The guide focuses on fearful-avoidant attachment, a type of insecure attachment that can result from childhood trauma. In the guide, Mission Connection covers the causes, symptoms, and treatment options to help individuals reduce the impact of their attachment style on their relationships.

Insecure attachment styles often occur in children who are exposed to misattuned parenting, especially in less stable households. Anxious attachment develops in response to negligent or unpredictable parental figures and is characterized by low self-esteem, the need for constant reassurance, a strong fear of abandonment, and rejection sensitivity. Avoidant attachment develops when a child believes their parents or guardians have rejected their emotional needs, leading them to avoid expressing emotions or seeking support. The fearful-avoidant attachment style, also known as disorganized attachment, shares traits from the aforementioned types, but the cause differs, usually arising when the child’s caregiver is a source of both safety and fear.

As Mission Connection’s guide explains, when a parent or guardian expresses excessive anger, fails to comfort the child in times of distress, or acts withdrawn, the child may develop opposing needs: the need to flee the caregiver and the need to approach them. If left unaddressed, the conflicting needs and resulting confusion persist into adulthood, leading to mental health issues and difficulties in relationships.

In adults, disorganized attachment manifests as behaviors such as dissociation, withdrawing from intimacy, reacting aggressively when needs are threatened, and seeking reassurance after avoidance; they may also have a negative view of themselves and others, become easily overwhelmed by traumatic memories, and struggle to cope with their emotions. Because of these characteristics, Mission Connection says that individuals with disorganized attachment styles are at the greatest risk of mental disorders and may require therapy to heal.

According to the company’s guide, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help with dissociation and emotional regulation, while Trauma-Informed Therapy will be beneficial for an individual who has experienced trauma. Fearful-avoidant adults may also find couples therapy helpful, especially if they wish to maintain their relationships. However, the most suitable treatment ultimately depends on the individual; those who are uncertain about their needs are encouraged to talk to a mental health professional about their options.

More details are available at https://missionconnectionhealthcare.com/

Mission Connection

30310 Rancho Viejo Rd.
San Juan Capistrano
California
92675
United States

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