Therapist responsiveness to client attachment styles and issues observed in client-identified significant events in psychodynamic-interpersonal psychotherapy

We analyzed the influences of client interpersonal styles on therapy proces ses using an attachment theory framework. Ten transcripts of client identif ied significant therapy events were analyzed for evidence of client attachm ent styles (dismissing, preoccupied, or secure), attachment issues, and the rapist responsiveness to attachment issues. The attachment issues identifie d tended to focus on three themes: concerns about loss or rejection, feelin gs surrounding conflict and danger, and the need for closeness or proximity . Therapist responses were categorized as (a) providing containment, safety , and structure, (b) reflecting the client emotions and concerns, and (c) i nterpreting or challenging the client attachment style. It was hypothesized that therapist responses to client attachment issues would be mediated by client attachment styles. In these 10 events there was evidence that therap ists responded to preoccupied attachment styles with reflection and to dism issing styles with interpretation, as had been hypothesized.