Have you ever found yourself texting your partner repeatedly, withdrawing to get their attention, or starting arguments over small issues? These are protest behaviors—your nervous system’s way of saying, I need to feel safe and connected.

In this episode, we dive deep into:

🔹 What protest behaviors are and why they happen

🔹 How childhood attachment wounds shape these reactions

🔹 The impact of protest behaviors on adult relationships

🔹 How Internal Family Systems (IFS) can help you heal these patterns

IFS teaches us that these behaviors stem from protective parts of us—exiles carrying deep fears of abandonment, and managers trying to keep us safe. Instead of criticizing yourself, you can learn to approach these parts with awareness, curiosity, and compassion.

💡 Want to go deeper?

📖 Heal Your Anxious Attachment—my book includes over 20 meditations and practical tools to support your healing. Available at all major book retailers.

🎧 IFS Deep Dive—Listen to episodes 5-13 of this podcast, especially episode 5, to understand IFS more deeply.

📲 More resources in the “ATTACHMENT” highlight on my Instagram.

If this episode resonated with you, please leave a 5-star review—it really helps!

🌿 Healing takes time, and every step you take matters. Love, Jen 💛

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