As humans, we are built for connection. Researchers have found that the quality of our relationships directly impacts our overall quality of life!
Attachment is our style of forming and maintaining a bond in a relationship. If you are most often described as “clingy”, emotional, or “too much” because you have a low tolerance for conflict, you might have an anxious attachment style. Folks with anxious attachment have a deep fear of being abandoned and rejected. You might cope by becoming the “fixer” or self-sacrificial partner who gives without receiving. You might even believe that you must prove your worth to your partner, friends, or family because you have a deep-seated belief that you are unworthy.
If you are most often described as aloof, commitment-phobic, and cold, you might have a dismissive attachment style. Folks with dismissive attachment have the same fear of being abandoned and rejected, but they cope by pushing others away before risking rejection. You might believe that it’s too dangerous to depend on a loved one because, in your experience, vulnerability inevitably leads to pain.
We all desire securely attached relationships where we are celebrated, supported, and safe to be ourselves. We want to cultivate relationships where it is okay to disagree.
In our sessions, we will take inventory of your significant platonic and romantic relationships to identify your attachment style. Once you’re aware of your attachment style, we can start to discern which behaviors foster secure attachment and which behaviors impede secure attachment. We will also explore fear of abandonment and rejection.
If you are dissatisfied with the state of your relationships and want to try something new, I would love to hear from you.
For more information about attachment styles, please see:
