Attachment Studies: Avoidant Attachment

We have explored Secure Attachment, Anxious Attachment & today we will start our attachment theory studies by exploring: 

Avoidant attachment 

Let's start here... Dr. Marlene Moretti created the concept of an attachment coin ⁠🟡which offers us a visual reminder that our attachment is made up of two primary needs: Connection & Independence
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While anxious attachment leads people to seek out closeness and connection, avoidant attachment centers on the other side of the attachment coin, distance and independence…. because ⁠any emotional or physical closeness or connection is too distressing 😢 
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What the experience of Avoidant Attachment can be like, across the lifespan:⁠
🔹Distant/Unavailable: I am going to keep you at an arm’s length away.
🔹Fearful: If we become emotionally & physically connected, you will abandon me.   
🔹Aloof: I am going to act like I don’t even care.  ⁠
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There has been lots of research done about what’s happening with heart rate ♥️
While people with an anxious attachment style physically appear more anxious, people with an avoidant attachment pattern were found to be much more anxious, internally. ⁠⁠
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Remember:
Attachment is not about love, it is about security'.
~ Roger Solomon ⁠

Reflective prompts, for you: ⁠
✨How do you feel?⁠
✨What do you need?⁠
✨How can you support yourself in meeting your needs?⁠
✨How can others support you in meeting your needs?⁠

Soothing Strategy:
Be gentle with yourself.
Consider who you can reach out to, including a counsellor.
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Would love to hear your reflections, below!
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Attachment theory is used by our counselling team and guides the Trauma-Informed Yoga Psychology School. We take a deep dive into exploring how our experiences in relationships impact the ways we show up in the world. 
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♥️ Dr. Melissa Jay