....I heartily recommend [this book]. The writing is engaging and clear, and the author takes great care to support his arguments. Further, Wallin clearly shows the capacity to think in an integrative and holistic manner. I believe most readers will find that they have a deeper understanding and appreciation for attachment theory and how psychotherapy can positively modify insecure attachment styles. I appreciate how Wallin integrates theory with clinical work; his arguments are easy to follow and deserve respect....Readers can expect to stretch their thinking from reading this book; Wallin's approach is both interesting and digestible."
Clinical Social Work Review
"Wallin nicely links attachment theory to other conceptual, spiritual, and clinical arenas, and illustrates complex concepts with relevant vignettes....Wallin's book is well written, and provides interesting elaboration on attachment based practice while integrating concepts from a variety of fields....It is highly recommended for mental health professionals."
Psychoanalytic Social Work
"R.D. Laing opened one of his less enduring works with the warning: 'Few books today are forgivable.' Well, here's one to celebrate. If you practice psychotherapy and you read it, your patients stand to benefit. And, as an impressive synthesis of research and practice, it joins a handful of books that truly belong to this century rather than the previous one....We can be grateful that this book has arrived. It is much more than forgivable. It seems indispensable."
British Journal of Psychiatry
Reviewer: Gary B Kaniuk, PsyD (Cermak Health Services)Description: This book describes how attachment concepts can be applied with adults in psychotherapy, providing treatment recommendations and instructive case vignettes.Purpose: The author states, "Drawing on neurobiology, cognitive science, trauma studies, and Buddhist psychology as well as attachment theory and relational psychoanalysis, I aim to convey how therapists can make practical use of three key findings of attachment research. Accordingly, I focus on the therapeutic relationship as a developmental crucible, the centrality of the nonverbal dimension, and the transformative influence of reflection and mindfulness."Audience: The book is intended for all psychotherapists who treat adults, including clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, and clinical social workers. Students and residents also will find it informative. The author is a clinical psychologist in private practice who has been practicing, teaching, and writing for almost three decades.Features: A review of attachment theory and some of the historical figures who developed the concepts (Bowlby, Ainsworth, Main, and Fonagy, etc.) begins the book. The author focuses on three main findings of attachment research: co-created relationships of attachment are the key context for development; preverbal experience makes up the core of the developing self; and stance of the self toward experience predicts attachment security better than the facts of personal history themselves. The book is well written with nice case vignettes and discussion with three types of clients (the dismissing patient, the preoccupied patient, the unresolved patient). However, it is not the easiest book to read. Figures and/or tables would have helped to elucidate the material a little better.Assessment: This is the perfect guide for therapists who want to learn how to apply attachment concepts in psychotherapy. The author presents helpful insights which would be valuable to any practicing therapist, regardless of theoretical orientation. Obviously, therapists who hold to a psychodynamic approach would be able to gain even more. Although not easy reading, it is well worth the effort.
