I too, have wondered why attachment theory was a part of the ETT level I training.
Indeed, reading about it in Dr. Vazquez’ book, and the notes from the workshop, have been very helpful to me. I now understand ‘attachment’ theory way better than I have ever done before. Attachment, not only with myself, but also with others.
I think it is true that knowing attachment theory – in the way he describes it – would be helpful in giving ways to be with and respond to a person we’re working with. (That is, if I understand correctly, “If I identify the attachment style of the person I am working with; then I can consciously adapt my responses to that”, and that is therapeutic.) While, it is true that being able to do that would be helpful, that would also be true for any therapy and is not unique to ETT.
In thinking about it further, I have come the the idea – based solely on conjecture – that the reason ‘attachment’ theory is critical to ETT is because with eyes and color we are working at a level of the brain in which attachment is formed. Basically, when we invite the re-creation of a highly charged emotional scene or experience, we are inviting the person to re-experience a time of intense ‘detachment’ , that is, a time when the attachment bond was broken severely (aka trauma).
ETT is allowing the opportunity to re-create the attachment (plasticity of the brain) when thinking about the trauma. In other words, the brain is able to think about the trauma experience without breaking the ‘attachment’ bond with the Self. In this way, we’re inviting the brain to reorganize itself around ‘secure’ attachment.
The therapist, stays securely attached during the process, and in this way offers a crucible for change.
This quote from Dr. Vazquez, “When emotions are well regulated, almost all significant psychological symptoms become more easily relieved.”
Basically, we are working ‘prior’ to what I call “The Story”, what nondualists’ call “The Dream” and regular people call “life.” For example, I’m not trying to have the people I work with “have a better story or dream”. I am trusting that when their “emotions are well regulated” (that is, when they are able to remain ‘securely attached’ in all of life’s experiences), then better dreams and stories will happen. And if/when ‘bad’ stories and dreams do happen – which is inevitable, if you think about it – they will be able to emotionally tolerate them and stay securely attached, wthin themselves, their family and in relationships. And, its true for ourselves, as well. Shit happens…
This could also be considered an example of what Buddhist’s call ‘acceptance.’ No matter what appears, we are able to stay ‘securely attached’ within ourselves, and to the thoughts, feelings, body sensations, and emotions of whatever arises. And, with ETT, as facilitators, we are able to facilitate that process.