Video Blog: Avoidant Attachment Adaptation and How We Work with Them in DARe Trainings
DARe stands for Dynamic Attachment Re-patterning experience, which is a series of four module-style trainings that address Attachment as it affects our lives and the lives of our clients. These trainings are available live, on DVD, and soon to be offered online. DARe is designed to help us understand and heal our [...]
Working with Implicit and Explicit Memory to Heal Trauma and Attachment
We are honored to welcome Bruce Ecker, MA LMFT, of the Coherence Psychology Institute as one of our upcoming expert speakers for the Therapy Mastermind Circle. Neural Circuits and Memory Reconsolidation Typically, the cause of symptoms of trauma lies within the emotional learnings of the implicit memory. Implicit Memory – No awareness or language regarding the memory exists. Explicit Memory [...]
Resolving Threat to Restore the Capacity to Connect
Humans, like all species, are designed for survival. Our neurological response to threat focuses its efforts toward that purpose. When we sense danger, we require no conscious input into the activation of our sympathetic nervous system. You can’t take time to evaluate the situation when a hungry mountain lion plunges into your path. Quick response is key. How We Perceive [...]
Lifelong Neuroplasticity to Engender and Enhance Connection
Identifying habitual patterns and individual Attachment styles presents an opportunity to take action in your own life or in your approach with couples therapy clients who struggle with shame, past trauma, or Attachment adaptations that inhibit connection and satisfaction in their relationships. Change Your Life by Changing Your Brain Our brains can change. Our brains are resilient, trainable, and reorganize [...]
Caring for a Highly Sensitive Person
While HSP, or the Highly Sensitive Person, is not a designation in the DSM, it is gaining recognition as a trait that may affect up to 20 percent of the population. Sometimes HSPs acquire titles like being shy or introverted, but they often vacillate between intense social interaction and counteracting with time to decompress. As each person has unique personality [...]
Valentine’s Day Video – Deepening Intimacy
Happy Valentine's Day! You can celebrate deepening intimacy and connection with your partner, children, colleagues, and friends on a deep level and learn how to sustain those important relationships in your life. Norman Doidge, MD, says the brain loves novelty and that this novelty is part of keeping romance and interest alive. I hope you find this video useful and [...]
Calling All Therapists, Lovers, and Connection Seekers
Diane Poole Heller and three world-class couples therapists join together this spring to deliver the life-enriching information about the link between Attachment and neuroscience in our 4th Annual DARe to Connect Conference. This year, our subject is “THRIVE! Trauma, Attachment, and Neuroscience.” Diane Poole Heller, PhD Stan Tatkin, PsyD, MFT Terry Real, LICSW Pat Love, EdD, LMFT, LPC Our experts [...]
2017 New Year Message – Creating Happiness
Rather than making the same short-lived resolutions in 2017, let's focus on what we all really want: greater happiness! Benjamin Franklin, at age twenty, came up with a plan to improve himself by practicing 13 virtues and gave himself a score at the end of the day to hold himself accountable. They say it takes 11 weeks (77 days) to [...]
Securing Holiday Joy – Happy Holidays 2016!
Happy holidays! Though this is a season of festivities for many, it can also be a stressful time that invites unwelcome triggers to your table. For the upcoming holidays, let’s focus on transformation and welcoming the joy of Secure Attachment to our celebration. You may find the challenges and practices below useful. Attachment Style – Avoidant Challenges during this time [...]
Gratitude’s Role in Secure Attachment
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times to celebrate gratitude, which can benefit our lives 365 days a year. What a great time to incorporate gratitude rituals and appreciation in day-to-day life. When we can recognize and acknowledge how challenges that arise in our life are only here to help us grow…we can employ gratitude for that opportunity and use [...]