What is Integrative Attachment Therapy?
Integrative Attachment Therapy is a state-of-the-art-and-science approach to psychotherapy for helping adults with attachment insecurity to become secure. Developed initially by psychologists based at Harvard Medical School, IAT is a deep and robust set of methods that honors the fruits of attachment theory and research, and also integrates the common factors that contribute to all effective psychotherapies.
The IAT model and set of methods employs a ‘Three Pillars’ approach to treating attachment disturbances: Enhancing collaborative relational ability and functioning; expanding metacognitive, perspective-taking skills; and directly transforming insecure internal representations of relationships through embodied secure relational imagery.
The Three Pillars of the IAT Model
The IAT model is structured into "Three Pillars". Each is a distinct category with theoretical, empirical, and practical relevance to both psychotherapy in general and attachment in particular, and within the IAT process each informs and supports the others.
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PILLAR ONE
Enhancing Collaboration
Honoring that attachment is foundationally relational, and that in all forms of insecurity there are problematic relational patterns, the first, foundational pillar aims to enhance collaboration skills – the ability to work with others toward common goals, in ways that value the contributions of each person. In therapy, the relationship between that patient and therapist is a model and practice ground for developing collaboration.
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PILLAR TWO
Developing Metacognition
Metacognitive skills contribute to the ability to take perspective on experiences of self and others, to know, for example, that what we think may or may not be true. In all forms of insecurity there are limitations in metacognition. As well-developed metacognitive abilities are both a sign of and a contributor to individual and relational well-being, the second pillar aims to enhance these abilities and skills in various ways throughout the therapy process.
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PILLAR THREE
Changing Attachment Representations
The science of attachment currently links adult attachment patterns to internal representations (IWMs, a kind of memory) of early relationship experience. Change of attachment patterns from insecure to secure is thought to occur through modification of those internal representations. The third pillar of IAT provides a specific innovative approach for creating such change, the Ideal Parent Figure (IPF) imagery method.
The IAT Institute
At the IAT Institute, we provide comprehensive training for therapists who want to expand their understanding of attachment dynamics, and who want to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of their therapeutic interventions for adult insecurity. We also are a resource for people who are looking to find a psychotherapist skilled in IAT for help with their own journey to attachment-security.
LEARN MOREWhy healing attachment wounds matters
Attachment insecurity is one of the most significant risk factors for creating and perpetuating psychological distress. In many countries, over 40% of adults are estimated to have an insecure attachment pattern. Insecurity contributes to suffering in individuals, couples, groups, and entire societies, and so the value of effective means of transforming insecurity into security cannot be overstated. As more individuals become secure, resilience and well-being are enhanced, relationships become more harmonious and fulfilling, and communities and societies become more balanced for the benefit of all.
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ONLINE COURSE
Integrative Attachment Therapy – Level 1
With over 100 hours of multimedia learning resources, this online course is the foundation of the IAT training program. Masterfully packaged and presented, the course has earned rave reviews from enrolees of a wide range of experience levels.
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IN-PERSON TRAINING
Integrative Attachment Therapy – Level 2
Upon the foundation of the Level 1 online course, participants take the next steps in the practice-focused 3-day Level 2 training, which is facilitated in-person. Following Level 2, participants can embark on the in-person Level 3 training.
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IN-PERSON TRAINING
Integrative Attachment Therapy – Level 3
After completing Level 1 online and Level 2 in person, participants can embark on Level 3, including a 2-day in-person workshop that focuses on case presentations and practice with common and atypical attachment pattern manifestations.
The IAT training is a must for any dedicated psychotherapist. The approach provides positive and transformative attachment experiences for clients. One of the better professional development trainings I’ve had in the last 30 years. Quality trainers. Highly recommended.
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Forrest James
M.An.Psych., B.App.Sci. Grad. Cert.M.H. PACFA Registered Clinical Psychotherapist / Supervisor Director - Dasein Consulting Pty Ltd
One of my main interests is attachment, and with so much noise out there, it isn't easy to find really good teachings. I have gotten so much out of this course: the excellent balance between theory, practice, demos and Q&A gave me enough confidence to start using this exquisite model immediately in my practice.
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Irene Quintavalle
Director and Psychotherapist at Numina Clinic
The content of this course is unrivalled. There is truly nothing else available like it that includes such breadth and depth and clinical sophistication. It is refreshingly integrative, contemporary, and hands-on. Don’t be surprised if you come away being healed in some ways yourself!
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Ann Kelley, Ph.D. and Sue Marriott
LCSW, CGP, hosts of the Therapist Uncensored podcast & authors of Secure Relating: Holding Your Own in an Insecure World
