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ATTACHMENT ISSUES

Our earliest relationships shape the way we connect, trust, and experience ourselves in the world. Attachment theory, grounded in decades of interdisciplinary research in psychology, neuroscience, and medicine, shows us that the bond between infant and caregiver is more than emotional—it forms the foundation of the human psyche and the architecture of our relational life.

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Difficulties in adult relationships—whether romantic, familial, or professional—often stem from early attachment disruptions. These can lead to patterns of avoidance, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, fear of intimacy, or a persistent sense of not being safe with others or oneself.

Drawing on the groundbreaking work of John Bowlby, Mary Ainsworth, Peter Fonagy, Allan Schore, and others, our approach integrates the latest advances in developmental neuroscience and affect regulation. We use this understanding not just theoretically, but practically—tailoring interventions to work with the biological and psychological systems that govern attachment and emotional security.

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Through an attachment-informed lens, we help clients explore how their early experiences—particularly within the mother-infant (or primary caregiver) dyad—shaped their internal models of self and others. This perspective offers powerful insight into:

  • Repetitive patterns in relationships

  • Fear of abandonment or engulfment

  • Difficulty trusting, depending on, or being close to others

  • The push-pull dynamic in intimacy

  • Self-worth rooted in external validation

 

By making these patterns conscious and addressing them at their roots, therapy becomes not just about managing symptoms, but about rebuilding the capacity for authentic connection, emotional safety, and secure attachment—within oneself and with others.

THERAPY FOR COUPLES AND FAMILIES

Relationships are where we experience our deepest connection—and sometimes our deepest pain. We work with couples and families to restore healthy communication, strengthen emotional bonds, and shift dysfunctional patterns that create distress in relational life.

Whether the issues stem from long-standing tension or more recent challenges, our goal is to help partners rebuild a sense of trust, respect, and empathy—while cultivating tools to navigate conflict with greater understanding and resilience.

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Common Sources of Relationship Distress Include:

  • Poor communication or emotional shutdown

  • Incompatibility or misaligned values

  • Lack of empathy or constant blame

  • Parenting conflicts or role dissonance

  • Personality disorders or emotional dysregulation

  • Emotional or verbal abuse

  • Domestic violence

  • Alcoholism or substance misuse

  • Depression, anxiety, or chronic stress

  • Mental illness affecting one or both partners

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Our Approach

Every couple develops unique dynamics, shaped by personal histories, attachment patterns, and environmental stressors. Sometimes the relationship becomes a container for unresolved individual struggles—such as trauma, grief, or mental health challenges. We address both the relationship and the individuals within it, working to uncover the root of the disconnection and create a path toward mutual healing.

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We help couples:

  • Improve emotional attunement and communication

  • Reduce blame and increase accountability

  • Strengthen intimacy, safety, and connection

  • Identify and replace unhealthy interaction cycles

  • Develop rituals, routines, and practices that enhance relational resilience

In many cases, individual challenges such as depression, anxiety, or trauma are both causes and consequences of relationship distress. Research shows that couples therapy can be an effective intervention not only for improving the quality of the relationship, but also for reducing individual symptoms and improving overall well-being—especially for children in the family system, who benefit from healthier dynamics at home.

When needed, we may work with each partner individually to help them process their own emotional blocks and develop insight—without the pressure or defensiveness that confrontation within the couple dynamic can elicit. This approach helps each person grow and return to the relationship more present, grounded, and open.

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Therapeutic Modalities We Draw From

Our couples and family therapy services integrate multiple evidence-based and experiential approaches, including:

  • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

  • Gestalt Therapy for Couples

  • Imago Relationship Therapy

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)

  • Gottman Method Couples Therapy

We tailor our interventions to your relationship’s unique needs, goals, and history. Whether you're navigating conflict, disconnection, or a major life transition, we’re here to help you move toward greater connection, stability, and mutual understanding.

Couple Holding Hands
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