Diane Poole Heller is a trusted and expert voice in the world of attachment. What sets this book apart from other books on attachment is the Diane's natural voice is one of calm and compassion which takes the sensitive nature of this topic and lowers the readers defenses so they can go on a journey with her.

She explores attachment styles, how trauma damages the important connections in our lives and how we can make our way to restoration and resiliency.

Se comes from a position that we are fundamentally created to heal. I walked away from this book believing her and having learned something critical to an integrated life.

Whether you are new to attachment and learning about your attachment style or a seasoned practitioner you will glean wisdom from this book.

The publisher provided an ARC through Netgalley. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my personal opinions and thoughts

The best thing about this book is the author’s gentle, reassuring tone. I’ve read other books on attachment theory that explain the attachment styles and provide relationship advice, but this is the first book that really made me feel like there is nothing wrong with those of us who have an insecure attachment style. I love how the author often writes in first person plural point of view (“When we grow up with an avoidant adaptation” or “Those of us with an ambivalent attachment style”), creating a sense of inclusion and acceptance. It makes this subject so much easier to read about.

This book describes all four attachment styles: secure, avoidant, ambivalent, and the often-neglected disorganized style. The author explains that these styles are on a continuum and can be quite fluid, changing over time and within different contexts. She maintains that anyone can learn how to function more securely and enjoy a happy relationship. To that end, she provides tips and exercises for working on your own attachment issues as well as learning how to understand and get along better with people of different attachment styles. Importantly, she also provides some suggestions for when it may be best to move on from a relationship.

This book was easy to understand and emphasized a hopeful message that intimate connection is everyone’s birthright. I recommend this book for anyone interested in improving their relationships, or for counselors who want to help clients with attachment issues.

I was provided an unproofed ARC through NetGalley that I volunteered to review. Because I have not seen the final published version, I cannot comment on the final editing and formatting.

Attachment and positive relationships are so important for humans, which is made clear in this book.

Diane Poole Heller’s, “The Power of Attachment” is a remarkable hope-filled primer on attachment theory, trauma, and what it means to be an integrated and whole human being. Her warmth, compassion, and wisdom drips from every page of this text. Far from being too complex or heady, this text is down-to-earth and feels like you are reading a dear friend talk about something she is really passionate about. As a clinician, I highly recommend this book!