This paper uses attachment theory to reflect retrospectively on the breakdown in a supervisory relationship. The paper looks particularly at the relevance of the theory to managing anxiety in the supervisory relationship and the importance of this for optimising learning. The focus is on the dismissing pattern of attachment and the challenge of working with avoidant defences and of responding to a disguised care-seeking pattern. The role of the supervisor's own attachment pattern is also considered and the article ends by linking the attachment perspective to the intersubjective view.