Our early experiences with primary caregivers can profoundly affect our relationships later in life — often in ways that are deeply unconscious — and it takes conscious work to change our patterns and facilitate healing. Psychotherapist, Jessica Baum, joins us today to guide us through the different attachment styles and unpack how our early experiences shape adult connections. Tuning in, you'll learn about the differences between anxious and avoidant attachment styles, why these types tend to be drawn to one another, and how you can support your partner if they are either of these types. We discuss what secure attachment looks like, the benefits of it, and why it's essential to have a sense of safety in your relationships. Our conversation also unpacks the importance of setting boundaries, the healing practices in Jessica's book Anxiously Attached, and how parents can support secure attachment in their children. Tune in to learn all about relational patterns and how to embark on a journey toward healthier, more fulfilling relationships!

Key Points From This Episode:

• What led Jessica to the field of psychotherapy.
• How she came to specialize in co-dependency.
• Imago therapy: how it helps us heal original wounds through our relationships.
• What secure attachment looks like.
• Anxious attachment and the signs that you might have this attachment style.
• Steps you can take to start healing from anxious attachment.
• Healing practices in Jessica's book, Anxiously Attached.
• Understanding how memories and original wounds are stored in the body.
• The importance of setting boundaries for healing to take place.
• Why setting boundaries requires support.
• Parenting styles that prevent anxious attachment in children.
• How parents can support a secure attachment in their child.
• Assessing what level of anxiety is normal (especially in our current society).
• The definition of avoidant attachment.
• Why anxious and avoidant individuals tend to be drawn to one another.
• How social media and dating apps could be contributing to anxious attachment.
• What you can do to support an anxious or avoidant partner.

Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:

Jessica Baum — https://jessicabaumlmhc.com/

Jessica Baum on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-baum-lmhc-cap-038a1538/

Jessica Baum on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/jessicabaumlmhc/

Be Self-Full — https://www.beselffull.com/

Relationship Institute of Palm Beach — https://www.relationshipspb.com/ Anxiously Attached — https://www.amazon.com/Anxiously-Attached-Becoming-More-Secure/dp/0593331060

Imago Relationship Therapy — https://harvilleandhelen.com/initiatives/what-is-imago/

Bad Girls Bible Newsletter — https://badgirlsbible.com/newsletter