Review
------
"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
"No better introduction to the clinical application of
attachment theory has yet been written."--Lewis Aron, PhD,
Director, Postdoctoral Program in Psychotherapy and
Psychoanalysis, New York University
"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
"John by would have been delighted with this book, which
links the biological imperatives of attachment to the dialogues
that define the self and the nature of key relationships. He
would also have been delighted to see his theory articulated as a
guide to psychotherapy in such an eminently readable manner. The
use of attachment as this kind of guide is a rich vein that has
just be to be tapped. This book is a therapist's journey into
that richness."--Susan M. Johnson, EdD, Professor Emeritus of
Clinical Psychology, University of Ottawa, Canada; Distinguished
Research Professor, Marital and Family Therapy Program, Alliant
International University
"This timely book provides an important advance in the
examination of the implications of attachment theory for
psychotherapy. Synthesizing theory and research on attachment
theory and affect regulation with recent developments in
psychoanalysis, Wallin provides a rich conceptual scaffolding for
understanding the role that the therapeutic relationship plays in
the change process. He also provides an intriguing perspective on
the potential contributions of mindfulness practice to the
cultivation of a therapeutic stance. Theoretically sophisticated
and clinically enlightening, this book will be of interest to
clinicians of all persuasions."--Jeremy D. Safran, PhD,
Department of Psychology, New School for Social Research
"Simply the best integration of key advances in attachment
theory and research and their applications to psychotherapy.
Complex concepts are carefully elucidated and brilliantly
illustrated with clinical examples. This book is an important
reference for all clinicians and students. It is a vital resource
for those who are interested in how progress in our understanding
of attachment processes may be applied in a clinical
context."--Peter Fonagy, OBE, FMedSci, FBA, PhD, Professor of
Contemporary Psychoanalysis and Developmental Science and Head,
Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College
London, United Kingdom
"This book is a remarkable achievement--a very clear yet
scholarly synthesis of the latest developments in attachment
theory, intersubjectivity, social neuroscience, and mindfulness.
The author layers these 's' onto the therapy experience, and
then takes the reader through the territory to emerge with a new
vision of therapy. Wallin is a trustworthy guide through the
complexities of clinical work where the therapy relationship
itself is the intervention. A 'must read' for psychotherapists
who wish to remain on top of their field, and a rich resource for
clinicians in training."--Christopher Germer, PhD, private
practice, Arlington, Massachusetts
"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 inful,
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, meta, 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
"A well-written, easy-to-read, clinically relevant, and
particularly pragmatic application of recent science to a variety
of clinical problems."--Allan N. Schore, PhD, author of 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
About the Author
----------------
David J. Wallin, PhD, is a clinical psychologist in private
practice in Mill Valley and Albany, California. He has been
practicing, teaching, and writing about psychotherapy for nearly
three decades. Dr. Wallin is the coauthor (with Stephen Goldbart)
of ping the Terrain of the Heart: Passion, Tenderness, and the
Capacity to Love.