The theory of attachment focuses on how children develop through their attachments with their caregivers. In the therapeutic setting, the therapist takes on the role of the attached figure, offering a secure base for resolving issues stemming from problematic interpersonal patterns in childhood. Daniel A. Hughes, a distinguished clinician and attachment specialist, extends this traditional model by applying attachment theory to family therapy settings.

Drawing from over 20 years of clinical experience, Hughes presents a comprehensive, effective, and accessible therapeutic model that includes all family members. He describes the key principles and strategies of his family approach, highlighting the importance of developing and maintaining PACE (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, and Empathy) — the central therapeutic stance in attachment-focused family psychotherapy.

The importance of cultivating a narrative/reflexive (a/r) dialogue is examined in detail, as well as managing shame, understanding and accepting the "rupture and repair" cycle in their interactions, and exploring and resolving childhood traumas. Procedural issues are also assessed, such as integrating parents into therapeutic conversations and when and how to question them about their own attachment histories.

Attachment-Focused Family Therapy is the first book of its kind to offer therapists a complete guide to using attachment-based therapy with families. Extensive case studies, scenes, and sample dialogues demonstrate how Hughes's model unfolds in the therapy room, showing how therapists can create a bond of psychological safety and discovery with parents, who can then offer similar experiences of safety and discovery to their children.