The 10 Core Tenets of Attachment Theory
Attachment theory posits that humans have an innate need to form strong emotional bonds with caregivers, typically with their parents or primary caregivers, and that the quality of these early attachments can have a profound and lasting influence on an individual's personality, behavior, and interpersonal relationships. It suggests that the way caregivers respond to a child's emotional and physical needs during infancy and early childhood can shape the child's internal working model of relationships, which, in turn, affects their attachment style.
Below, EFIT & EFT Developer, Sue Johnson, EdD, explains the 10 core tenets of Attachment Theory and how they are crucial to understanding Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT):
And if you're ready to learn more, Dr. Sue Johnson shares how Attachment Theory shows up in session and explains how crucial they are to understanding Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT). READ MORE >
PLUS, once you complete this training, you'll receive your Level 1 Certificate in EFIT from the prestigious International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT) — demonstrating your commitment to helping clients gain life-changing access to skills for transforming painful emotions on their journey toward wholeness.
Dr. Sue Johnson was an author, clinical psychologist, researcher, professor, popular presenter and speaker and a leading innovator in the field of couple therapy and adult attachment. Sue was the primary developer of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), which has demonstrated its effectiveness in over 30 years of peer-reviewed clinical research.
The founding director of the International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT), Dr. Johnson authored numerous books and articles including Attachment Theory in Practice: EFT with Individuals, Couples and Families (2019), The Practice of Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy: Creating Connection (3rd edition, 2019), and A Primer for Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT) (2021).
Sue trained behavioral health providers in EFT worldwide and consulted to the over 75 international institutes and affiliated centers who practice EFT, including Veterans Affairs and the US and Canadian militaries. She was a Distinguished Research Professor at Alliant University in San Diego, a Professor, Clinical Psychiatry at the University of British Columbia, Canada, and a Professor Emeritus, Clinical Psychology, at the University of Ottawa, Canada.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Dr. Sue Johnson had employment relationships with University of British Columbia, Campbell & Fairweather Psychology Group, Alliant International, University Ottawa, Couple and Family Institute, and the International Center for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy. She received royalties as a published author. Dr. Johnson received a speaking honorarium, recording royalties, and book royalties from PESI, Inc. She had no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Dr. Sue Johnson served on the editorial board for the American Journal of Family Therapy (AJFT) and the journal Couple and Family Psychology: Research & Practice.
