Episode 427: How We Heal Ourselves: EMDR and Moving from Rigid to Secure Attachment Styles with Melissa Parks

We continue our conversation about healing ourselves with guest Melissa Parks! Melissa is a licensed therapist who specializes in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and trauma therapy. I learned about her work through TikTok when she kept appearing on my For You Page. I have since come to learn just how insightful she is around the topic of attachment styles and the modalities she uses in her practice.

In this episode, we explore some of the modalities, such as EMDR and Somatic therapy. Melissa also describes the four different attachment styles, anxious, avoidant, disorganized, and secure; and how they may manifest in our lives. She also explains how we can move through rigidity (avoidant or anxious, for example), to a place of security and healing.

You’ll hear:

• EMDR: what it is and what symptoms it can help treat. Plus, it is not just a modality for treating trauma, it can be used for treating anxiety, depression or even lack of motivation. (6:47)
• Melissa explains how attachment styles are like strategies, shares the four different kinds and explains how the goal is moving from rigidity to consistency. (18:55)
• How someone can move into a secure attachment style. (27:39)
• Examples of when unhealthy attachment styles can cause conflict in a relationship. (33:22)
• Somatic tools and skills: what they are and when someone would use them. (40:32)

http://andreaowen.com/427