June 16, 2025
What is Anxious Attachment Style | Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Anxious Attachment Style | Holistic Care
Anxious attachment is a term used in psychology to describe a particular style of interpersonal relationships and attachment behaviors that individuals may exhibit in their close relationships, typically romantic ones. It is one of the three primary attachment styles identified by psychologist Mary Ainsworth in her research on attachment theory, the other two being secure attachment and avoidant attachment.
People with an anxious attachment style tend to exhibit the following characteristics:
It's important to note that attachment styles are not fixed and can evolve with self-awareness and personal growth. Additionally, many factors, including early childhood experiences and past relationships, can contribute to developing an anxious attachment style. Therapy and self-help strategies can effectively address and change these attachment patterns to build healthier, more secure connections.
Treatment for anxious attachment typically involves a combination of therapeutic approaches and self-help strategies to address the underlying issues contributing to this attachment style and develop more secure and healthy relationship patterns. Here are some common approaches to treating anxious attachment:
Integrative Psych treats anxious attachment, especially when individuals experience severe emotional distress or mental health crises related to their attachment patterns. Seeking the expertise of a psychiatrist for anxiety in New York can be pivotal in addressing anxious attachment patterns. These specialists can provide tailored therapeutic interventions and medication management to help individuals manage anxiety symptoms and cultivate healthier relationship dynamics. While Integrative Psych primarily focuses on physical health, many have mental health departments or psychiatric units with trained professionals who can address psychological concerns.
Individuals with anxious attachment may receive assessments, therapy, and medication management if necessary in such settings. Integrative Psych provides a safe and supportive environment for those struggling with acute emotional crises related to attachment issues. By recognizing the importance of mental health in overall well-being, Integrative Psych contributes to individuals' holistic care, fostering physical healing and emotional and psychological growth.
Integrative Psych is your premier destination for integrative and evidence-based therapy in New York City. Our team of experienced and compassionate therapists specializes in a wide range of mental health services, tailored to meet your unique needs. In your pursuit of assistance with psychodynamic therapy, bipolar disorder, high-functioning anxiety, complex PTSD, or any other mental health concerns, rest assured that our dedicated support is here for you on your healing journey.
Individuals experiencing high-functioning anxiety can benefit from our specialized therapy. Our therapists, trained in cutting-edge techniques such as mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in NYC, stand ready to collaborate with you. Together, we aim to help you better understand and cope with your anxiety in a productive and healthy manner, developing skills that enable effective anxiety management and contribute to a more fulfilling life.
Anxious attachment is characterized by a fear of abandonment and a strong desire for closeness. In contrast, avoidant attachment involves a fear of intimacy and a tendency to distance oneself emotionally from others.
Yes, anxious attachment can create challenges in relationships due to constant insecurity and a need for excessive reassurance. However, individuals can build more secure and fulfilling connections with therapy and self-improvement.
No, attachment styles are not fixed for life. Individuals can change their attachment patterns and develop more secure relationships with self-awareness and effort.
Self-help strategies include:
Yes, attachment-based or cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) therapy can be highly effective in addressing and improving anxious attachment. Therapists can provide guidance and tools to change insecure attachment patterns.
Yes, individuals with anxious attachment can have successful long-term relationships. Through therapy and self-improvement, they can learn to manage their anxiety and develop more secure and fulfilling connections with their partners.
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