Treating Attachment Disorders

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.

Karl Heinz Brisch, MD, is a child and adolescent psychiatrist and psychotherapist, as well as an adult psychiatrist and neurologist and a specialist in psychosomatic medicine; a training psychoanalyst at the Psychoanalytic Institute in Stuttgart, Germany; and head of the Department of Pediatric Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy at the Dr. von Hauner 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

"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, Professor and Director of Graduate Studies, Department of Psychology, New School for Social Research, New York, USA "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 Newsletter