Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) Therapy in Surrey, BC
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Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) can profoundly affect how a person experiences relationships, trust, and emotional connection—whether in childhood or later in life. At Sojourn Counselling and Neurofeedback, we provide compassionate, trauma-informed therapy for both children and adults navigating the effects of early attachment disruptions.
If you or your child struggle with trust, emotional closeness, or relationship stability, therapy can help rebuild a sense of safety and connection.
What Is Reactive Attachment Disorder?
Reactive Attachment Disorder is a trauma-related condition that develops when a child does not form a secure emotional bond with primary caregivers during early development.
This disruption in early attachment can shape how a person relates to others throughout life—impacting emotional regulation, trust, and the ability to form close relationships.
While RAD is most commonly diagnosed in children, many adults live with the long-term effects of early attachment trauma, even if they were never formally diagnosed.
Reactive Attachment Disorder in Children
Common Signs of RAD in Children
Children with Reactive Attachment Disorder may:
- Avoid or resist comfort from caregivers
- Appear emotionally withdrawn or unresponsive
- Struggle to show affection or empathy
- Have difficulty regulating emotions
- Show fear, irritability, or sadness without clear cause
- Resist closeness or nurturing interactions
These patterns are not a reflection of the child’s character—they are adaptations to early environments where safety, consistency, or emotional responsiveness were lacking.
What Causes RAD in Children?
RAD is often linked to early experiences such as:
- Neglect or inconsistent caregiving
- Institutional care (e.g., orphanages)
- Frequent caregiver changes
- Trauma or abuse
- Disruptions in early bonding
Early intervention is critical. With the right support, children can begin to form secure attachments and develop healthier emotional patterns.
Reactive Attachment Disorder in Adults
Although RAD is diagnosed in childhood, its effects often continue into adulthood—especially when early attachment wounds remain unprocessed.
Signs of Reactive Attachment Patterns in Adults
Adults impacted by early attachment trauma may:
- Struggle to trust others or feel safe in relationships
- Fear intimacy or emotional closeness
- Push others away or withdraw when vulnerable
- Experience intense anxiety in relationships
- Have difficulty identifying or expressing emotions
- Feel disconnected, numb, or “on guard”
Many adults searching for “reactive attachment disorder in adults” are really seeking answers for these relational patterns—and therapy can help make sense of them.
How Therapy Helps with Reactive Attachment Disorder
Healing from Reactive Attachment Disorder—at any age—requires more than insight. It involves creating new experiences of safety, connection, and trust.
At Sojourn Counselling and Neurofeedback, our approach is:
- Trauma-informed – understanding how early experiences shape the nervous system
- Attachment-focused – helping rebuild secure relational patterns
- Personalized – tailored to your unique history and needs
Therapies That May Help RAD
We draw from evidence-based approaches, including:
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) – to strengthen emotional bonds and attachment security
- EMDR Therapy – to process unresolved trauma
- Child-Centered Play Therapy – to support attachment in children
- Parent Support & Coaching – to help caregivers respond in ways that build trust
- Neurofeedback (NeurOptimal®) – to support nervous system regulation and resilience
These approaches help shift patterns that once served as protection but now limit connection and well-being.
Therapy for Children with RAD
When working with children, therapy often includes both the child and caregiver.
We focus on:
- Strengthening the parent-child bond
- Supporting emotional regulation
- Creating consistent, safe relational experiences
- Helping caregivers understand and respond to attachment needs
Our clinicians, including those experienced in child therapy, work closely with families to foster lasting change.
Therapy for Adults with Attachment Trauma
For adults, therapy provides a space to:
- Understand how early attachment experiences shaped current patterns
- Develop greater emotional awareness and regulation
- Build trust gradually and safely
- Experience new ways of relating within the therapeutic relationship
Over time, many clients find they can form deeper, more secure, and more fulfilling relationships.
Why Choose Sojourn Counselling and Neurofeedback
Choosing support for Reactive Attachment Disorder means finding a team that understands both trauma and relationships.
At Sojourn Counselling and Neurofeedback, we offer:
- Experienced Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCCs)
- Low-cost counselling options with supervised interns
- Specialized approaches for trauma and attachment
- Child, adult, and family therapy services
- In-person sessions in Surrey (Cloverdale) and secure online therapy across BC
Frequently Asked Questions
Can reactive attachment disorder be treated?
Yes. While RAD can have lasting effects, therapy can significantly improve emotional regulation, trust, and relationship functioning.
Is reactive attachment disorder only diagnosed in children?
Yes, RAD is a childhood diagnosis. However, adults can experience long-term effects of early attachment trauma.
How long does therapy for RAD take?
This varies depending on the individual, but attachment healing is typically a gradual, relational process.
Do parents need to be involved in child therapy?
In most cases, yes. Caregiver involvement is a key part of strengthening attachment and supporting lasting change.