Attachment

I use a psychodynamic and trauma focused approach grounded in Attachment Theory developed by John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth in 1958. I believe our childhood relationships have a direct impact on adulthood relations. The core of amalgamation in therapy is open curiosity and synergy to cultivate a trust-based relationship. These same values can be translated into having healthy adulthood relationships.

I've worked for the past 8 years with clients on Attachment issues and how it affects their relationships. I've also done extensive therapy for my own attachment issues and taken several CEUs on attachment work.

There are many reasons why we may find ourselves in patterns of not being able to feel like we can be in the type of relationship we can thrive in at our best selves. Whether that be in a romantic, familial, professional, platonic. relationship etc. Annikki strives to work along side you to get to the core root of where this is stemming from to help you find the joy and fulfillment you are seeking.

Together, we can explore the attachment styles you've developed with your loved ones. I'll help you reflect on your past attachments and support you in cultivating a more secure and fulfilling attachment style for the future.

I have specialty training in how trauma suffered during childhood impacts ongoing attachment styles. This is my primary area of expertise.

My approach to therapy is attachment-based; it means that when appropriate, therapeutic art-making and other evidence-based methods are used to explore childhood relationship patterns with clients. The goal of this type of therapy is to identify needs that were not met during childhood, learn to re-parent yourself in present moment experiences, and create new, healthy patterns in relationship with yourself and others.

Understanding our own attachment styles and how we can change them can transform our relationships both with ourselves and the people in our lives.

As babies, we come into the world quickly forming relationships with our caregivers. Those caregivers can either be a source of safety and connection or a distant or harsh parent. As children dependent on our caregivers we begin to create safety for ourselves in any way we can. As we grow older we carry these ways of survival with us which plays out in our adult relationships. These may manifest in us as codependency, low self-esteem, and people-pleasing.

Our attachment styles develop when we are young. These patterns affect the way we relate in relationships during both easy and challenging moments. Experiential and practical exercises will help you know your own attachment style. You will find tools to support you to lean into relationships that are healthy as well as learn to ask for what you need and set appropriate boundaries. The capacity to lean into someone, to trust someone and let them trust you, is a great gift.

Stephanie has experience with Attachment in practice.

Attachment is a foundational piece of my work as a therapist. I believe deeply that each of us carries the stories of our family and its history within us. Not only that, but you carry the stories they gave to you *about* you. Most of those stories are false. In our work together, we'll dig out the stories that no longer serve you, and create space for new stories to take root. My hope is that our work will help you reclaim your connection to your body, inner wisdom, and authentic truth.

Lastly, while training in Somatic Experiencing®, I was introduced to the work of Dr. Diane Poole Heller.I have completed Modules I – IV of Dr. Heller’s Dynamic Attachment Re-patterning experience (DARe). DARe is an approach that focuses on helping individuals create more meaning, connection, and emotional intimacy in their relationships by processing early attachment wounds and identifying individual attachment styles.

With extensive expertise in attachment theory and its impact on relationships, Meghan helps clients understand and heal from insecure attachment patterns. Using evidence-based practices like Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), she empowers individuals and couples to build healthier, more secure connections. Committed to fostering a safe, supportive environment, she guides clients toward emotional well-being and stronger relationships.

Attachment based therapy helps identify how past relationships have shaped the way you feel about yourself and how you behave in relationships. If you are noticing patterns in your relationships, your attachment style may be playing a role. In attachment based therapy you will learn about your attachment style, behaviors and relationship styles that are typically associated with your attachment style, and how to make changes so you aren't stuck with you past relationship baggage!

Attachment lies at the core of everything we say and do. It's impossible to talk about good mental health without it.

Using the Attachment Theory Model, I will work with you strength any areas of need while improving greater satisfaction in relationships.

Attachment styles are the way we act and react in relationships. It is formed early in life by our first caregivers and then greatly influenced by relationships we have throughout our lives. I believe that attachment styles are as unique as fingerprint. When individuals and couples have a deeper understanding their attachment styles, communication and connection have the opportunity to grow.

I work with mentalizatiion-based treatments and the Brown?Elliot Three Pillars model of attachment disorder repair.