What Are Attachment Wounds? Signs, Causes & Support | Burlington Psychotherapy
Attachment wounds refer to emotional wounds that can affect how you may form and maintain relationships. These wounds may develop from early experiences with family or caregivers who were neglectful, inconsistent, or abusive. A lack of stability — whether due to absence, illness, divorce, emotional neglect, or any form of abuse — may leave a child without the security they need, which can contribute to attachment-related difficulties.
A poor parent–child bond can continue into adulthood and may influence a person’s sense of self, relationships, and emotional regulation. Common signs may include difficulty in interpersonal relationships, feeling insecure or unsure of oneself, mental-health challenges, emotion dysregulation, and emotional dependency. These experiences are not signs of personal failure; they reflect patterns that were learned in response to early environments.
Attachment-related challenges can vary depending on the situation and the child–parent relationship. They may develop in the context of physical or emotional trauma, childhood emotional neglect, abandonment, divorce, parental mental illness, and other early stressors. Everyone’s story is unique, and attachment patterns often reflect adaptations made during times when support may not have been readily available.
Attachment theory emphasizes the importance of early bonding experiences in shaping social and emotional development. When these experiences are negative or unstable, they may influence adult attachment patterns such as anxious, avoidant, ambivalent, or disorganized styles. It is important to note that attachment styles reflect tendencies rather than fixed traits. With appropriate support, it is possible to work toward healthier attachment patterns and more fulfilling relationships.
Psychotherapy can support you in understanding how past experiences may be influencing you today and can help you develop skills such as communication, boundary-setting, and coping with difficult emotions. Approaches may include mindfulness-based strategies and trauma-informed therapy. Over time, these tools may support you in processing past experiences, rebuilding trust, and developing healthier and more secure relationships.
If you’re interested in support to explore these relationship patterns, I offer psychotherapy services online across Ontario and in person in Burlington. You’re welcome to book a free consultation here: https://guidingyou.janeapp.com
The information shared in this blog is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute psychotherapy or replace professional mental-health care. Reading this does not create a therapist–client relationship. If you are experiencing significant distress, please contact a qualified mental-health professional or call 988 for immediate support.
For more information about how your personal information is collected, used, and protected, please review my Privacy Policy.
Written by Cierra DoCouto, Registered Psychotherapist, CRPO #17131
