Attachment and Adult Clinical Practice: An Integrated Perspective on Developmental Theory, Neurobiology, and Emotional Regulation

This comprehensive volume addresses attachment theory’s history as well as its integration with neurobiology, psychophysiology, theories of emotion, regulation theory, and mentalization theory. It explores how clinicians can connect with their clients so that they feel completely seen and heard.

Attachment theory speaks to one’s biological drive to connect, to relate, and to feel heard. The author aims to achieve this by condensing the enormous and diverse literature of the field into a singular, manageable work that clinicians can use to foster these connections. The book traces the history of attachment theory and describes how neurobiological research has influenced the expansion of attachment theory, and how emotions and psychophysiology have become critical to our understanding of human attachment connections. It concludes with a detailed examination of how to apply these theories in clinical practice.

This practical book addresses attachment theory’s take on integrating the mind, body, and emotion when striving toward well-being. It will be of great importance for psychotherapy students, beginning therapists, and experienced clinicians with an interest in attachment theory.

Toni Mandelbaum, PhD, LCSW is a clinical social worker in private practice in Philadelphia, PA, with over 25 years of experience in the field. She completed her BA in psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, her MSW at Columbia University, and her PhD in social work at Bryn Mawr College.