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Attachment Theory
Attachment theory is really the root of most of our relationship problems. Increasing awareness about your attachment style and the attachment styles of others will help you make wiser relationship and friendship decisions.
If you are ready to explore this further, I would love to help you along your journey. I've walked this journey as well, and I can help you through the process of healing insecure attachments so you can enjoy fulfilling relationships with others.
What is attachment theory?
According to the psychoanalyst John Bowlby, our early childhood and particularly infancy influence our attachment style. How your primary caregiver met your needs as a baby and toddler formed a pattern regarding how you attach to others. This shows up most prominently later in life in romantic partnerships.
What are the attachment types?
Attachment types refer to the different ways people relate to others based on their early experiences with caregivers. There are four main types: secure attachment, where individuals feel comfortable with intimacy and autonomy; avoidant attachment, where individuals often avoid closeness and rely heavily on themselves; anxious attachment, where individuals crave closeness but are often preoccupied with fears of abandonment; and disorganized attachment, where individuals display inconsistent behaviors, often stemming from traumatic or chaotic early relationships. These attachment styles influence how people interact in relationships throughout their lives.
How is it treated?
Treating attachment issues as an adult often involves a mix of approaches. It starts with building a strong, trusting relationship in therapy, which can help model healthier ways to connect with others. We might explore your attachment style and how it affects your relationships, using therapies designed to address these patterns. If past trauma is a factor, we’ll work through those experiences, often with techniques like EMDR. We’ll also focus on strategies for managing intense emotions and improving your social skills. Building self-compassion and self-esteem is key, and sometimes group therapy can provide additional support and practice. The goal is to help you develop more secure and fulfilling relationships.