Lessons in (Anxious) Attachment

40 Episodes
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By: Carly Ann

Lessons in (Anxious) Attachment is the podcast for people who are still struggling with overthinking, anxious attachment patterns, or chasing unavailable partners...even though you understand the theory.With a lifetime of personal experience and over 15 years of professional experience, I (Carly Ann) am here to help you move beyond just knowing the logic of attachment and actually start applying it to create real change.You should know, my podcast isn’t about getting your ex back or making your partner fix your anxiety. Lessons in Attachment is about empowering you to become your own coach - using attachment theory, th...

4 Powerful Ways to Build Self-Esteem (When You Feel Not Good Enough)
Today at 5:00 AM

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For Low Self-Esteem

Do you ever feel like you’re not good enough no matter how hard you try? Do you second-guess your worth, wonder if you’re truly lovable, or compare yourself to everyone around you? If your confidence feels fragile and your inner critic is running the show, this episode is for you.

In this episode, Carly Ann shares 4 powerful, evidence-based ways to start healing low self-esteem, drawn from her own experience and the work of psychologist Melanie Fennell. You’ll learn 4 common ways therapists suppor...


6 Minute Self-Esteem Reset Meditation | Build Confidence, Stop Overthinking, & Feel Good Enough
Last Wednesday at 5:00 AM

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This self-esteem reset meditation is for you if you struggle with self-worth, overthinking, people-pleasing, or anxious attachment.

In just 6 minutes, you'll be guided through a calming, healing experience to:

Let go of self-doubt and critical inner talk
Reconnect with your inner strength and self-belief
Start feeling good enough  as you are
Build confidence from within, not from external validation
Heal patterns of low self-worth and emotional insecurity

This meditation blends CBT-based tools, guided visualisation, and somatic grounding techniques to help you rewire negative b...


Always Worrying, Catastrophising, & Expecting the worst? Let's Turn Down the Volume on Negative Thinking
06/08/2025

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Do you find yourself constantly preparing for the worst? Playing out disaster scenarios in your head? Comparing yourself to others and feeling like you’re always coming up short?

In today’s episode, we’re diving into a sneaky but powerful habit many of us don’t even realise we’re stuck in, the automatic pull toward the negative. Whether it’s fear, comparison, or imagining everything that could go wrong, this pattern is draining your energy, confidence, and joy.

Plus, I’m giving you reflective questions and a motivational b...


You Get It Logically... So Why Do You Still Feel Stuck & Keep Repeating Patterns?
06/04/2025

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You know they’re not right for you. You know you deserve better. You know the anxious spiral is hurting you. So why does it still feel like your heart hasn’t caught up with your head?

In this episode, Carly Ann is diving into the frustrating phenomenon known as head-heart lag...That all-too-familiar space where your logic is crystal clear, but your emotions and behaviours aren’t playing ball. 

If you’ve ever said, “I get it, but I just can’t seem to do it” this one...


Anxious Attachment: Why You Keep Asking the Same Questions & Seeking Reassurance (+ Why it Doesn't Work)
06/01/2025

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Struggling with anxious attachment? Always asking “Do you still love me?” or “Are you sure you’re not leaving?” even when you know the answer won’t help for long? 

In this episode, Carly Ann unpacks why anxious attachers seek constant reassurance, how it keeps you stuck in a loop, and why your nervous system never quite feels safe. 

If you're stuck overthinking, spiralling after silence, or chasing reassurance through asking non-stop questions, this one is for you

Other useful links:

FREE BREAKING THE CYCLE OF ANXIOUS ATTACH...


The Anxious / Disorganised Attachment Trap: Stuck, Lost & Unsure How to Change
05/28/2025

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JOIN STUCK TO SECURE BEFORE JUNE 1ST

Everything seems fine… but you still feel stuck or lost?
Or maybe you know you’ve fallen into that pattern again - the overthinking, obsessing, clinging, second-guessing, unsure how to get out.

This episode is for the anxious attachers who keep finding themselves here: things look okay on the outside, but inside it’s the same fog, the same fear, the same cycle. Or you...


When You Think You're Being Abandoned & You Become Someone You Don’t Even Recognise | ANXIOUS ATTACHMENT
05/25/2025

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JOIN STUCK TO SECURE BEFORE JUNE 1ST

Struggling with feeling panicky or desperate when you think someone you love is pulling away? Do you find yourself turning into a version of yourself you barely recognise - anxious, overwhelmed, even irrational…whenever you fear abandonment or rejection? If you’re tired of the emotional rollercoaster with avoidants or feeling stuck in cycles of panic and overthinking, this episode is made for you.

Join me as we unpack what’s really happening beneath the surface of anx...


Struggling with Self-Worth and Relationship Anxiety? These Two Behaviours Only Make it Worse!
05/21/2025

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JOIN STUCK TO SECURE BEFORE JUNE 1ST

Struggling with relationship anxiety/anxious attachment? Feeling like you are struggling with self-worth and showing up as your true self? 

Today, I am sharing 2 common patterns that actually keep you stuck in a cycle of insecurity, fear of rejection, and low self esteem.

If you’re ready to get out of the anxious cycle and build your self worth - this episode makes it clear how you can start today!


O...


(WORKSHOP): Break Your Anxious Attachment Cycle Today
05/18/2025

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EXAMPLE ANXIOUS CYCLEWATCH THE WORKSHOPJOIN STUCK TO SECUREDOCUMENT WITH TOOLS TO INTERRUPT THE CYCLE

If you know you're stuck in an anxious cycle, like overthinking, chasing, second-guessing, or feeling like you just can't relax in love, this episode is your lifeline.

In this free workshop, I’ll guide you through powerful and practical steps to break the cycle you're in right now. It doesn't matter if you're single, dating, in a situationship, or in a relationship that leaves you feeling unsure.

Grab a pen and paper, or simply follow al...


Anxious Attachment? Then This One Question Matters Most (Especially if You're Healing)
05/10/2025

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FREE BREAKING THE CYCLE OF ANXIOUS ATTACHMENT WORKSHOP

If you have an anxious attachment style and you’re doing the work, trying to heal, build self-worth, and stop losing yourself in relationships, there’s a question you need to be asking.

In this episode, I bring that question to the table. It’s the kind of conversation most anxious attachers skip over, but without it, the healing can only go so far.

If you’re still getting triggered, still chasing reassurance, or still forgetting who you are in love...


When You're Scared You've Messed Up & Anxious Attachment Has Ruined Everything
05/07/2025

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FREE BREAKING THE CYCLE OF ANXIOUS ATTACHMENT WORKSHOP

If you’re feeling like you’ve messed it all up… again, like you’re back at square one, stuck in the same old anxious attachment spiral than this episode is for you. Maybe you’ve texted when you said you wouldn’t. Maybe you’re beating yourself up for caring too much (again). Maybe your mind is screaming: “Why am I like this?!”

Before you disappear into shame or start rewriting the story that you’re too much, too needy, or never going to change, lis...


Common Anxious Attachment Triggers that Set You Off into Worry, Overthinking, & Acting Out
05/04/2025

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FREE BREAKING THE CYCLE OF ANXIOUS ATTACHMENT WORKSHOP

Feeling triggered in love, dating, and relationships? Constantly worrying, acting out, and obsessing? This episode is for anyone with anxious attachment who finds themselves overreacting, spiralling, or shutting down. Learn the most common attachment triggers and even get some bonus tips on how to manage them.

Perfect for anyone healing anxious attachment, exploring their reactions, and ready to feel more secure in relationships.

🎧 Attachment triggers, relationship anxiety, anxious attachment podcast, reacting in relationships, healing attachment wounds.

Other useful links:

...


When Healing You Anxious Attachment Feels Like It's Not Working (You're Stuck in a Cycle & at Rock Bottom)
04/30/2025

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Register for the free workshop: Breaking the Cycle of Anxious Attachment

You've been working hard to heal your anxious and/or disorganised attachment and right now you just feel like nothing is working? 

All the tools, the therapy, the journaling - none of it seems to be helping, and you're right back where you started? This episode is for you.

Whether you're feeling a heavy dip right now, stuck in a familiar loop, or questioning if healing is even possible for you, this episode is going to g...


Motivation for Anxious Attachment. Listen When You're Triggered, Overthinking, & Feeling Like You're Not Enough
04/24/2025

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Anxious Attachment is often maintained by low self-worth..

If you’ve ever felt like you’re not good enough in love, dating, & relationships  (especially when they pull away or act cold), this episode is 100% for you.

In this raw and honest moment, Carly Ann speaks straight from here heart to anyway that has anxious attachment, low self-worth, and knows the pain of being caught in a cycle you just want to break!

Listen when you’re feeling low, hurt, triggered, or just stuck in that familiar spiral of over...


Ghosting! This is Why People Ghost Instead of Speaking with You
04/19/2025

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Why do people ghost? If you have anxious attachment, being ghosted can feel devastating..like rejection, confusion, and obsession all rolled into one.

In this episode, Carly Ann is diving into the reasons that different people ghost.

If you have recently been ghosted, I hope this gives you some clarity around what is going on.


Other useful links:

FREE BREAKING THE CYCLE OF ANXIOUS ATTACHMENT WORKSHOP FREE ANXIOUS ATTACHMENT BUNDLE Follow Carly Ann on Instagram


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What Is Self-Soothing? A Must-Listen for the Anxiously Attached
04/13/2025

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If you've ever found yourself obsessing over a message or an ex, worrying they've lost interest, or feeling completely triggered by distance or mixed signals...this episode is for you. Whether you're in a situationship, dating an avoidant, or constantly battling your own anxious attachment style, you’ve probably heard the advice: just self-soothe. But what does that actually mean?

This episode is your go-to if you’ve been confused about what self-soothing really looks like when your anxious attachment is in overdrive, your thoughts are spiralling, and all you want is r...


TWO CBT Tools to Help with Worry & Uncertainty Around Your Relationships (For Anxiously Attached)
04/06/2025

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If you find yourself constantly worrying...Why haven’t they texted back? Did I say something wrong? Are they losing interest? this episode of Lessons in Attachment is for you. 

When you have an anxious attachment style, waiting and overthinking can take over your whole day. In this episode,Carly Ann is sharing two powerful CBT-based tools to help you cope with uncertainty and worry!

You’ll hear real-life examples (including my own!) and learn how to gently shift out of panic mode, no matter what someone else is doing...


This is How They Really Feel About Ghosting You
03/29/2025

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Have you been ghosted? Ghosting is one of the most painful and confusing ways to be left behind, but do ghosters actually feel anything?

In this episode, Carly Ann dive into a fascinating study by Freedman et al (2022) to uncover what’s really going on in the minds of ghosters. Do they feel guilty? Do they regret it? Or do they just move on without a second thought? Spoiler: It’s not as simple as you might think.

Other useful links:

FREE BREAKING THE CYCLE OF ANXIOUS ATTACHMENT WORK...


Obsessed and Overthinking? Here are 3 Signs of Limerence You Need to Know
03/23/2025

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Do you ever feel crazy? like your thoughts are spinning out of control over someone? That intense, obsessive longing where every little thing they do feels like a sign? 

You might be experiencing limerence. It’s more than just a crush - it’s an all-consuming obsession that can feel like an addiction to this person. It feels crazy - but I assure you you're not

In this episode Carly Ann give 3 major signs of limerence, how it differs from real love, and how people are healing. If you've ever...


The Real Reason Your Breakup Feels Worse, Your Heartbreak Is Intense, and You Feel Stuck Compared to Others
03/19/2025

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If you’re going through a breakup right now, you already know how painful it is. But have you ever wondered why some breakups feel so much worse than others? Why, for some people, the pain feels overwhelming, like it's impossible to move on?

Well, research suggests there’s a reason for that. And in today’s episode, we’re breaking down exactly what makes a breakup feel so unbearable for some people, and what you can do to start feeling better.

Stick with me, because by the end of this...


Going Through a Break-Up? Want Your Ex Back? or Struggling to Feel OK? - Listen to this Advice from a Break-Up Coach
03/15/2025

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In this episode of Lessons in Attachment, we’re joined once again by breakup coach Holly from Break Ups and Love  to dive even deeper into the challenges of heartbreak and healing. If you missed her first episode on May 26, 2024, scroll back to listen - it’s packed with insights on navigating breakups.

This time, we’re covering some really helpful and interesting topics to support your healing:

  The urge to get your ex back  Feeling like you can’t cope  The non-negotiables for healing  Managing overwhelming emotions  Tarot for brea...


Inner Child Work for Healing Childhood Trauma & Attachment Wounds (3 Keys)
03/12/2025

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Healing your attachment wounds and childhood trauma starts with reconnecting with a very important part of you - your inner child. In this powerful episode, we dive into why inner child work is the key to true healing.

Our brilliant guest expert shares three essential keys for practicing inner child work in a way that creates real change and healing. Whether you sare recovering from attachment wounds and/or trauma, this conversation will help you nurture the parts of you that need love, safety, and connection.

Stay...


Breaking Free from Jealousy: Healing Your Wounds & Inner Child
03/08/2025

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Do you have an anxious or disorganised attachment style? If you've ever felt that gut-wrenching fear that your partner might leave, that sinking feeling when someone else gets too close, or the endless overthinking that keeps you up at night... I'm sure you know exactly how all consuming jealousy can be!

In this episode, Carly Ann is diving deep into the jealousy through the lens of attachment theory, inner child healing, and reparenting. We’re unpacking why it feels so all-consuming, how it ties to your past, and most importantly - ho...


Motivation for When You're Feeling Stuck in Victim Mentality & Getting Triggered by the Small Things in Life
03/02/2025

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If you feel like life is against you, like nothing ever goes right and you’re stuck in a cycle of frustration...this 7-minute episode is exactly what you need. 

When big/small, daily challenges pile up, it’s easy to slip into a victim mindset, but staying there only keeps you stuck and creates so much pain and negative energy.

 This episode will help you shift your perspective, break free from resistance, and start seeing setbacks as stepping stones. 

What if life isn’t out to ge...


The Art of Letting Go: How to Detach, Accept, and Stop Obsessive Overthinking
02/23/2025

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Struggling to let go? Whether you're anxiously attached to a person, an outcome, or the way you thought life should be by now - this episode is for you.

When you're constantly waiting for reassurance, obsessing over what might happen, or clinging to control, it only fuels more anxiety. Feeling secure and peaceful comes from learning to detach.. as you will hear in this episode... that doesn't mean caring less from caring less in fact it's something else entirely.

In this episode, Carly Ann explore's:
✨ The Law of De...


Anxious Attachers - Change Your Type! Stop Chasing Avoidants & Start Attracting Secure Love!
02/18/2025

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This podcast is for anyone stuck in a cycle of being attracted to unavailable partners and ready to make a change. If you want to start attracting secure, available types then you need to hear this!

Join Carly Ann for practical steps, mindset shifts, and real-talk on how to start choosing secure, healthy love. No overanalyzing - just how you can change your type for good. 

Other useful links:

FREE BREAKING THE CYCLE OF ANXIOUS ATTACHMENT WORKSHOP FREE ANXIOUS ATTACHMENT BUNDLE Follow Carly Ann on Instagram



Key Psychology Techniques for Healing Anxious Attachment (Becoming Secure)
02/16/2025

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Do you have an anxious attachment style? Are you doing the work to heal attachment wounds but keep repeating patterns?

In this episode, Carly Ann dives into key psychological techniques that can help break free from the anxious attachment drama cycle and create real, lasting change. 

If you’ve ever felt stuck in overthinking, emotional highs and lows, or unhealthy relationship patterns, this episode is for you. Carly Ann shares how these tools can help you regain control, build secure attachment, and experience love in a way that feels saf...


Break Free from Your Inner Critic: Two Powerful Steps to Reparent the Voice That Holds You Back & Finally Claim the Self-Love You Deserve
02/12/2025

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Is your inner critic running your mood? Be honest, has it been running the show for too long? Usually the inner critic is loud, especially if you have an anxious attachment style. 

In this episode, Carly Ann explores how this harsh inner voice keeps you stuck, settling for less than you deserve, and holding back from true happiness. 

She shares a simple but powerful two-step process to start shifting the way you speak to yourself this week, so you can begin reparenting yourself and building a healthier, more loving re...


The Anxious Attachment Drama Cycle - This is the Classic Pattern that QUICKLY Ruins Relationships & Dating
02/08/2025

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Do you have an anxious or disorganised attachment style?

So, you know that moment when your stomach drops because they took too long to text back? Or when you convince yourself they’re losing interest, even if nothing has actually happened? And then, before you know it, you’re overthinking, checking their socials, or panicking about being left?

That’s the anxious attachment drama cycle...and it’s exhausting.

In this episode, Carly Ann walks you through 7 key steps of this attachment cycleso you can...


Living with Anxious Attachment: Needs, Triggers, & The Best Techniques (with Francesca Olivia)
02/05/2025

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In this episode, I’m joined by Frankie Olivia (@Frankiestherapy), a trauma-responsive creative psychotherapist and EMDR psychotherapist, to discuss living with and healing anxious attachment.

We explore:
✨ Understanding needs & unmet needs
✨ Separation anxiety and why it feels so intense
✨ The first thing to do when you notice you’re triggered
✨ Techniques to regulate your nervous system
✨ How progress and healing can feel slow
✨ Navigating guilt in the healing process

Discussed in this episode:

- 54321 Technique

- Podcast e...


STOP Losing Yourself in Relationships Using This One Principle
02/02/2025

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If you always lose yourself in love, put everyone else first, and feel like your happiness depends on someone else...this one is definitely for you today. 

Carly Ann gives you a key principle from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) that will help you stop abandoning yourself in relationships, dating, and even situationships with unavailable partners. 

This goes beyond just love...because when you keep sacrificing yourself to make others stay, it affects your confidence, mental health, and ability to feel secure in your own skin. It’s time to b...


The Real Journey from Self-Criticism to Self-Love - Where are You?!
01/29/2025

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Have an anxious attachment?

If you’re stuck in patterns of overthinking, self-doubt, and craving reassurance in love, relationships & dating... your inner critic might be running the show. That harsh voice keeping you small, making you question your worth, and pushing you into relationships where you give more than you get...it’s exhausting and you've probably had enough!

In this episode, Carly Ann is bringing you a favourite idea that helped her on her own journey to becoming secure. Hopefully this will also help you...


Break Free from the Cycle of Worry and "What Ifs" - Use These Practical Techniques Today!
01/26/2025

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DOWNLOAD YOUR ACCMPANYING PDF (DOC 12)

Do you feel trapped in endless “what if” thoughts, especially in relationships? For anxious attachers, uncertainty can feel unbearable, fueling overthinking and constant worry.

In this episode, Carly Ann will explore why uncertainty triggers anxiety and share practical tips to help you break the cycle. Learn how to sit with the unknown, challenge anxious thoughts, and regain control in relationships. If you’re ready to stop overthinking and start feeling more secure, this episode is for you.

Other useful links:

FREE BREAKI...


Trying to Go No Contact? Answer These 3 Questions When it's Hard & You Want to Give In
01/22/2025

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Going no contact? Are you feeling torn, uncertain, or even panicky about breaking no contact? As an anxious attacher, it’s easy to feel consumed by the urge to reach out, even when part of you isn’t sure it’s the right thing to do. In this episode, I’m sharing three powerful questions that will help you connect with what you’re really feeling and give you the clarity and guidance you need in this challenging moment. Whether you’re stuck in overthinking or overwhelmed by emotions, this episode is here to support y...


Obsessing & Overthinking? This Mindset Shift Helps People Take Back Control of Their Own Thoughts
01/19/2025

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DOWNLOAD YOUR ACCMPANYING PDF (DOC 11)

Anxious attachment can keep you stuck in obssessing, overthinking and self-doubt. 
In this episode Carly Ann shares how to shift your perspective on your thoughts so you can approach relationships with confidence, calm, and reduced reactivity.

Discover how to zoom out and step back from overwhelming thoughts to create space to respond - helping you build stronger, more secure connections.

Other useful links:

FREE BREAKING THE CYCLE OF ANXIOUS ATTACHMENT WORKSHOP FREE ANXIOUS ATTACHMENT BUNDLE Follow Carly Ann on Instagram

How Journaling and Tapping Help You Process Emotions, Navigate Triggers, & Heal
01/15/2025

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In this episode of Lessons in Attachment, I’m sharing a sneak peek from the Attachment Recovery Gym with guest expert Holly, also known as Breakups and Love. Holly, an accredited EFT International practitioner combining EFT tapping & journaling to help with stress and life's challenges.

You’ll hear why these tools are so powerful and how they can support your healing journey. Plus, I share an inspiring moment about savouring positivity to transform attachment patterns...and you’ll be encouraged to focus on your word of the year or month...


3 Things You Do That Makes Anxiety Worse When You Think They’re Pulling Away...& Techniques to Soothe in the Moment
01/12/2025

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Download PDF for Accompanying this Ep (10)

Do you have an anxious attachment style? Do you feel panicked when it seems like someone you care about is pulling away? Maybe you start overthinking their messages, checking your phone non-stop, or reacting in ways you wish you hadn’t. You’re not alone, and there’s a way through it.

In this episode, Carly Ann dives into the 3 things anxious attachers often do that actually make things worse—and how you can calm yourself instead. She breaks down why these habits feel so...


Lost Motivation and Hope in Your Healing? This Exercise Will Help You Believe in Change Again
01/08/2025

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Have you ever felt like change is impossible? Like no matter how hard you try, you keep slipping back into the same patterns? If you’re on a healing journey with anxious attachment, you’ve likely experienced moments of doubt, frustration, and even hopelessness. 

In this episode, Carly Ann offers a powerful exercise to help you rebuild your belief in yourself and your ability to change.

Whether you’re feeling stuck or just need a little motivation to keep going, this episode will remind you that change is possible for you...


Secure Attachment Starts Here: Let Go of These Anxious Patterns
01/05/2025

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Do you find yourself overthinking every little thing in your relationships? Like making up reasons to text them, holding back your true thoughts, or even pretending you’re totally fine when deep down, you’re not?

Maybe you’ve noticed you’re moulding yourself into what you think they want or making excuses for behaviour you know isn’t OK. Sound familiar?

In this episode, Carly Ann is getting into the habits that keep you stuck in anxiety and insecure attachment. If you’re tired of losing yourself in relationship...


Design Your Future: Use These Goal-Setting Techniques to Make 2025 Your Best Year
12/28/2024

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As we step into a brand new year, it’s time to focus on how to create the life you truly desire. In today’s episode, I dive deep into practical goal-setting techniques that will help you design your dream 2025. 

Whether you’re looking to transform your career, relationships, or personal development, I am giving practical steps to align your goals with what's important to you. 

Using mindset shifts, intentional planning, and powerful strategies, you’ll learn how to set goals that not only motivate but also inspire lasting change.Â