Parenting styles and therapeutic approaches can have a significant impact on a child's development and overall well-being. However, one specific practice, known as holding therapy, has garnered significant attention and controversy. This method involves physical closeness and constant eye contact, typically initiated by either a parent or therapist to "reactivate" rage and promote a bonding process. But is holding therapy beneficial, or could its heavy handedness be more harmful than beneficial?
Background and Origin of Holding Therapy
Holding therapy has its roots in the 1970s, when Robert Zaslow and his team at the Attachment Center in Evergreen, Colo., introduced their "Z-process," which attempted to treat autism by forcing attachment in patients through a process that produced rage and tension. Over time, techniques like 'holding time' and 'rage-reduction therapy' became popular. In the 1990s, the attachment Center in Evergreen, also known as the Evergreen model, promoted the use of these techniques with adopted, maltreated children. Since then, various other attachment therapists have continued to promote holding therapy, citing its effectiveness in building bonds and alleviating attachment issues.
How Holding Therapy Works
Holding therapy is typically practiced through a series of stages. Initially, the parent or therapist positions themselves close enough to initiate eye contact, and then holds the child tightly, often ensuring it does not release. Over time, the child may stop its resistance on its own. It is claimed that at this stage, a strong bond develops between the parent and child, leading to enhanced attachment. Proponents believe this therapy can lead to better relationships and social development, as it can act as a 'patience contest' where the parent remains tense while the child becomes more exhausted and quieter. The belief is that the parent-child bonds can only be improved by forcing a new emotional connection.
Controversy and Evidence
Despite its popularity, numerous studies have called into question the effectiveness and safety of holding therapy. Some studies have suggested that while it may lead to short-term calming, it actually exacerbates long-term behavioral issues and may even increase attachment anxiety. One study by Evergreen Consultant and Professor of Psychology Jean Mercer found that 'holding therapy has never been shown to be safe and effective by independently-conducted systematic research designed to show results objectively.' Another study, published in 2006, highlighted the lack of scientific evidence to support the claims made by attachment therapists. Additionally, numerous child fatalities have been linked to improper holding practices, prompting calls for stricter regulations and ethical oversight of such therapies.