In today’s episode of the Being Well Podcast, Forrest and Dr. Rick focus on one of the most common, and most important, questions they get about attachment theory: can we heal our attachment wounds, and become more securely attached?
They explore the basics of attachment theory, whether people can change their attachment style, and how much change is truly possible. They then discuss some common frameworks for change, the power of positive experiences, and how we can break out of the “catch-22” of attachment wounds. The episode ends with practical advice for what an anxiously or avoidantly attached person could do to become more securely attached over time.
Key Topics:
- 0:00: Introduction
- 1:55: An overview of how attachment develops
- 7:40: Four components involved in changing your attachment style
- 10:50: The difference between our tendencies and our behavior
- 12:40: The four stages of growth, and developing “conscious competency”
- 17:35: Recognizing the ways you’re included, seen, appreciated, liked, and loved
- 25:00: The role of individual effort, and the real driver of motivation
- 29:10: What helps anxious people become more securely attached
- 41:35: And what helps avoidant people
- 49:55: How to ground ourselves when people are unreliable
- 55:25: Recap