Resources
At the IAT Institute, we believe that knowledge and direct experience are the keys to understanding and healing attachment-related challenges. Whether you’re a mental health professional or a member of the public interested in learning more about attachment, this page offers a variety of resources to deepen your engagement with attachment theory, Integrative Attachment Therapy (IAT), and related topics.
Podcast conversations with IAT co-founders
In this episode, David discusses the ‘ideal parent figure’ method and how it can be applied to heal attachment wounds. He explores the three pillars of integrative attachment therapy, and outlines the benefits and limitations of the therapist becoming the client’s good attachment figure.
In this episode, Traill discusses with Don Murphy the impact of early childhood attachments on mental health.
In this deeply reflective episode, Traill discusses with Don Murphy how very early childhood attachment shapes mental health across the lifespan. He introduces the Integrative Attachment Therapy model, and unpacks the healing potential of imagination, relationship, and identity in trauma recovery.
In this podcast conversation, Dr. David Elliott explores the foundational principles of attachment theory and its clinical applications, emphasizing the vital role of early caregiver relationships in shaping attachment security or insecurity. He delves into the different patterns of insecure attachment, their developmental origins, and how therapeutic methods—particularly those developed in collaboration with Dan Brown—can facilitate earned security and psychological healing in adults.
In this conversation with hosts Sue Marriott LCSW, CGP. and Dr. Ann Kelley, David explores the evolution from the Three Pillars model to Integrative Attachment Therapy, discussing its foundational principles, use of imagery to reshape internal working models, and the five essential conditions for fostering attachment security.
General attachment-related awareness
An excellent general resource for anyone interested in the science and practical applications of attachment theory. The Attachment Project offers educational content and tools for professionals and the public alike, helping to bridge the gap between attachment research and practical applications in therapy and daily life.
Translating complex relational sciences and depth psychology into practical tools that help uncover your authentic self.
Programs for the public to learn about attachment
This initiative offers an innovative, immersive program – The Secure Attachment Experience – designed to help people understand and have some direct experience of secure attachment relationships. Whether you’re an individual seeking to improve your attachment security or a professional aiming to deepen your knowledge and practice, The Secure Base Lab provides for both insights and practical resources.
Partnerships and affiliates
We are proud to collaborate with various organisations and institutions that share our mission of advancing attachment-focused work and improving mental health worldwide. These partnerships help us expand the reach and benefits of Integrative Attachment Therapy and provide valuable opportunities for both professionals and the public to learn and grow.
Stay tuned for more information on upcoming partnerships and affiliate programs.
Blogs
Blog
The Three Pillars of Integrative Attachment Therapy
By Dr. David Elliott and Dr. Traill Dowie
Attachment matters significantly in adult psychotherapy because it influences emotional and psychological development. Having a therapist who both understands and more importantly possesses the skills for addressing attachment issues can
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Traditional Therapeutic Approaches for Adult Attachment Insecurity
By Dr. David Elliott and Dr. Traill Dowie
Those of us who want to promote mental health, who want to provide effective psychotherapeutic interventions to help people with insecurity to become secure (or ‘earned secure’ in the lingo
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Why Attachment Matters in Adult Psychotherapy
By Dr. David Elliott and Dr. Traill Dowie
At the IAT Institute, a common question we get asked regularly is why attachment matters to adults? While we do not believe attachment is a catch-all that explains all mental
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The Benefits of Addressing Attachment Issues
By Dr. David Elliott and Dr. Traill Dowie
Addressing attachment issues through Integrative Attachment Therapy (IAT) or other therapeutic approaches can lead to profound long-term benefits, including enhanced mental health, stronger relationships, and personal growth. One of the
View BlogJournals and scientific articles
Journal
Attachment and Human Development Journal
This leading journal publishes research on all aspects of attachment theory, including its clinical applications, and the intersection of attachment with emotional and psychological health.
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Journal of Trauma & Dissociation
This journal offers scientific articles that explore the role of attachment in trauma recovery and dissociative disorders, a key area of focus for IAT therapists.
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Ideal Parent Figure method in the treatment of complex posttraumatic stress disorder related to childhood trauma: a pilot study
This article is about a pilot study testing the Ideal Parent Figure (IPF) guided-imagery method as a brief stabilization treatment for adults with childhood-trauma–related complex PTSD, finding reduced symptoms and improved quality of life sustained at 8-month follow-up.
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Co-creating secure attachment imagery to enhance relational healing
This article is about a therapist–patient approach that uses co-created “Ideal Parent Figure” attachment imagery—within a broader three-pillars framework—to restructure insecure internal working models and support relational healing and earned secure attachment.
View ArticleWe encourage you to explore these resources to enhance your knowledge of attachment theory and Integrative Attachment Therapy. Whether you’re a professional looking to deepen your understanding and clinical skills, or someone seeking to heal attachment wounds, there’s something here for you.
