Couples counselling

Attachment Styles in Relationships: Couples Counselling in Essex

Understanding your attachment style, and your partner’s, can explain why you react the way you do, and how to change it.

Understanding

What are attachment styles?

Attachment styles are patterns of relating that develop early in life. They are often described as secure, anxious, avoidant or disorganised. They influence how we seek closeness, handle conflict and respond to distance.

Many couples find that seeing these patterns removes blame and opens the way to change.

You may recognise

  • One of you pursues while the other withdraws
  • Fear of abandonment or of being smothered
  • Hot-and-cold closeness
  • Difficulty trusting or relying on each other
  • Strong reactions to small triggers
  • Repeating old family patterns

How I help

A gentle, tailored approach

Naming the patterns

Seeing your style and your partner’s without blame.

Understanding triggers

Knowing what sets each of you off.

Building security

Creating more trust and safety together.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

Can attachment style change?

Yes. Secure relationships and understanding can shift patterns over time.

Do we both have to have the same style?

No. Differences are common and workable.

About Clare Kiernan

Why Essex Therapy

I bring over 25 years of counselling experience, a compassionate, collaborative and evidence-informed approach, and a commitment to working at your pace. I am a BACP accredited counsellor and qualified clinical supervisor.

Read more about me

Part of: Couples counselling

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