Attachment refers to the bond a child forms with parents or carers. In the early years of life, a child learns whether others are available to provide comfort, support and security.

When a child feels safe, this helps them to develop trust in themselves and in others. However, sometimes this process does not go so well. For example, when there is a lot of stress, uncertainty or insecurity. In such cases, the attachment bond may not develop as securely.

Attachment issues may become apparent in childhood, but can also have an impact later in life.

Attachment issues usually arise in the first few years of life. During this period, a child is heavily dependent on parents or carers for security, support and attention.

Sometimes circumstances arise which mean a child does not receive what they need to the full extent. This can affect the bond between parent and child. For example, due to:

a lot of stress or tension within the family;
mental health problems in parents or carers;
little emotional attention or availability;
life-changing events such as a death or a divorce;
unsafe situations at home.

It is often a combination of circumstances.

Attachment issues can manifest in various ways. In children, for example, you may notice that they:

struggle with trust;
to quickly become anxious, angry or insecure;
finding it difficult to seek comfort from others;
withdrawing or, conversely, seeking close contact;
react strongly to a farewell or change.

As you get older, you may find it difficult to trust others, set boundaries or build a close relationship. Problems with self-confidence, emotions or interacting with others may also play a part.

A healthy lifestyle cannot solve attachment issues. However, healthy habits can contribute to greater balance, resilience and emotional wellbeing.

For example, you could:

Ensuring you get enough sleep;
Regular exercise;
Eating healthily and regularly;
Plan in plenty of opportunities to relax;
Pay attention to striking a good balance between exercise and recovery.

Exercise can help to reduce tension and bring a sense of calm to the body. It can also have a positive effect on mood and general well-being.

Do you find it difficult to develop or maintain these habits on your own? If so, our lifestyle coaches support you in this.

Attachment issues often arise in relationships and can also manifest in subsequent relationships. Although this is not easy to change, you can take steps to gain a better understanding of your patterns and deal with your feelings and relationships differently.

For example, you could:

Reflecting on recurring patterns in relationships;
Learning to recognise which situations evoke strong emotions;
Practising recognising and naming feelings;
Learning to express your needs and boundaries;
Exploring the expectations you have of yourself and of others;
Seek out people you trust when you need support;
Practising making contact, even when it feels daunting;
Developing kindness towards yourself and your own history;
Be open to seeking help when you notice that patterns keep recurring.

Change often takes time. By gaining a better understanding of yourself and your relationships, old patterns can gradually change.

During treatment, we work together to explore experiences that influence attachment and relationships with others. We examine how these experiences affect daily life, emotions and interactions with other people.

The treatment can help with:

dealing with feelings and stress;
trust in others;
uncertainty or fear of rejection;
patterns in relationships;
experience greater peace of mind and safety.

Our psychologists help you to better understand where certain reactions or patterns come from. Together, you practise different ways of dealing with stress, emotions and interactions with others.

When it comes to children, we often involve parents or carers in their treatment. This enables us to work together to build a safer and stronger bond.

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