Dr Ana Lund PhD., BA., MBACP

Dr Ana Lund, PhD., BA., MBACP

How Relational Neuroscience Rethinks Attachment: Application in Psychotherapy

Human attachment is our primary social survival strategy, and over the past twenty years, neuroscience has provided a wealth of insight into its neural and biological underpinnings. This research has culminated in what is now known as the social neuroscience of attachment. Today, we understand that our attachment patterns leave a lasting imprint on our neural networks, patterns of neural activation, reward system, physiology, and even epigenetics. But can these discoveries inform our work in therapy? And can they make us more effective therapists when working with attachment? 

After revisiting the core principles of attachment theory - updated with the latest research - Ana will explore these questions by introducing the Relational Neuroscience for Attachment-informed Therapy (ReNAT) framework. Co-developed with Dr. Pascal Vrticka, a leading social neuroscientist of attachment, ReNAT integrates insights from the latest social and relational neuroscience. It draws on findings from observation, brain imaging, neurophysiology, bio-behavioral synchrony, genetics and epigenetics to inform psychotherapy interventions and tailor treatment plans specific to each attachment style. 

In this talk, a key focus will be the role of bio-behavioral synchrony in the attachment system, particularly through what we call the “Sandman Effect”. Ana will discuss the therapeutic implications of these findings and how they can be applied to create neuroscience-informed interventions in the therapy room. Along the way, she will also bust several attachment and neuro-myths.

Meet Dr Ana Lund

Ana is an integrative psychotherapist with a foundation in Transactional Analysis and a member of BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy). Ana holds a PhD in science and has spent a number of years working in a science lab.

Ana is passionate about bridging the gap between neuroscience and psychotherapy and finding ways to do this well. She is always thinking about the ways to leverage the latest neuroscience insight into an effective practice of psychotherapy for helping clients lead happier and more fulfilling lives.

Ana enjoys connecting with fellow therapists through informal discussions, workshops, constructive debates on social media, and her blog. She also spends lots of time trying to learn and understand the relevant neuroscience and connect the two worlds together.

Ana is currently co-writing two books on neuroscience and psychotherapy. One book is a brain guide for therapists and the second book is on neuroscience of attachment (to come out in 2026 and 2027, respectively). Ana is also an avid meditator and uses mindful meditation as a primary source for self-care.

You can find Ana's blog Neuroscience & Psychotherapy on substack https://substack.com/@neuroscienceandpsy, including the many thought provoking (and passionate) discussions about some fundamental questions from this field.

Visit Ana's website - www.neuroscienceandpsychotherapy.com