Understanding Insecure Attachment Styles

Attachment theory, originally developed by psychologist John Bowlby, explores how early relationships with caregivers shape our ability to form healthy, secure bonds throughout life. When those early attachments are disrupted—whether due to neglect, inconsistency, or emotional unavailability—individuals may develop insecure attachment styles.

Insecure attachment can manifest in a variety of ways, including:

• Anxious attachment: A fear of abandonment and a desperate need for closeness can lead to clinginess, insecurity, and constant worry about the relationship.

• Avoidant attachment: A tendency to distance oneself emotionally, resist intimacy, and value independence over connection often results from neglect or emotional unavailability during childhood.

• Disorganized attachment: This style combines elements of both anxious and avoidant behaviors, often resulting from trauma or chaotic caregiving.

These attachment styles can have a profound impact on our relationships, self-esteem, and emotional well-being. If you're struggling with the consequences of insecure attachment, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy can offer a powerful and transformative way to heal and foster secure, healthy connections.

Trauma and the Body: A Powerful Connection

We often think of trauma as something that only affects the mind, but the truth is, trauma also deeply impacts the body. Whether it’s a single traumatic event or chronic stress over time, our bodies store emotions, sensations, and memories linked to those experiences. These emotions and memories don’t just live in our minds—they are often "held" in the body, leading to tension, discomfort, and even pain.

This mind-body connection is where EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy can play a key role in healing. In this blog post, we’ll explore how trauma gets stored in the body and how EMDR can help release these emotions, bringing you closer to emotional and physical healing.

When new clients first meet with me, one of the most common reactions I get is, "I’ve never heard of EMDR." Followed by a look of skepticism, they wonder how this therapy can help them. But time and time again, I see the same transformation: their doubts fade, and they are amazed by how EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy helps them heal the very issues that brought them in.

If you're in Vancouver and considering EMDR therapy, this post will walk you through the process and explain why working with a registered psychologist can make all the difference.