Viewing posts in category: Attachment theory
Is it really better help?
Why Online Therapy Platforms Like BetterHelp Miss the Mark: A Psychodynamic Perspective As a psychotherapist specialising in trauma and attachment, I’ve been watching the rise of online therapy platforms like BetterHelp with growing concern. While increasing access to mental health support is crucial, these platforms often overlook the fundamental aspects of what makes therapy transformative. … read more
World Mental Health Day 2024
Mental Health Day: A Time for Reflection and Action As we mark another Mental Health Day, we must pause and consider the state of our collective well-being. Recent years have presented unprecedented challenges for Australians and humanity in general. Natural disasters are continuing, and the global pandemic’s leftover disruption still affects us. The horror of … read more
The Revealing Power of the Adult Attachment Interview
The Revealing Power of the Adult Attachment Interview As a therapist, I continue to be amazed by the insights that surface when we embark on our self-exploration journeys alongside clients. One experience that proved transformative for me was completing the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI) training and becoming a certified coder of the instrument. … read more
Celebrating Mother’s Day with a Different Perspective
Celebrating Mother’s Day with a Different Perspective Mother’s Day is a time for celebration and gratitude, but for many, it can also bring complex emotions to the surface. Not everyone has a positive relationship with their mother, and others may be dealing with the pain of loss. If you find yourself in one of these … read more
The Safe and Sound Protocol: Navigating the Path to Balance
In today’s fast-paced world, finding moments of peace is more crucial than ever. The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) offers a unique approach to achieving balance and well-being. In this blog, we’ll explore the history and practical benefits of SSP, a therapeutic auditory intervention developed by neuroscientist Dr. Stephen Porges. The Genesis of Safe and … read more
Body&Soul 10 subtle signs you may have unresolved childhood trauma
https://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/wellness/mental-health/10-subtle-signs-you-may-have-unresolved-childhood-trauma/news-story/dbdc8b8c53f8270200ea062eed49422d
Survivors of childhood trauma often grow up believing they are unworthy…The Guardian
I am very passionate about childhood and developmental trauma, so I was honoured to be asked to contribute., With love Andi https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jan/30/survivors-of-childhood-trauma-often-grow-up-believing-they-are-unworthy?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Othe
My Favorite Podcasts
The pandemic sent me on long walks alone. However, I did discover the area I live in more detail and found some hidden gems. I also found some fantastic walking partners in some podcasts. Here are the ones I absolutely love: Soul Sessions with Jodie Gale Podcast An excellent resource for women, and not just … read more
Book Review: Strange Situation, A Mother’s Journey into the Science of Attachment
Strange Situation, A mother’s journey into the science of attachment I love this book! As a researcher and clinician interested in trauma, attachment and body-mind connections, I was excited to listen to the audible version of this book. Attachment theory has become part of pop psychology and seems everywhere in popular media. I often hear … read more
Join Dr. Rick Hanson in a live, online Relationship Workshop
Hello Brave Friends, Our relationships give us most of our joys – and most of our sorrows. They can comfort and lift you, and they can stress and hurt you. As we deal with the coronavirus, it’s more important than ever to have solid, healthy, fulfilling relationships . . . and to mend and resolve … read more
5 ways psychotherapy can help to improve your life
Psychotherapy helps us to develop a positive outlook for the future. Resolving past traumas, less then nurturing experiences and attachment disruptions is the main aim of therapy. Being heard, seen and supported in emotionally sensitive way can help to connect to our positive sense of self (Meares, 2000). Learning to relate via the safe containment … read more
How secure are you? Notes on Attachment Theory
We are not born with a developed self. As babies we do not know consciously what we need and what we want, not even what we feel. We learn how to regulate our nervous system and our affect via our primary attachment relationship. Our brains get wired via emotional and sensory interactions with our primary … read more
Attachment theory
Attachment theory was first developed by Bowlby (1979), using empirical research of case studies and interviews about parents’ childhood relational histories (Bretherton, 1992). He was also influenced by etiology and psychoanalytic object relational ideas. Almost simultaneously, but independently of Bowlby, Mary Ainsworth started to develop security theory, which submitted that children must develop secure dependence … read more