Systemic Therapy and Attachment Narratives ─ Applications in a Range of Clinical Settings

Professional interest in the clinical applications of attachment theory continues to grow and evolve, and at the same time narrative approaches are also gaining ground. This book explores how attachment-based ideas can be used in clinical practice by offering a practical and sophisticated exposition of clinical approaches.

Bringing together three main systems of thought and psychotherapeutic practice - systemic theory, attachment theory and narrative theory - practitioners are shown how to use these ideas in their work through the integrated approach of ‘attachment narrative therapy’.

Using clinical examples, the authors provide guidance on how to use attachment narrative therapy in different clinical contexts and with various client groups, including working with:



addictions: alcohol dependency and eating distress
loss and grief
trauma and dissociation
love and sexuality: applications with couples.


Systemic Therapy and Attachment Narratives provides practical guidance for a range of mental health professionals including family therapists, child, adolescent and adult psychotherapists, clinical psychologists and social workers, enabling them to apply this approach in a range of contexts.

Rudi Dallos is the Programme Director of the Plymouth University Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. He also works as a clinical psychologist specialising in work with adolescents and their families.
Arlene Vetere is Deputy Director of Clinical Psychology Doctorate training at Surrey University and a family therapist, registered with the UKCP. She is also President of the European Family Therapy Association.

Byren-Hall, Foreword. Introduction. Systemic Therapy and Attachment Narratives: Guiding Framework for Formulation and Therapy. Life-cycle Transitions and Attachment Narratives. Emotion Regulation: Aggression, ADHD and Violence in Families. Love and Sexuality: Systemic Therapy and Attachment Narratives: Applications with Couples. Trauma and Dissociation. Loss, Grief and Attachment. Problems of Addiction: Alcohol Dependency and Eating Distress. Formats for Exploration. Reflections and Conclusions.