ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the attachment perspective on romantic love and bonding by examining the clinical implications for several different case examples. It shows how attachment theory defines the essential problem of romantic relationship distress, paints a clear picture of a secure attachment bond. The chapter provides empirically validated guidance for a couple therapists as to what is necessary and sufficient to shape secure and lasting emotional bonds. A dramatically different picture of secure attachment is possible for these couples, had they received intervention earlier, and is achieved after they complete attachment-oriented Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). EFT reshapes ineffective patterns into secure bonds. The attachment orientations of Jonathon and Dino change through the EFT process. The cases described are illustrative of the EFT change process, shown to successfully move 70–75% of couples from distress to recovery and lead to significant improvements in approximately 90% of the couples treated.
