Quote:
Originally Posted by PaulaS
Thatīs an interesting point, do you mean you canīt get the diagnosis "attachment disorder" as an adult? How does a T define problems with attachment and how do they find out an adult client has attachment issues?
Have you yourself experience of therapy helping you to handle attachment issues in a better way?
It seems that if a T also has attachment issues he or she easily gets triggered by a client having similar issues and then he or she becomes less suitable for treating them?
|
Well in the US, the disorder is technically called "reactive attachment disorder" (RAD) and yes, it's only for children. It's also not given out very commonly- there needs to be a real pathology for a diagnosis. Everyone has an attachment style based on their upbringing with some being healthier than others. Sometimes if serious problems develop the attachment disorder might become a personality disorder in an adult (like Borderline, narcissistic, antisocial...). Even without a personaity disorder, a T can still treat attachment issues, but you'd need to be specific about what your symptoms are and what it is you want to work on.
Regarding how a T with attachment issues will handle a client - I have no idea. It's a toss up since success will be based on a personality match above all else. Most people don't think about analyze their attachment styles in terms of pathology, people just are who they are. They'll have a style like everyone does, but they may keep that out of your therapy. I wouldn't spend much time over thinking this and focus instead on exactly what you want to achieve in therapy. This is where I'd be very clear and specific when talking to potential T's. I'd tell them you have a particular interest in attachment and ask of this is an area they work with.