CC12 Topical Panel 02 - Bringing Attachment and Neuroscience into Couples Therapy: Benefits, Challenges, and Pitfalls - Rick Hanson, PhD; Harville Hendrix, PhD; Stan Tatkin, PsyD; Scott Woolley, PhD

Description:

Educational Objectives:

1. To compare and contrast clinical and philosophical perspectives of experts.

*Sessions may be edited for content and to preserve confidentiality*

Outline:

Panel Introduction

• Moderator Lilian Borges Zeig introduces the panel on attachment and neuroscience in couples therapy.

• Panelists:

  • Scott Woolley (EFT trainer and co-author with Sue Johnson)

  • Harville Hendrix (co-creator of Imago therapy)

  • Rick Hanson (neuropsychologist, author of Buddha's Brain)

  • Stan Tatkin (couples therapist, UCLA associate clinical professor)

Harville Hendrix – Imago Therapy and Attachment

• Emphasizes connection as ontological reality; disconnection leads to distress.

• Attachment behaviors are protective responses to losing connection.

• The “still face” experiment illustrates how children react neurologically to rupture.

• Imago therapy addresses the loss of connection at its core.

Scott Woolley – Attachment Styles in Couples Therapy

• Secure children thrive through joyful connection.

• Describes anxious-avoidant as “turtles” and anxious as “hailstorms.”

• Couples need structured environments to regulate emotions and reestablish security.

• References Dan Siegel’s integration of brain regions to foster self-regulation.

Rick Hanson – Strengths and Limits of Attachment Theory

• Attachment theory is valuable for understanding relational and personality structure.

• Recommends the Adult Attachment Interview for deeper insights.

• Notes its limits: doesn’t fully explain romance, sexuality, or parenting.

• Encourages clinicians to learn brain science and pharmacology but avoid overreliance.

Stan Tatkin – Practical Neuroscience for Therapists

• Emphasizes motivation and therapist presence as central to effective therapy.

• Therapy should generate reward experiences, not just focus on pain or correction.

• Therapist attunement is key to fostering regulation and connection in sessions.

Durability and Cultural Sensitivity of Attachment Theory

• Attachment theory is enduring because it promotes useful, integrative change.

• Theories must evolve and be culturally responsive.

• Neuroscience enhances understanding but should be integrated thoughtfully.

Audience Reflections and Final Panel Notes

• Acknowledgement of attachment as a primal, even spiritual, force.

• Panelists highlight the importance of therapist self-regulation and presence.

• Agreement on compassion, attunement, and emotional coherence as core tools in therapy.