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Updated: Jun 22, 2026

Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Hyperscanning Study in Psychological Counseling
Published on: January 17, 2025
Volunteer client attachment moderates the relationship between trainee therapist attachment and therapist
Vera Romano1, Jennifer I Janzen, Marilyn R Fitzpatrick
1Educational and Counseling Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. vera.romano@mail.mcgill.ca
Abstract:
This study explored the association between attachment security of therapists (alone and in interaction with clients' attachment) and therapist interventions in early sessions of short-term psychotherapy. Trainee therapists and volunteer clients (N=24) in short-term therapy completed the Experiences in Close Relationship Scale (Brennan, Clark, & Shaver, 1998) as a measure of adult romantic attachment orientations. Therapist interventions were identified and related to client and therapist attachment orientation. Results indicated that in early therapy sessions client attachment moderated the relationship between therapist attachment and therapist interventions. Specifically, avoidantly attached therapists intervened with more directive interventions when clients were high in attachment avoidance.
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