Reflective Functioning: The Key to Attachment with Dr. Howard Steele

This podcast episode explores the concept of reflective functioning and its significance in understanding human behavior, improving therapy outcomes, and fostering secure attachment in children. Reflective functioning involves monitoring and understanding one's own thoughts and motives, as well as those of others. It plays a crucial role in various treatment modalities, such as transference-focused therapy and dialectical behavior therapy, and is associated with better outcomes in therapy. The episode discusses the measurement and indicators of reflective functioning, the importance of addressing personal history and attachment in therapy, and the impact of reflective functioning on emotional expression and relationships. Overall, the conversation highlights the value of reflective functioning in personal growth, therapy, and building resilience against adversity.