Do you have a professional reading bucket list? I had an intention to familiarize myself with the attachment theory for a long time. I picked out the books to read and kept telling myself that I’m going to read them when life gets a little bit less hectic. Well, maybe that’s part of being an adult that life does not get less stressful. There is always something to do in the personal and professional realm. There is hardly enough time for self-care, much less finding time for such a big project.
Yet, I found time to listen to audiobooks while walking the dogs in the morning. It is a ritual to walk them for an hour before work while listening to audiobooks. It makes the time fly! Typically, I listen to history books and get completely lost in the time period I’m learning. This year, I have realized that it's been a while since I’ve learned something new professionally beyond a surface level. I’ve realized it's time to challenge myself and expand my horizons.
Frankly, I cannot believe I put off learning about attachment all these years. It has opened up and sharpened my eyes to see things that have been illusory in the past. Being intentional about figuring out my client's attachment style led to numerous productive conversations. To some, I even recommend the book Attached by Amir Levine, MD, and Rachel Heller. Clients rave about it. To my fellow colleagues, I highly recommend Attachment in Psychotherapy by David J. Wallin, PhD. If you are, like me, a group practitioner, be sure to read Attachment in Group Psychotherapy by Cheri Marmarosh, PhD. All three books are a fantastic introduction to, what I believe, is a must-known theory that will enrich your personal and professional life.