Enmeshment vs. Codependency in Relationships…

Two terms that sometimes come up in couples therapy sessions are "Enmeshment" and "Codependency."

While they may seem similar at first glance, these concepts carry distinct implications for the health of humans and their families…

Fearful-avoidant attachment is a complex and painful psychological pattern that affects how some humans form and maintain relationships.

Let’s discuss the nature of fearful-avoidant attachment, its origins, characteristics, and, most importantly, strategies for possibly healing or mitigating its challenges.

Let’s jump in…

A client asked me to explain the difference between dismissive-avoidant versus fearful-avoidant attachment styles…

I told her it's like choosing between a stoic rock… and a rollercoaster with commitment issues…

Avoidant Attachment is a prevalent attachment style, especially among American men.

This attachment style presents unique challenges due to its inclination towards emotional distance and reluctance to engage in intimacy.

Let’s jump in…

When those among us with Anxious Attachment sense emotional distance or feel insecure within their relationship, they may exhibit what is known as protest behavior… and that can be a real problem…

Robert A. Neimeyer is a prominent figure in grief therapy, known for his innovative ideas and approaches to helping individuals cope with loss…

Here are His Essential Grief Therapy Goals for Managing Grief and Loss…

Differentiation and attachment are critical concepts in couples therapy, each offering a distinct perspective on how relationships function and evolve.

Let's delve into each idea and its implications in the context of couples therapy, drawing on insights from prominent theorists like John Gottman, Ellyn Bader, and Sue Johnson.

Kitchen sinking refers to the tendency for individuals to bring up past grievances or unrelated issues during a conflict or disagreement, effectively diverting the conversation away from the original topic at hand.

Picture a sink filling up with dirty dishes—each dish representing a past issue or grievance—as the water level rises, the conversation becomes cluttered and muddled, making resolution increasingly elusive…

If we encourage narcissists to consider the situation from their life-partner’s point of view, are they are likely to respond in a much more considerate or sympathetic way?

Yup… Research suggests that narcissists just need a nudge…

Gimme a break…

The relationship between being alone and feeling lonely is quite complicated.

This study emphasizes that your mileage may definitely vary. Solitude does not reliably provoke loneliness.

Adults with an Avoidant Attachment Style fear rejection… and attempt to deactivate the attachment system by limiting closeness.

Avoidant humans experience an ongoing struggle between deep attachment needs… and deep attachment defenses…

My bones tell me that 2024 is going to be one hell of a ride.

And I want to be right and ready for my family, clients, friends, and colleagues in the research community, and the community of clinical practice.