David Eckel, an IFS Level 2 therapist, discusses attachment and IFS therapy. Topics include changing attachment patterns, repair in therapy, intersections between attachment theory and IFS, the role of Self in healing, differences between anxious and avoidant attachment styles, and how attachment relates to parts.
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insights INSIGHT
Multiplicity of Attachment Styles
Attachment styles can vary by relationship and context within one person.
Parts within a person can have different attachment styles simultaneously.
insights INSIGHT
Self as Primary Caretaker
Self is positioned as the primary caretaker in IFS therapy.
This helps avoid therapist countertransference and supports healing attachment wounds.
insights INSIGHT
Context Shapes Attachment and IFS
Attachment theory arose in specific historical and cultural contexts.
IFS emerged in a more individualistic era, influencing its perspective on caretaking and self.
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On today's episode I chat with David Eckel, an accredited mental health social worker and IFS Level 2 therapist in Australia. He is currently completing his Ph.D. focused on Internal Family Systems Therapy and Adult Attachment. As part of his Ph.D. thesis, he conducted qualitative research asking the question: “How might Internal Family Systems Therapy conceptualise and treat adults with attachment avoidance and attachment anxiety?” He shares some of his findings and insights.
In this episode we discuss:
The significance of attachment patterns and how they can change across relationships and contexts
Attachment defintion and history of the theory
Understanding attachment patterns in repairing ruptures (repair is key)
Intersections between attachment theory and IFS
Can we call IFS an attachment-based therapy?
"The Controversy" around internal vs. external attachment
His research process
Can parts have different attachment styles?
The role of Self in healing attachment wounds
Ruptures and negotiating separation and togetherness are normal and can be modeled in therapy
Anxious attachment may involve reactivity, helplessness, and pulling others in
Avoidant attachment may involve deactivation, caretaking, and self reliance
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Tammy is grateful for Jack Reardon who created music for the podcast. Jack is a graduate of Derek Scott’s IFS Stepping Stones Program. You can follow Jack at bonzemusic on Instagram
The One Inside: An Internal Family Systems (IFS) podcast