Attachment Focused Therapy

Attachment-Focused Therapy emphasizes the importance of strong, secure relationships in our lives. At Eckert Psychology & Education Centre, we offer attachment-focused therapy for parents, couples, and families in Calgary and across Alberta, helping you build deep, meaningful connections with your loved ones.

What Is Attachment-Focused Therapy?

Attachment theory was first developed by John Bowlby, who recognized that intimate relationships are the "hub around which a person's life revolves." This approach to therapy is based on the idea that our early relationships with caregivers shape how we interact with others throughout our lives. If we develop secure attachments in childhood, we are more likely to form healthy, loving connections as adults. However, if those early bonds are disrupted or insecure, we might struggle with trust, communication, and emotional closeness in our relationships.

Attachment-Focused Therapy works to heal these relational wounds, providing you with the tools to build stronger bonds, whether with your partner, children, or other family members.

How Attachment-Focused Therapy Can Help You

Attachment-Focused Therapy can address a variety of challenges, including:

For Parents:

• Building Secure Parent-Child Bonds: Learn to read and respond to your child's emotional needs at each stage of development. We offer programs like the Circle of Security Parenting (COS-P) to guide you in fostering a secure attachment with your child, promoting their emotional and social well-being.
• Navigating Parenting Challenges: Address behaviors and patterns that may stem from past experiences or parenting styles, helping you become a more present and responsive caregiver.

For Couples:

• Enhancing Emotional Connection: Improve communication and understanding within your relationship, addressing past hurts and building trust.
• Creating a Safe Space: Learn to recognize and respond to each other’s emotional needs, deepening your bond and creating a shared sense of security.

For Families:

• Strengthening Family Bonds: Work through family conflicts and miscommunications in a way that enhances connection and empathy among all members.
• Healing from Past Experiences: Address the impact of past experiences on current family dynamics, creating a more supportive and understanding environment for everyone.

Programs Offered at Eckert Centre

One of the key programs we use in Attachment-Focused Therapy is the Circle of Security Parenting (COS-P):

Circle of Security Parenting (COS-P)

COS-P is an internationally acclaimed, relationship-based parenting program that provides a roadmap for parents to build a stronger, more secure attachment with their child. Designed for parents of children under seven (though beneficial for older adoptive and foster families), this short-term program can be delivered individually, with parenting partners, or in small-group settings.

The COS-P program helps parents:

• See their child's emotional needs and respond in ways that promote closeness and independence.
• Overcome internal discomfort (or “shark music”) that can interfere with parenting.
• Reflect on patterns of interaction and move forward with new strategies to meet their child's needs.

What to Expect During Attachment-Focused Therapy Sessions

In Attachment-Focused Therapy, our therapists provide a safe, welcoming space for you to explore your relational patterns and past experiences. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Understanding Your Attachment Style: We begin by exploring your early relationships and how they might influence your current interactions, whether as a parent, partner, or family member.
2. Building Awareness: Learn to recognize emotional triggers and patterns in your relationships, fostering a deeper understanding of both yourself and others.
3. Developing New Strategies: We help you practice new ways of connecting, responding, and communicating, supporting you in building secure and fulfilling relationships.

Why Choose Eckert Centre for Attachment-Focused Therapy?

• Experienced Therapists: Our team is highly trained in attachment-focused therapy and programs like Circle of Security Parenting (COS-P), offering comprehensive support for parents, couples, and families.
• Tailored Approach: We provide personalized therapy tailored to your specific needs, helping you address past patterns and build healthier, more connected relationships.
• Supportive Environment: We create a space that is safe, non-judgmental, and sometimes even fun, guiding you through this journey with empathy and compassion.
• In-Person and Virtual Sessions: We offer attachment-focused therapy in Calgary and virtual therapy across Alberta, making it easy for you to access support wherever you are.

Ready to Build Stronger Connections?

Attachment-Focused Therapy can help you understand and heal your relational patterns, creating more secure, loving bonds with your children, partner, and family. At Eckert Centre, we’re here to support you on this journey toward deeper connection and emotional well-being.