Re:Dependent/Avoidant/Reactive

you are trying to avoid something that cannot be avoided. We all experience situations of feeling/perceiving that we have been rejected and/or abandoned. The key is for the client to learn that this is his/her response and that he/she can handle it. What are the thoughts the client has in regards to this perception of being abandoned. Some cognitive therapy can be used here.

Also, is the client experiencing PTSD? That can account for the reactions, the anxiety triggered by the perceived abandonment may be triggering further anxiety and all the physical and emotional reactions that go with it. Once that fear and anxiety is triggered the body goes into action and perhaps the client needs to be taught to slowly handle these bodily responses which are now perceived to be threatening. Attention to body sensations in a non-threatening and safe place can help.

You might want to explore the idea of PTSD and how it affects the body as well as the emotions. Is the client taking any medication to help reduce the stress levels and what physical routine does he/she have - exercise can help release the adrenlin rush that accompanies the fear and anxiety that has been triggered. You might want to suggest to the client that when these moments of fear and anxiety surface that the body is on a andrenlin rush and that movement will help release it as well as lead to calmness. Although I am not big on medications, beleive other avenues need to be given a try, It is possible that Paxil could benefit this person - it is effective with anxiety as well as depression (which can accompany the anxiety) and may help the client stabilize a bit.

Replies:

Re:Dependent/Avoidant/Reactive, by Deb, 03/16/02

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