How do we use evidence-based findings in the field of adult attachment to our benefit? Once we become aware of our attachment style, then what do we do? Can they change? Am I going to be this way forever? How do I connect with another human in a vulnerable way without feeling unsafe? How do I convince myself that my needs are just as important as everyone else's? Why is it so hard to live in alignment with my own most important values? Am I always going to feel alone? Secure attachment is just a myth, isn't it? How can anyone feel safe and secure in the world today?
The Adult Attachment Program Podcast
Claim This Podcastby Dr. Zack Bein
5.0(1 reviews)
4 episodes
Updated Weekly
Accepts GuestsHas Sponsors
Podcast Overview
How do we use evidence-based findings in the field of adult attachment to our benefit? Once we become aware of our attachment style, then what do we do? Can they change? Am I going to be this way forever? How do I connect with another human in a vulnerable way without feeling unsafe? How do I convince myself that my needs are just as important as everyone else's? Why is it so hard to live in alignment with my own most important values? Am I always going to feel alone? Secure attachment is just a myth, isn't it? How can anyone feel safe and secure in the world today?
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
4/5/2023
1 verified contact email on file for The Adult Attachment Program Podcast
Pitch yourself as a guest, propose sponsorships, or reach out directly to the host.
Recent Episodes
March 26, 2026
All About Anxious/Preoccupied Attachment
<p>The Preoccupied Attachment Style</p><p>The first of the insecure attachment styles that we are going to discuss in adulthood is Preoccupied attachment. The result of preoccupied caregiving is the child having an over-involvement and identification with the parents state of mind. Parental responsiveness is inconsistent. This could be for several reasons; perhaps the parents have demanding careers which take them away from the necessary attunement needed at a young age. Perhaps the caregiver struggles with an addiction, or the mother and father are in a stressed relationship with regular arguments and fights. These are just examples of ways that could create the dynamic of caregivers being only inconsistently available. The child must learn what to do (or what not to do) in order to get its needs met. Sometimes they learn to throw a temper tantrum as the only way of getting attention. </p><p>Preoccupied parents have a chronic misattunement to the exploratory system in the child. Exploration is a perceived threat, as it takes the child away from the needs of the parent. The child is expected to regulate the parent’s state of mind, and thus becomes chronically hypervigilant to the state of mind of others. As the anxious/resistant child grows into adulthood, now a preoccupied adult, there remains an inhibition in their exploratory behavior which interferes with healthy self development. </p><p>If the preoccupied adult presents for treatment, having a consistent focus on the self experience is of utmost importance. They grew up with an outside-in orientation, taking in what is happening around them as a way of survival and getting their needs met. In therapy, we work toward developing an inside-out orientation, where one looks inward to find the answers and have them expressed outwardly. The therapist should keep a consistent calming presence, even in the rise and fall of coherence in the patient. Selectively attuning to exploratory words and behaviors allows the preoccupied person to begin to think of exploration as a possibility. This is done within the Three Pillars system. As an example, below I will type a script of a generic session one might have with a preoccupied adult within the IPF framework.</p><p>“You don’t have to worry about their state of mind, and if at any time you start worrying about that, imagine that they’re emotionally responsive to you, and they make a comment about your internal state and bring you back to yourself. They notice all the subtle changes in your mood moment by moment. What a relief to not have to worry about their state of mind, take in what that feels like. They act in a way as to calm and comfort you, physically, you can feel the gentle touch that’s so reassuring, verbally they’re reassuring you that it’s all okay, everything is alright, and you respond to this in a way that dampens your anxiety, and you become more and more calm, take in that calming effect now. Everything is alright, it’s all ok."</p><p>So the goals are as follows:</p><ol><li>Correct for outside in orientation</li><li>Regulate child’s anxiety</li><li>IPFs who are attuned to a range of emotions</li><li>Encourage exploratory behavior with parents support</li></ol><p>Preoccupied adults are most easily ruptured. If ruptures happen, step out of attachment language and go to 3rd pillar and collaborate. Address that they wander off track, teach them turn taking, help them clarify what they’re saying.</p><p>In terms of metacognition, they’re deficient in mentalizing. The therapist can use their own experience at times to help the client contact their own experience. “I imagine that was very scary…”</p><p>Memory is limited by what they experienced. Imagination creates new possibilities.</p><p><br /></p>
March 17, 2026
Addiction as an Attachment Disorder
<p>This week, in the Adult Attachment Program's podcast, Dr Zack will be discussing addictions as a disruption in the attachment system. Learn how addiction can be viewed as a disorder of the natural attachment system</p><p>Learn the neurobiology of attachment x addiction</p><p>An introduction to Integrative Attachment Therapy (IAT), the 3-Pillars model, and Ideal Parent Figure imagery.</p><p>Apply the principles of Integrative Attachment Therapy as a means of directly addressing addiction symptoms</p><p>Learn some of the common issues that arise in early and late stage treatment</p><p>Ongoing treatment</p><p>Research</p><p>What is Attachment? Seminal Studies – John Bowlby, Mary Main, Mary Ainsworth. Adult Attachment, some of the assessment measures used for adults, categories of attachment experience.</p><p>Neurobiology, addiction as an attachment disorder, treatment from an attachment lens</p><p>We’ll explore why secure attachment is such a transformative goal for clients and patients and ourselves, the details about what secure attachment is, how it is formed and maintained, and what gets in the way of it forming, and how we can use IAT to cultivate it.</p><p>Experience the power of secure attachment imagery and take the first step towards learning about relational healing and self-discovery. There are a few spots still open so don’t hesitate!</p><p>This class will be recorded for people who can’t make it in person. So you can still sign up, even if you can’t be there physically. This class is offered by donation only. There is a $25 suggested donation for the teacher and for keeping the program running. Nobody will be turned away for lack of funds. If you can give more, you’re free to give more. You will have the autonomy to offer whatever feels right. </p><p> Module 1 – Foundational Concepts</p><p>Module 2 – Addiction x Attachment</p><p>Module 3 – Treatment from an Attachment Lens</p><p><br></p>
May 22, 2024
The Use of Play in Ideal Parent Figure (IPF) Imagery
<p>**While unlikely, due to the relatively innocuous subject, there still remains a small chance of being triggered simply by imagining oneself as a child. If you have severe attachment disturbance, only do this with a professional present**</p> <p><br></p> <p>When we play, as children, we are expressing ourselves. We have yet to cultivate the skill to articulate our nuanced selves to the world, yet it is crucial for the development of attachment security. In this exercise, Dr. Zack uses the concept of an "ideal play place" to co-create a number of secure scenarios in the play context. Patients report having an easier time exploring in their lives as adults as a result of this particular practice. Hobbies, interests, jobs, people... your one precious life in this one precious moment..... is you new ideal play place. Imagine that.</p>
4 total episodes available
Similar Podcasts
Discover related shows you might enjoy
Deep-dive analytics for The Adult Attachment Program Podcast
Frequently asked questions
Have a different question and can't find the answer you're looking for? Reach out to our support team by sending us an email and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
- What is The Adult Attachment Program Podcast?
- How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates weekly.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
Legal Disclaimer
Pod Engine is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected with any of the podcasts displayed on this platform. We operate independently as a podcast discovery and analytics service.
All podcast artwork, thumbnails, and content displayed on this page are the property of their respective owners and are protected by applicable copyright laws. This includes, but is not limited to, podcast cover art, episode artwork, show descriptions, episode titles, transcripts, audio snippets, and any other content originating from the podcast creators or their licensors.
We display this content under fair use principles and/or implied license for the purpose of podcast discovery, information, and commentary. We make no claim of ownership over any podcast content, artwork, or related materials shown on this platform. All trademarks, service marks, and trade names are the property of their respective owners.
While we strive to ensure all content usage is properly authorized, if you are a rights holder and believe your content is being used inappropriately or without proper authorization, please contact us immediately at hey@podengine.ai for prompt review and appropriate action, which may include content removal or proper attribution.
By accessing and using this platform, you acknowledge and agree to respect all applicable copyright laws and intellectual property rights of content owners. Any unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or commercial use of the content displayed on this platform is strictly prohibited.