Fostering Security: Spiritually Informed Attachment-Based Therapy for Infants and Caregivers

Abstract

The attachment relationship between an infant and primary caregiver is vital to the infant’s well-being. Attachment studies show that a caregiver’s ability to accurately reflect the infant’s feelings and intentions shapes the infant’s sense of security with others throughout life. However, these studies often neglect societal injustices and experiences of oppression that may also critically impact a child’s sense of security. In this chapter I will demonstrate how to integrate socially just, attachment-based interventions with spiritually based interventions. Theory and research indicate the possibility of influencing relationships with others by healing beliefs about God. Through a case example, I will demonstrate how to (1) strengthen a caregiver’s ability to reflect the infant’s experience by accessing caregiver beliefs about God and (2) validate experiences of injustice in order to better navigate oppressive systems. The goal is to foster security by increasing affect regulation, caregiver’s reflective stance, and an understanding of systemic oppression.