Attachment Patterns through the EMDR Framework
In this month’s editorial, we are focusing on attachment patterns through the EMDR framework. Learning about attachment patterns is an integral part of EMDR as it gives us context and information about our childhood and family of origin. Exploring attachment patterns take on the same approach of somatic therapy and EMDR as it calls individuals to investigate their emotions and memories from the bottom-up, whereas in contrast, traditional talk therapy/CBT analyzes from the top-down.
First things first, what are attachment patterns and are they the same as attachment styles? This is a great question. Attachment patterns and attachment styles are two different things. While attachment styles refer to the expectations people develop about their relationship to others based on the relationship styles learned from infancy, attachment patterns are the patterns of behavior you exhibit out of protection. Some examples of patterns of protection can be like, dissociating and disappearing in conflict, or even the common, pleasing/appeasing others to the point of detriment to oneself. The reason why it’s important to understand and capture what our protection patterns are, is so that we are better informed of the attachment behaviors that may come up when reprocessing with EMDR.
Applying an attachment focus in combination with EMDR, allows us to stay informed about our patterns of protection in order to work within our Window of Tolerance and foster an environment of safety. Staying informed also ensures that we are acknowledging and respecting our limitations when reprocessing difficult memories or emotions. Since instilling an environment of safety is key when processing difficult memories, it is important to be informed of when our bodies may not feel protected and safe. Learning our attachment patterns or better worded, our patterns of protection, will better position those who are seeking healing and adaptive growth.
Drawing from our conversation about attachment patterns, here is a summary highlighting the key points:
Attachment patterns are different from attachment styles.
Attachment patterns involve the patterns of behavior one does out of protection
Examples of patterns of protection include dissociation and people-pleasing.
Understanding patterns of protection helps anticipate somatic and attachment behaviors that come up during EMDR.
Integrating attachment focus with EMDR helps work within the Window of Tolerance.
Safety and being informed by awareness of protection patterns crucial during reprocessing.
Understanding attachment patterns facilitates healing and growth.
