Addressing Abandonment Anxiety | Counselor Education Webinar
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The series of presentations, drawing from Michelle Skene's book and hosted by Doctor Dawn-Elise Snipes, delves into the complexities of abandonment fears and their impact on individuals' relationships and self-esteem. The discussions explore how early experiences with caregivers shape our 'love map' and influence our attachment styles, with a focus on the development of schemas—mental frameworks that dictate our expectations and reactions in relationships. The presentations emphasize the importance of understanding these schemas to manage fears of abandonment, which are rooted in our biological need for connection and safety, as outlined in Maslow's hierarchy of needs. The narrative describes how adverse childhood experiences (ACES) and inconsistent caregiving can lead to feelings of insecurity and difficulty in trusting others, affecting a child's ability to form nurturing relationships and self-esteem. The presentations also address the role of caregivers in fostering secure attachment by being consistent, attentive, and responsive to the child's needs, and the importance of empathy towards children's perspectives. The CARES model is introduced as a self-support strategy, teaching individuals to be consistent, attentive, and supportive towards their own needs, fostering self-compassion. The discussions encourage individuals to reflect on their core beliefs about abandonment, trust, emotional needs, self-acceptability, and effectiveness to foster healthier responses and relationships. The presentations also touch on the coping mechanisms of individuals with abandonment anxiety, such as distraction or clinging, and the importance of setting boundaries and communicating needs effectively. The speaker urges individuals to distinguish between their worth as human beings and their abilities, and to recognize their acceptability despite past experiences of neglect or abuse. The narrative concludes by emphasizing the significance of being mindful of abandonment triggers in the present to choose more helpful responses, and the importance of understanding and managing one's emotional responses to foster healthier relationships and personal growth. The speaker also shares personal anecdotes and encourages processing emotions through the stages of grief, acknowledging past parental shortcomings while choosing not to let those experiences continue to cause misery.
The series of presentations, drawing from Michelle Skene's book and hosted by Doctor Dawn-Elise Snip