Hi, I’m Dr. Jodi Aman, and today we’re diving into a relationship topic that hits close to home for so many of us: avoidant attachment. You might have heard about attachment styles before, but we’re going deeper into what avoidant behaviors really are, why they develop, and how they affect our ability to connect with the people we care about. I’m here to share powerful insights, relatable stories, and practical tips to help you navigate these challenges and build healthier, more fulfilling relationships. Let’s get started!Episode Summary:In this episode, I explore the concept of avoidant attachment—a pattern where individuals pull back from intimacy and emotional closeness in relationships. We’ll start by unpacking the roots of avoidant attachment, which often stem from past trauma, unmet emotional needs, or a fear of vulnerability. I’ll help you understand how these behaviors, like distancing, shutting down during conflict, or avoiding deep emotional conversations, often serve as coping mechanisms, not character flaws.Together, we’ll explore how to identify avoidant tendencies in yourself or your partner and, most importantly, what you can do about them. I’ll share actionable strategies to help you foster open communication, develop empathy, and set healthy boundaries—tools that can make a huge difference in creating stronger, more secure relationships.This episode also features live coaching with guests Sue and Amy, who are navigating relationships where avoidant attachment plays a role. You’ll hear real-life examples of how to approach and manage these dynamics, offering you relatable and practical insights you can use in your own life.If you’re ready to better understand yourself or your loved ones and transform avoidant patterns into opportunities for deeper connection, this episode is for you. Let’s dive in!Key Takeaways:Avoidant Attachment is a Coping Mechanism: Avoidant behaviors often stem from past trauma or fears of vulnerability. Recognizing this can help in responding with empathy and understanding.Clear Communication and Boundaries are Essential: Setting clear expectations and boundaries can help both partners feel secure, reducing the need for avoidance.Encouraging Open Dialogue: Gently inviting your partner to share their feelings without pressure can build trust and encourage more openness.Prioritize Self-Worth: Maintaining a sense of self-worth and not sacrificing your needs to accommodate avoidant behaviors is crucial.Healing Requires Participation from Both Partners: Lasting change can only occur if both individuals are willing to work through their fears and address the underlying issues.Resources Discussed in the Episode:Join Dr. Jodi'sActivate Online Therapy Groupto gain access to guided discussions, support, and exclusive resources for empathshttps://jodiaman.com/activate/Watch the video of this episode at the blog:https://jodiaman.com/blog/understanding-avoidant-attachment/Dr. Jodi Aman’s YouTube Channel:@DoctorJodiSetting Boundaries Blog Post:https://jodiaman.com/blog/setting-boundaries/Generation Z Mental Health Resource Guide:jodiaman.com/guideRedirect Positive Mindset Cardsjodiaman.com/order-redirect-flash-cardsEnCompass SEL Class Activityjodiaman.com/order-encompass-gameAnxiety,I'm So Done with You!BookThank you so much for listening! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please take a moment to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts and share it with someone who needs inspiration or help to heal! ger, happier generation! You’re listening to the Ask Dr. Jodi - Mental Health & Relationship Advice with Jodi Aman.Sign up for text updates, where you can ask me your private questions! Text JODI to 8334583845 to get in the group. Want personalized coaching on the show? Sign up to be a call-in guest at jodiaman.com/live Remember, you can join me live every Monday at 8 p.m. Eastern on YouTube, @doctorjodi, where you can ask your questions in real time. 👉👉Get on the list to get reminders about the show, including the topic for the week. PLUS, receive my Gen Z Mental Health Resource Guide here: jodiaman.com/live. Let's keep building a stronger, happier generation! Contact Doctor Jodi:• Website: jodiaman.com• TikTok: @doctorjodi• YouTube: @doctorjodi• Instagram: @doctorjodiaman About Dr. Jodi: Jodi Aman is a social work doctor with 28 years of experience in clinical practice. She helps clients heal from trauma, understand the world, and reclaim self-confidence. She created C.O.M.P.A.S.S., an emotional wellness curriculum for middle and high school health classes designed to mitigate symptoms of anxiety and depression. You can find hundreds of self-help videos on YouTube @doctorjodi. Also, watch her TEDx Wilmington talk, "Calm Anxious Kids," and read her award-winning book, Anxiety… I'm So Done with You! to learn how to understand and reverse the current mental health crisis. More about Jodi. Ask Dr. Jodi LiveWelcome to ...
