Attachment representations of professionals − Influence on intervention and implications for clinical training and supervision

Suess, Gerhard J.; Mali, Ardiana; Reiner, Iris; Fremmer‐Bombik, Elisabeth; Schieche, M; Suess, Esther

doi:10.1016/j.mhp.2015.06.002

Cited by 8 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 22 publications

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“…STEEP training focused on facilitator qualities and skills, beginning with an assessment of the facilitator Inner Working Models (IWM) of experiences in relationships. In a special training unit, trainees are encouraged to critically reflect on various influences on self as well as its possible influences on the intervention process in supervision (see Suess et al, 2015 ). Mothers in the intervention group were recruited during pregnancy or, in some cases, shortly after the birth of the baby.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Attachment theory and research have also highlighted the importance of parental history of care and concurrent supportive relationships as mechanisms of development, intergenerational transmission, and change in relationship experience (Bretherton & Munholland, 2008 ; Steele & Steele, 2008 ). As John Bowlby ( 1988 ) articulated, a therapeutic relationship provides individuals with a secure base for the exploration of feelings, expectations, and attitudes related to behavior in past and present relationships, including relationships with other family members and professionals (Suess et al, 2015 ). Integrating representational experience and utilizing the therapeutic relationship in intervention leads to more complex, integrative programs with potential long term gains (Cicchetti, Rogosch, & Toth, 2006 ; Lieberman, 2004 ; Pickreign Stronach, Toth, Rogosch, & Cicchetti, 2013 ).…”

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confidence: 99%

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Effectiveness of attachment based STEEP™ intervention in a German high-risk sample

Suess

Bohlen

Carlson

et al. 2016

Attachment & Human Development

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STEEPTM was one of the first attachment-based early intervention programs. The program applied findings from the Minnesota Longitudinal Study on Risk and Adaptation to the development of a supportive program for young high-risk mothers and their infants. STEEP’s effectiveness was evaluated first in a randomized controlled study launched in 1987. The study showed effects of the one-year intervention on important individual and parenting variables, but not on quality of mother–infant attachment. In the current German study with young mothers at risk for abuse and neglect, a two-year adaptation of STEEP was evaluated within a quasi-experimental design. STEEP mother–infant pairs (N = 78) were compared with pairs who received standard services of the German Child Welfare System (GCWS, N = 29). Compared with GCWS pairs, significantly more mother–infant pairs in the intervention group showed secure attachment patterns in Ainsworth´s Strange Situation when the infants were 12 months of age. At the end of the intervention (infant age = 24 month), attachment security scores derived from Waters’ Attachment Q-Sort were in the predicted direction and showed a medium effect size, but did not reach criteria of statistical significance. At both time points, the STEEP group showed significantly fewer signs of attachment disorganization than the comparison group.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Effectiveness of attachment based STEEP™ intervention in a German high-risk sample

Suess

Bohlen

Carlson

et al. 2016

Attachment & Human Development

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…For professionals who are not clinically trained in working with attachment repair, the risk of further damage is great and could result in avoidable trauma leading to additional negative outcomes. In addition, training programs for therapists or licensed clinicians require professionals to address personal issues that could interfere with a therapist's effectiveness (Suess et al, 2015; Yusof & Carpenter, 2016). Professionals untrained to use clinical interventions may not attend to these matters, and further, they are not subject to the same gatekeeping guidelines that are built into clinical training programs to keep individuals who are unsuitable for becoming therapists out of the field (Brear et al, 2008).…”

Section: Role Of the Family Keyworkermentioning

confidence: 99%

Supporting and enhancing attachment resilience is essential for helping high‐risk families: But is the family keyworker the best one for the job?

Puhlman

2024

J of Family Theo & Revie

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The Role of Therapists' Attachment and Introject in Their Treatment Process and Outcome: A Systematic Review

Horne,

Liu,

Aafjes‐van Doorn

2024

Clin Psychology and Psychoth

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Previous reviews have examined empirical evidence of the relationship between therapists' internalized relational models, including therapists' attachment styles and Sullivan's notion of introject, and the therapeutic relationship. This review expands upon previous reviews by examining the effect of therapists' internalized relational models on the treatment process (e.g., therapeutic alliance and countertransference) and treatment outcomes (e.g., symptoms and functioning) more broadly. Our systematic search identified 42 empirical studies measuring therapist's internalized relational models, defined as therapist attachment style (i.e., the way the therapist relates to others) and/or introject (i.e., the way the therapist relates to themselves), in relation to therapy process and outcome, including 35 studies on attachment, nine studies on introject and two that examined both constructs. A rigorous quality assessment was conducted; two studies were rated as ‘moderate’, and 40 were rated as ‘weak’ in quality. Based on the study findings, it appears that more securely attached therapists may have stronger working alliances and more positive therapeutic processes with their patients. Contrary to expectations, therapist attachment security does not appear to impact treatment outcomes. Therapists who relate to themselves in a more affirming way may have stronger working alliances and better treatment outcomes, but very few studies have addressed this question thus far. More rigorous research, especially on the effect of therapists' introject, is needed. Therapists may consider the potential impact of their internalized relational models on the working alliance and other treatment processes that influence therapeutic outcomes.

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Attachment representations of professionals − Influence on intervention and implications for clinical training and supervision

Cited by 8 publications

References 22 publications

Effectiveness of attachment based STEEP™ intervention in a German high-risk sample

Effectiveness of attachment based STEEP™ intervention in a German high-risk sample

Supporting and enhancing attachment resilience is essential for helping high‐risk families: But is the family keyworker the best one for the job?

The Role of Therapists' Attachment and Introject in Their Treatment Process and Outcome: A Systematic Review

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