“…Hence, "a therapist can serve as a safe haven and a secure base from which clients can explore and reflect on painful memories and experiences." (Mikulincer, Shaver, & Berant, 2013, p.607) The development of a secure therapeutic relationship, therefore, may provide an otherwise insecurely attached individual with a safe place from which to explore and challenge maladaptive relational schemas and behavioural responses (Baker & Beech, 2004;Lyon, Gelso, Fischer, & Silva, 2007;Stirpe et al, 2006). In this regard, Smallbone and McHugh (2010) demonstrated in a sample of incarcerated adult male sex offenders a significant increase in secure attachment, and a decrease in fearful-avoidant attachment from pre to post-treatment, although no differences were found for preoccupied-anxious or dismissive-avoidant attached individuals.…”