This Is SCREWING You Over!" - STAND UP & Become The Woman NOBODY Can Mess With | Judy Ho

Added: May 30, 2024

In this podcast episode, neuropsychologist Judy Ho delves into the impact of attachment styles on relationships and personal well-being. She explains that attachment styles, developed in early childhood based on interactions with primary caregivers, influence how individuals perceive themselves, set goals, and form relationships. The main attachment styles discussed are secure, anxious insecure, avoidant and disorganized.

Attachment Styles and Relationships

Secure attachment is characterized by a healthy balance of independence and dependence. Securely attached individuals can form strong relationships, express their needs, and maintain boundaries. They are comfortable with intimacy and can navigate stress and conflict effectively. In contrast, the anxious insecure attachment style is marked by a fear of abandonment and a constant need for reassurance. Individuals with this style may prioritize others' needs over their own, leading to codependency and self-neglect, and struggle with setting boundaries and expressing emotions. Disorganized attachment individuals may exhibit chaotic and unpredictable behavior in relationships.

Avoidant Attachment Dynamics

Avoidantly attached individuals tend to avoid emotional intimacy and may downplay their feelings or needs. They may appear independent and self-sufficient but struggle with vulnerability and emotional expression. This can lead to a fear of being overwhelmed by emotions or rejection, causing them to distance themselves from others. Ho explains that avoidant individuals may be attracted to those with anxious attachment styles because they provide the attention and reassurance they secretly desire. However, the constant need for emotional support from anxious individuals may overwhelm avoidant partners, leading to a cycle of push and pull in the relationship.

The Importance of Understanding Attachment Styles

Ho emphasizes the importance of recognizing and understanding one's attachment style to address patterns of behavior that may be holding them back. She suggests reflecting on how attachment styles manifest in different areas of life, such as relationships, family dynamics, and work environments. By identifying these patterns, individuals can work towards building healthier relationships and improving their self-esteem.

Impact of Attachment Styles

The podcast also highlights the impact of attachment styles on mental and physical health. Insecure attachment styles can contribute to anxiety, depression, and chronic illness. Individuals with anxious attachment styles may experience heightened stress and emotional distress, while those with avoidant attachment styles may struggle with self-esteem and vulnerability.

Healing Through Reparenting

Ho introduces the concept of reparenting as a way to heal and transform attachment styles. Reparenting involves showing up for oneself as an adult and meeting unmet emotional needs from childhood. By practicing self-love, self-compassion, and setting healthy boundaries, individuals can work towards a more secure attachment style and healthier relationships.

Overcoming trauma through therapy

Ho shares a story about a 62-year-old woman who sought therapy for relationship and substance abuse issues. Initially exhibiting anger and erratic behavior, the woman began to process past trauma and work towards healing her attachment style through therapy. With support and guidance, she learned to acknowledge her worth, address her trauma, and make positive changes in her life.

Understanding and Managing Triggers

The guest emphasizes the significance of understanding one's triggers and how they can stem from negative experiences or unresolved issues within oneself. Triggers can lead to reactive behavior, and it is essential to address them to make positive changes in one's life. Ho introduces the TIPP technique for managing triggers, which stands for Temperature, Intense Exercise, Paired Relaxation, and Pace Breathing.

Ways to Regulate Body Temperature

Temperature regulation involves lowering the body temperature to calm the nervous system and reduce stress. This can be achieved by splashing cold water on the face, stepping outside for fresh air, or using ice cubes. Intense exercise helps physicalize emotional stress and release pent-up energy. Even a short burst of activity, such as jumping jacks or running in place, can be effective in regulating the nervous system.

Paired relaxation for stress relief

Paired relaxation focuses on tensing and relaxing different parts of the body to release tension and promote relaxation. By consciously tensing and then relaxing muscles, individuals can become more aware of where they hold stress and learn to let go of tension. This technique helps in quickly transforming the body's response to stress and promoting a sense of calm.

Deep Breathing for Relaxation

Pace breathing involves deep breathing exercises to slow down the breath and signal to the brain that the body is not in a fight or flight response. Ho suggests using techniques like box breathing or 478 breathing, where individuals inhale for a count, hold the breath, and exhale slowly. These breathing exercises help in calming the nervous system and promoting relaxation.

The Miracle Question Technique

Ho introduces the "Miracle Question," a therapeutic technique that helps individuals envision their ideal life and identify steps to achieve it. By imagining a life without major problems or obstacles, individuals can gain clarity on their goals and aspirations. The Miracle Question prompts individuals to reflect on their desires and take proactive steps towards personal growth and fulfillment.

Steps to Shift Attachment Styles

Ho provides three actionable steps for individuals looking to shift from an insecure attachment style to a secure attachment style. The first step is to prioritize self-care and engage in activities that promote self-love and well-being. For anxious attachment individuals, self-care may involve seeking support from others, while avoidant attachment individuals may benefit from solo activities that foster independence and self-reliance.

Challenging Negative Thought Patterns

The second step is to challenge negative thought patterns and beliefs that contribute to insecure attachment styles. By practicing self-awareness and mindfulness, individuals can identify and reframe limiting beliefs that hinder personal growth and healthy relationships. Ho encourages listeners to cultivate a positive mindset and practice self-compassion in their daily lives.

Setting Boundaries in Relationships

The third step is to set boundaries and communicate effectively in relationships. Secure attachment individuals can establish healthy boundaries, express their needs, and maintain mutual respect in relationships. By setting clear boundaries and practicing assertiveness, individuals can create a supportive and nurturing environment that fosters secure attachment and emotional well-being.

The Power of Self-Care

Ho emphasizes the importance of self-care and how it can help individuals heal from insecure attachments. She suggests that individuals challenge themselves to try new forms of self-care that may be outside of their comfort zone. For example, if someone has an avoidant attachment style, they may benefit from activities that promote connection and vulnerability, such as yoga or mindfulness practices.

Developing Intuition for Decision-Making

Ho also highlights the importance of honing intuition and listening to one's inner voice when making decisions. By tuning into feelings and gut reactions, individuals can gain clarity and confidence in their choices, leading to a more authentic and fulfilling life.

Focus on Desired Relationship Feelings

When it comes to relationships, Ho encourages individuals to focus on the feelings they want to experience rather than specific traits or qualities in a partner. By identifying the core emotions they seek in a relationship, individuals can attract partners who align with their desired feelings and create a more meaningful connection.

Embracing the Phases of Relationships

In discussing the dynamics of long-term relationships, Ho acknowledges that relationships go through phases and require ongoing effort and communication. She advises individuals to focus on the present moment and prioritize the feelings they want to cultivate in their relationships, rather than getting caught up in unrealistic expectations or past experiences.

Importance of Addressing Fears

Regarding the decision to leave a relationship, Ho emphasizes the importance of addressing fears and facing the pain of staying in a stagnant or unhealthy situation. She suggests that individuals must reach a point where the discomfort of remaining in the relationship outweighs the fear of leaving, prompting them to take action towards a more fulfilling and authentic life.

The Power of Frequency in Relationships

Ho delves into the concept of frequency in relationships, highlighting how partners can become entwined and influence each other's behavior. She describes how raising and holding a certain frequency can lead to a partner entraining to that frequency, creating a strong connection. She compares this phenomenon to a Jedi mind trick for relationships, where partners can influence each other's actions and emotions.

Empowerment through self-healing in relationships

The discussion also touches on the idea that in love relationships, partners often disintegrate when one partner fails to meet the other's needs. Ho explains that when individuals work on healing themselves and addressing their fears, they become stronger and more empowered in the relationship. This shift allows them to make choices and prioritize their own happiness and well-being.

Understanding Mismatched Libidos in Relationships

Ho addresses the common issue of mismatched libidos in relationships, particularly highlighting the difference between men and women's desires for sex. She explains that women often seek emotional closeness and intimacy through sex, while men may use sex as a way to feel loved. She emphasizes the importance of understanding these differences and finding ways to bridge the gap in desires within a relationship.

Challenging societal norms on sex

The conversation also delves into the societal expectations and norms surrounding sex and relationships. Ho discusses how women are often socialized to view sex as transactional, leading to issues in intimacy and desire. She encourages women to explore their own sexuality and develop a positive relationship with their bodies to enhance their sexual experiences.

Practical Tips for Intimacy Improvement

Ho provides practical advice for couples to improve their intimacy and connection. She suggests scheduling sex dates as a way to remove pressure and create a space for physical closeness. Ho also recommends spending time kissing, cuddling, and engaging in non-sexual affection to strengthen the emotional bond between partners.

Effective Communication in Relationships

The podcast highlights the importance of communication and mutual respect in relationships. Ho emphasizes the need for open and honest conversations about desires, boundaries, and expectations. She encourages couples to create a safe space where both partners feel comfortable expressing their needs and desires without judgment or guilt.

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