A thematic analysis of the impact of therapist attachment on intersubjectivity when working with clients with complex trauma

Abstract

Aim The current study explored the influence of therapists' self-reported attachment strategies on their therapeutic relationships with clients. Methods Twelve therapists working with individuals with complex trauma were interviewed and Thematic Analysis was used to generate themes from the data. Results Key findings identified a distinction between the therapeutic alliance and a secure attachment, based on the relationship's capacity to tolerate rupture. The study found that therapists' own attachment strategies affected empathy towards clients and how the underlying process may be related to identification, where over-identification was unhelpful. The study also identified, how therapists responded to client anger was related to their attachment strategies. Whilst avoidant/dismissive therapists were better able to contain client anger, this had the potential to impact upon attunement. Findings challenged the widely accepted view of therapists needing a secure attachment, rather warmth and proximity elicited negative responses from some clients. An unexpected finding was therapists' motivations and identified the therapeutic relationship as meeting the needs of some therapists. Conclusions Findings reinforce the premise of counselling psychology for reflective functioning and recommend that therapists acknowledge their own attachment strategies and wounds. A better understanding into these processes may enhance the therapeutic relationship and improve treatment outcome.