Attachment Therapy
vs.
Conventional Child Psychotherapies


Attachment Therapists consistently claim that their approach is unique among child psychotherapies. Indeed, it is. What follows is the only known point-by-point comparison of AT versus the common elements of conventional child psychotherapies. This has been prepared by Dr Jean Mercer.

Differences Between the Practice of:


Attachment Therapy

Conventional Child Psychotherapy

1.

Assumes the existence of a high-prevalence attachment disorder (AD) not described in DSM-IV.
Considers Reactive Attachment Disorder (DSM-IV) to be fairly rare; AD concept not used.
2.
Uses physical restraint and stress as a mode of therapy.
Only uses physical contact primarily with children under 7; restraint used as a protective technique, not treatment.
3.
Uses provocative language in attempt to trigger rage.
Uses calm, respectful language.
4.
Uses forced eye contact as part of treatment.
Considers eye contact as mode of communication, not treatment.
5.
Adult takes all authority.
Adult follows child’s lead.
6.
Denies child’s ability to be honest or rational
Assumes that treatment outcome results from appropriate work on child’s communication and thinking.
7.
Considers sweets and cuddling to create emotional attachment and obedience.
Assumes that treatment outcome results from appropriate work on child’s communication and thinking.
8.
Considers child’s negative statements, complaints, failure to comply as aspects of resistance, caused by disorder.
Treats child’s communications as genuine.
9.
Treatment is directed at child only; parent treated as co-therapist.
All members of family system are ideally included in therapy.
10.
Only mother knows child’s real behavior and character.
Information about child should come from several sources.


Differences Between the Theories of:


Attachment Therapy

Conventional Child Psychotherapy

1.

Disobedience, disrespect, undesirable behavior, cruelty, and violence all due to lack of emotional attachment.
Many factors determine disturbed behavior and mood.
2.
Emotional attachment begins before birth, therefore all adopted children have disordered attachment.
Emotional attachment of child to parent is most affected by experiences between 6 months and 2 years.
3.
Emotional attachment after birth occurs when parent frequently soothes child’s frustration and rage while making eye contact.
Emotional attachment results from consistent, frequent, pleasurable social interactions with responsive caregiver.
4.
Lack of attachment occurs when unexpressed rage blocks affection; when rage is provoked, child becomes able to love.
Unexpressed rage diminishes rather than continues to affect emotions; controlling rage and thinking about it are more useful than expressing it.
5.
Poor early development can be re-worked as if from the beginning by creating controlled experiences.
Existing personality development cannot be negated, but future development can be guided.
6.
Trauma is a precursor to all emotional connections.
Although there is such a thing as “trauma bonding,” normal emotional attachments are not connected with trauma.
7.
Complete obedience and compliance with parents make a desirable foundation for adult personality development.
Autonomy and affiliation motives are in an ever-changing balance throughout life.