Placing Landy and Bowlby in dialogue: Role and distancing theories through the lens of attachment

Abstract

This article highlights the clinical implications for integrating Robert Landy’s role and distancing theories with John Bowlby’s attachment theory. Theoretical underpinnings of these approaches are presented as authors explore parallels and divergences between them. The authors provide case material illustrating the implementation of Role Theory in attachment-based interventions and the use of distancing theory in attachment-informed psychotherapy. Benefits of using the theories in a mutually informed practice are discussed in an aim to encourage integrative treatment.