Quote:
Originally Posted by sumowira
Dismissive attachment style is different from avoidant attachment style, which is different from Avoidant Personality Disorder. I doubt they are used interchangeably in scholarly papers. (If they are, that's a good sign whoever wrote it doesn't know what they're talking about.) That's a big problem when you search symptoms online - what gets returned isn't specific and it jumbles everything up, so it's really easy to confuse what you're reading. So for dismissive attachment perhaps self disclosure would be helpful, but for AvPD people, it could cause as many blockages as it opens up, and I think you agree with that.
I don't know what the aim of your therapy is, but it might be worth it to take some time in your sessions to work on the process of therapy itself. If you are holding yourself back because you're afraid of creating disappointment or being judged, then you'll make excruciatingly slow progress or even none at all. Your therapist is supposed to help you make progress, and if he can't adapt to make that possible (by reading your journal for instance) then you won't be able to break through your wall, and it might be that you're not as good a match with your therapist as you need and deserve and it's time to find a better one.
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I'm a little confused about your post, but appreciate your opinions. The journal articles I'm reading are written by the top researchers/clinicians in the field of attachment theory. Researchers can't yet agree on how to categorize attachment styles - there's a three-trait style and four-trait style. I guess I would be interested to know who you're reading...?
I don't know that I agree w/anything you've said, but reserve my opinion for further consideration. The aim of my therapy (or my goal) is not up for discussion. In pursuing this goal, therapy is what we engage in 50 min. every week. Obtaining a good working alliance and helping the avoidant client feel a safe and secure attachment to their T is what furthers the process of therapy. Keeping the client in therapy long enough to make changes depends on the relationship between the T and client.
The "fear of being judged" or criticized are two possible characteristics of the avoidant client. Therapy goes slowly for those who are primarily avoidant. Speed in getting through therapy is never a good indicator for successful outcomes.
My choice of Ts is my decision. You seem to be making assumptions based on information you don't have. Thanks for responding, but I'm not interested in defending my T, the scholarly articles and books I read, or the progress I'm making or not making in therapy with someone who knows very, very little about my situation.