Editorial

As the Acting Editor, I wish to extend a very heartfelt thank you to Joseph Schwartz, who has been the Editor of Attachment since we began in 2006 and whose term of office has come to an end. The idea for publishing the journal came from Joe. His leadership of the editorial team brought an energy and vision to our work, with our aim being to influence both the field of psychotherapy and psychoanalysis as well as the social and political context in which we are working. As Joe would say, ‘Well, attachment is just a better theory’, as it illuminates such a wide range of our complex experience as people.

We will be continuing the pioneering work he began by ensuring that the Attachment journal publishes the narratives of those who are traditionally excluded from psychoanalysis as well as the narratives of those who work at the leading edge of clinical work.

Another passion of Joe's was the encouragement he gave to new and less experienced writers. This, too, we will be fostering, to bring you new voices from a younger generation of writers.

In his first editorial, Joe said;

Attachment is now in the air as the framework of choice informing the treatment of mental pain. This journal is dedicated to its further clinical development. We invite all colleagues who share our values to contribute to the continuing development of a humane, effective treatment of mental distress. (Schwartz, 2007, p. xi)

We hope that in this and forthcoming issues you will find the contributions honouring all that Joseph has contributed over the years, and we will ensure that the journal will continue in the spirit and challenge of his originating leadership. Our publication will continue to embody the values and vision of The Bowlby Centre as we seek to extend our commitment to bringing long-term, attachment-based psychotherapy to all, including those who have been marginalized.