ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a brief introduction to the work of Heard and Lake known as the theory of attachment-based exploratory interest sharing (TABEIS) and the practice developed therefrom by Una McCluskey: a model for exploring the dynamics of attachment in adult life. Heard and Lake built on Bowlby’s work by adding a further five systems to Bowlby’s original two, careseeking and caregiving. They considered that these seven systems work together as a single process whose function it is to restore well-being when a person feels threatened, has been in danger or is traumatized. They called this the Restorative Process. This chapter gives the reader an overview of the theoretical background we are using to explore the concept of transference and countertransference from an attachment perspective. We outline in simple terms the nature of the seven systems constituting the Restorative Process and how they work together to maintain a particular level of well-being for the person.
