Anthony Dimitrion, LCSW, CST
Understanding Attachment Styles
Updated: Feb 22

Attachment style refers to the way in which an individual forms and maintains emotional bonds with others, especially in close relationships. There are four main attachment styles: secure, anxious-preoccupied, dismissive-avoidant, and fearful-avoidant/disorganized. Here's a brief overview of each:
Secure attachment: People with a secure attachment style tend to be comfortable with intimacy and are able to form close relationships based on trust and mutual respect. They are able to share their feelings and needs with their partner and feel safe and secure in the relationship.
Anxious-preoccupied attachment: People with an anxious-preoccupied attachment style tend to be overly dependent on their partner and have a strong need for reassurance and validation. They often worry about the relationship and fear abandonment.
Dismissive-avoidant attachment: People with a dismissive-avoidant attachment style tend to avoid emotional intimacy and may come across as aloof or distant. They may downplay the importance of close relationships and prioritize their independence and self-reliance.
Fearful-avoidant or Disorganized attachment: People with a fearful-avoidant attachment style may want close relationships but fear rejection and abandonment. They may struggle to trust their partner and often feel conflicted about getting close to others.
It's important to note that attachment styles can evolve and change over time as a person gains new experiences and learns new ways of relating to others. Understanding your own attachment style and that of your partner or loved ones can help you navigate relationships more effectively and build stronger connections