Note: All names and the characters are fictitious but resemble similar interactions that real couples have. During Breakfast JORDAN (frustrated), “When my father passed away, you hugged me once and then never discussed his passing again. Every Time I brought it up, you changed the topic. You don’t care.” TAYLOR reacts (dismissive and defensive), “What […]
One Core Tenant of Secure Relationships: A Safe Haven Read More »
Embracing a peaceful coexistence is the heart of a relationship where partners are inclined to navigate challenging or distressing situations through avoidance, withdrawing from each other, physically and/or emotionally. Meet Olivia and Owen, a same-sex couple of mixed cultural backgrounds in their thirties. Olivia works as a freelance artist, while Owen is a writer known
The Avoid-Avoid Dance in Relationships: Closing the Distance Read More »
Meet Sarah and Alex – a young, multicultural couple in their late twenties who recently moved to Seattle, WA seeking new opportunities. Sarah, a software engineer, and Alex, a marketing specialist, were excited about this fresh chapter in their lives. Today, they were planning a weekend getaway to celebrate their anniversary. However, when they started
Cracking the Negative Protest-Withdraw Pattern: A Journey to Deeper Connection Read More »
Escalating conflict involves partners who tend to seek connection and validation with strategies that are challenging and confrontational, rather than vulnerable. Why do we do this? Because our attachment system adapts to use the best strategies, (we know of), to get our needs met. Early in life, we learned that vulnerability or directly asking for
Connecting Through Confrontation: Fighting to Be Heard Pattern Read More »
Emotional security is at the heart of every thriving relationship. However, it is not something that comes naturally or effortlessly. Building emotional security requires conscious effort and intentionality from both partners. When one turns to their significant other seeking comfort and support, but finds them unresponsive, feelings of loneliness, fear, hurt, or anger can emerge.
Understanding Attachment Distress: Nurturing Emotional Security in Relationships Read More »
