Support for
Connection that feels safer. Therapy for attachment patterns.
Therapy for attachment patterns that get in the way of safe, lasting connection — drawing on Schema Therapy, EMDR, and attachment-focused work.
Key information you should know
- Attachment patterns are formed early but can be reworked at any age — therapy genuinely changes how relationships feel.
- Schema Therapy, EMDR, and attachment-focused work are evidence-based ways of addressing patterns that started in early relationships.
- Attachment difficulties often sit beneath relationship struggles, low self-worth, or complex trauma — we work with the underlying patterns, not just the surface.
Signs you might benefit from attachment issues support
- Closeness feels unsafe — you withdraw, shut down, or sabotage when relationships get close
- A push-pull pattern — wanting connection but pulling away when it arrives
- Anxiety about being abandoned, replaced, or not enough
- Difficulty trusting people, even those who have been consistent
- Repeating relationship patterns despite trying different partners or friendships
- A sense that something about how you connect is 'off' but hard to name
- Strong reactions to disconnection, rejection, or perceived criticism
How therapy can help with attachment issues
Attachment patterns shape how we expect others to respond: closeness, distance, fear of abandonment, or difficulty trusting. Therapy explores these patterns in current relationships.
Understanding attachment does not blame you for past experiences. It clarifies why certain dynamics repeat and what secure connection might look like in practice.
Psychologists who support attachment issues
8 psychologists with experience in attachment issues.
Accepting new clientsBook with BandaiBandai Choi
Clinical Psychologist
Bandai supports individuals across the lifespan with a thoughtful and empathetic approach. He works collaboratively with clients to address complex challenges, tailoring therapy to each person's unique needs.
Works from Succoris Sunbury
Accepting new clientsBook with CarolineCaroline Gorman
Psychologist & Clinic Manager
Caroline is an experienced psychologist who supports clients across the lifespan to work towards meaningful therapeutic outcomes. With more than 15 years of experience, she brings a thoughtful, non-judgemental approach.
Works from Succoris Sunbury
Dr Kim Mihaljevic
Clinical Psychologist
Kim offers a compassionate, person-centred approach, supporting individuals to improve their emotional wellbeing and live a meaningful life. She works collaboratively with clients aged 15 and over.
Works from Succoris Sunbury
Kristy Ward
Psychologist & Director
Kristy is a warm, highly experienced psychologist who brings nearly two decades of clinical practice to helping people feel understood, supported and confident as they work towards meaningful change.
2 clinics
Accepting new clientsBook with MaiaraMaiara Kunzler
Psychologist
Maiara is passionate about creating a safe, warm, and collaborative space where clients feel supported, respected, and empowered throughout the therapeutic process.
2 clinics
Nikita Kettlewell
Clinical Psychologist & Clinic Manager
Nikita works collaboratively with clients to identify goals and strategies for each individual, using a warm, empathic and non-judgemental approach. She has a background in individual and group therapy.
Works from Succoris Bendigo
Sophie Lord
Clinical Psychologist
Sophie provides warm, thoughtful therapy for children, adolescents and adults via telehealth. She is culturally aware, inclusive, and brings genuine curiosity to each person's story.
2 clinics
Accepting new clientsBook with SumairaSumaira Yousaf
Psychologist
Sumaira Yousaf is a registered General Psychologist with extensive international clinical experience across Australia and the UAE. She works with children, adolescents, adults, and families with a warm, strengths-focused approach.
Works from Succoris Sunbury
Common questions about attachment issues
What are attachment issues?
Attachment refers to the patterns we develop for connecting with and trusting others, shaped largely by early relationships. When those early experiences were inconsistent or hurtful, we can develop patterns that make closeness feel unsafe or anxiety-provoking as adults. These patterns are understandable adaptations, not flaws, and they can be reworked at any age with support.
How do I know if attachment patterns are affecting me?
You might notice recurring difficulties in relationships, such as fear of abandonment, difficulty trusting, pushing people away, or feeling anxious about closeness. These patterns often show up across different relationships and can sit beneath low self-worth or ongoing conflict. If your relationships keep following painful patterns, exploring attachment with a psychologist can help you understand why and what to do about it.
Can attachment patterns really change?
Yes. While attachment patterns form early, they are not fixed, and therapy genuinely changes how relationships feel over time. Approaches such as schema therapy, EMDR, and attachment-focused work help you understand the origins of your patterns, work with the emotions underneath, and build safer, more secure ways of relating. The therapeutic relationship itself is part of how this change happens.
What kind of therapy helps with attachment issues?
Attachment-focused therapy, schema therapy, and trauma-informed approaches like EMDR are commonly used, tailored to your history and goals. This work is usually gradual, because it addresses long-standing patterns, and your psychologist will move at a pace that feels safe. No referral is needed to book, and a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan may provide Medicare rebates on individual sessions.
What are the four attachment styles?
Attachment styles describe patterns in how we connect with others, usually shaped by early relationships. Secure attachment involves feeling comfortable with closeness and trust. Anxious attachment often brings a fear of abandonment and a need for reassurance. Avoidant attachment involves valuing independence and finding closeness uncomfortable. Disorganised attachment mixes wanting and fearing closeness, often after difficult early experiences. These are patterns, not fixed labels, and they can shift toward greater security with support.
Prefer to reach out directly? We're happy to help.