Fear of abandonment or attachment
Afraid of forming attachments or being abandoned by others?
What are the symptoms?
You may suffer from attachment anxiety if you are afraid of attaching yourself to someone because you are afraid of being rejected, hurt or abandoned. This makes it both physically and psychologically difficult to enter relationships and to maintain them for a long time. If you experience separation anxiety, you are afraid of being abandoned or left alone by people you are attached to, such as parents, partners, children, family or friends.
Attachment anxiety and separation anxiety are closely related. You can suffer from both fears, but they can alternate in different relationships. Some features of separation anxiety or attachment anxiety are, for example, the fear of being abandoned or rejected, nervousness, the feeling of not being seen or heard, and the need for safety or control.
Negative emotions can reinforce the fear of attachment, and sometimes attachment anxiety can turn into separation anxiety or you can be diagnosed with a disorder. It is important to be aware of these attachment problems and, if necessary, seek help to overcome them.
Some characteristics of separation anxiety or attachment anxiety are:
| 1 | Fear of being abandoned or rejected |
| 2 | Experiencing nervousness |
| 3 | Feeling not seen or heard |
| 4 | An urge for security or control (wanting to be in control of everything or wanting to be the boss and to win) |
I would love to help you
Contact me today and find out what I can do for you.
How does attachment anxiety/separation anxiety arise and what are the consequences?
If, for example, you received little or no love in your childhood, were abused or abandoned, or were bullied or cheated on in previous relationships, then you may suffer from attachment problems. This can make it difficult to trust others, especially in a relationship where you are vulnerable. Negative emotions can reinforce the fear of attachment, and sometimes attachment anxiety can turn into separation anxiety. It is important to be aware of these attachment problems and, if necessary, seek help to overcome them.
How can I help you?
We will first work together to identify what the issues are. We will then work on understanding their cause(s) and providing insight into them. We will find out what meaning they have in your life and how you would like to see your life differently. A lot of people think that they’re born that way, but that’s wrong. No one is born with separation anxiety or attachment anxiety.
Together we will investigate which underlying factors contribute to your separation anxiety or attachment anxiety. My years of experience and my specialized education have already allowed me to help many clients to reconnect with themselves and others based on trust and equality. I look forward to helping you with this.
Psychotherapy and Psychology
Dutch and English-language practice for individual therapy and relationship therapy.
International Experience
Specialized in psychotherapy for people who live in a different country for work or love or have a different nationality or cultural background.
Long-term Solution
Treatment with thorough and scientifically proven methods, including trauma treatment, for a long-term solution.
Improve the Quality of Your Life
My specializations,
the better to serve you with
My specializations can help you to go through life with a healthy dose of self-confidence.
Gestalt Therapy
Gestalt Therapy supports self-examination and growth through awareness and the creation of a dialogue. The focus is on the here and now and acceptance, with the aim of self-change and self-esteem.
Schema Therapy
Schema Therapy promotes healthy relationships and self-care. It is intended for clients who do not respond to other therapies, or sometimes for those with a diagnosed disorder. It combines elements of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychoanalysis, attachment theory, emotionally focused therapy and Gestalt therapy. It uses experimental techniques and has been scientifically proven to be effective.
Trauma Therapy (EMDR)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a form of psychotherapy that helps transform traumatic memories and unfavorable life experiences into an adaptive solution. It is currently one of the most effective proven treatments in the field of trauma and other adverse life events.
Emotionally Focused Relationship Therapy (EFT)
EFT is also scientifically proven to be effective and offers short-term, structured relationship therapy aimed at promoting a safe connection between partners. It helps partners find new ways to break destructive patterns and promotes better communication for the long-term strengthening of their relationship bond.
I would love to help you
Contact me today and find out what I can do for you.
