Table of Contents
The theory of attachment focuses on relationships between people. These can include relationships with our parents, romantic partners, friendships, and even coworkers. Attachments are usually shaped by the bond between a child and their caregiver during early development.
The need for children to create bonds with parents often influences their attachment throughout the rest of their lives. Teens who struggle with trauma in childhood may see the effects of attachment issues come to the surface during adolescence, impacting their relationships, mental health, and daily functioning.
Read on to understand the relationship between trauma and attachment, how it affects teens, and therapies that exist to support treating these underlying issues to aid in mental health recovery.
Understanding Attachment Trauma in Teens
Developing a secure attachment is essential for positive teen mental health. The impact of early attachment trauma can influence several areas of one’s life, wreaking havoc on their developing mental state, patterns of behavior, relationships with others, and even their physical health.
Teens who experience attachment trauma are at an increased risk of several mental health disorders, including:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Mood Disorders (eg. bipolar)
- PTSD & Complex PTSD
- Borderline Personality Disorder
- Dissociative Identity Disorder
- Substance Abuse
What is Attachment Trauma?
Attachment trauma often happens in the early developmental years, when the attachment bond between a child and their caregiver or a loved one is disrupted. This can lead to disorganized attachment instead of a secure attachment, which is the foundation for healthy emotional development and relationships.
This theory was first proposed by John Bowlby, a British psychologist who described attachment as a “lasting psychological connectedness between human beings.” It’s believed to be a protective mechanism and an innate way to survive, adapt, and evolve. Bowlby explored the early bonds formed in children with their caregivers and the impact they can have on the rest of one’s life, especially their role in relationships and mental health.
What Causes Attachment Trauma?
Research has shown that securely attached kids become more resilient and successful adults. Teens with insecure attachment may struggle to get along with others, form connections, manage relationships, communicate effectively, and have difficulty with trust.
Some experiences that can lead to attachment trauma include:
- Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse
- Neglect
- Fear of a caregiver
- Death of a caregiver or parent in childhood
- Living in a home with domestic violence
Signs of Attachment Trauma in Teens
Attachment issues are an ongoing problem that can follow teens into adulthood. It can be challenging to recognize, and many people do not realize they have attachment problems.
Some of the signs of attachment trauma in teens include:
- Low self-esteem
- Trust issues
- Difficulty expressing emotions
- Struggle to show affection
- Hyperindependence or codependence
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
- Lack of sense of belonging or purpose
- Inability to form meaningful connections
- Dissociation
Helping Teens Heal from Attachment Trauma
Treating attachment trauma means diving deep into the root of one’s experiences and relationships, especially in early development. Rather than just managing symptoms, trauma-informed therapies focus on processing the experience that led to the trauma and working through emotions related to it (e.g., fear, insecurity, anger, abandonment, etc).
| Trauma-Informed CBT | Strong foundation of trust is built between the client and CBT therapist. Uses principles of attachment to break underlying thought patterns, build positive coping skills, and set goals for long-term success. |
| DBT | Build awareness around behavior and emotions. Helps clients develop tools for mindfulness, resilience, distress tolerance, and emotional regulation. |
| EMDR | Originally designed to treat trauma, this focuses on processing deep memories and experiences of trauma that can disrupt attachment. |
| Somatic Therapies | Focus on strengthening the connection between the body and the mind, allows teens to explore their physical reactions to trauma & stress. May include breathing exercises, dance or movement, vocal work, and guided meditation. |
| Art & Music Therapy | These can help teens process heavy feelings and express their emotions related to trauma. They are especially beneficial for teens who struggle to communicate what they are feeling. |
| Animal-Assisted Therapies | This is a helpful way for people with attachment issues to build trust and bonds. Research shows animal-assisted therapies can also help reduce stress, anxiety and improve overall mental well-being. |
Treating Attachment Trauma in Teens
Due to the complexity of trauma and the severity of its consequences, early intervention and proper treatment from trauma-informed mental health professionals is essential.
At Clearfork Academy, our team of trauma-informed psychologists, psychiatrists, and licensed counselors understand the complex nature of diagnosing and treating symptoms of trauma in teens. Contact our Admissions team to see how we can support your teen.
Sources
John Bowlby’s Attachment Theory. Simply Psychology.
Animal-assisted intervention: A systematic review of benefits and risks. National Institute of Mental Health.
Impact of attachment, temperament, and parenting on human development. National Library of Medicine.
Originally from the Saginaw, Eagle Mountain area, Austin Davis earned a Bachelor of Science in Pastoral Ministry from Lee University in Cleveland, TN and a Master of Arts in Counseling from The Church of God Theological Seminary. He then went on to become a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor in the State of Texas.
Austin’s professional history includes both local church ministry and clinical counseling. At a young age, he began serving youth at the local church in various capacities which led to clinical training and education. Austin gained a vast knowledge of mental health disorders while working in state and public mental health hospitals. This is where he was exposed to almost every type of diagnosis and carries this experience into the daily treatment.
Austin’s longtime passion is Clearfork Academy, a christ-centered residential facility focused on mental health and substance abuse. He finds joy and fulfillment working with “difficult” clients that challenge his heart and clinical skill set. It is his hope and desire that each resident that passes through Clearfork Academy will be one step closer to their created design.
Austin’s greatest pleasures in life are being a husband to his wife, and a father to his growing children. He serves at his local church by playing guitar, speaking and helping with tech arts. Austin also enjoys being physically active, reading, woodworking, and music.
