Dismissive Avoidant Attachment Style — Talkspace

How to Overcome Dismissive Avoidant Attachment

While it can be difficult for people with a dismissive avoidant attachment style to form healthy relationships with others, change is possible. Studies show that negative attachment styles can become more secure as we age. 

There are several ways to overcome dismissive avoidant attachment and build stronger bonds with others. 

Reflect on your behavior

Becoming more aware of how your current attachment style impacts your behavior is the first step in changing. Next, it’s essential to learn more about dismissive avoidant attachment and take the time to assess your feelings. Over time, you’ll learn to correct destructive habits and replace them with healthier behaviors. 

Find safe ways to express your feelings

It can be hard for dismissive avoidants to show vulnerability to others. Finding safe outlets for your feelings can make it easier to open up with others. One effective strategy is recording feelings and emotions in a journal. Journaling for mental health is just one of many proven stress management techniques that can help improve your mental health overall. It can also help identify patterns of unhealthy or unhelpful behavior, so you can start to modify your reactions to situations. 

Strengthen your communication skills

Effective communication is key to any healthy relationship. To alter your attachment style, you’ll need to learn to improve how you communicate with others. One way to do this is by becoming aware. If you notice that you’re making assumptions about other people’s feelings, take the time to stop and ask open-ended questions. Set aside time to connect and have constructive conversations with others. There are also communication exercises for couples that you two can learn as well and strengthen communication skills together.

Practice mindfulness

People with this attachment style often struggle to understand their feelings and behaviors. Mindfulness is a practice that can make you more aware of your emotions. Studies demonstrate that mindfulness and meditation for stress help you learn to regulate emotions and tolerate distress without shutting down. 

Get professional help with Talkspace

Reaching out for support can be tough if you have a dismissive avoidant attachment style. While asking for help isn’t easy, it might be the most effective way for you to overcome and change your attachment style. Talkspace is an online therapy platform that can help. 

When you seek relationship counseling through Talkspace, you’ll be connected with an experienced, qualified therapist who understands how attachment styles impact your life and well-being. With their help, you’ll be able to understand your behavior and make positive, lasting changes. Over time, you’ll learn to build deep and meaningful connections with others.