A romantic relationship is simultaneously the source of the greatest security and comfort, while being the scariest and riskiest place to be vulnerable. When someone is the most important person in the world, it is only natural to feel insecure. When we are emotionally disconnected, we feel more insecure in relationships. This is because emotionally safe and close connections are necessary for humans to live full lives. Everyone needs a strong connection to at least one other person. As children this is usually a connection to parents or siblings. As we grow up, this may changes to close friends. For most people, this important person is usually their spouse or romantic partner. Humans are biologically hardwired for connection. When we don’t have connection, it can cause a host of medical and mental health challenges. And the loss of a connection can be traumatic—in fact, it is well researched that going though a break up can cause trauma symptoms similar to PTSD but on a smaller scale. Because of the importance of this connection, the idea of being disconnected from my partner is inherently terrifying. This can cause a lot of fear, anxiety, depression, guilt, and embarrassment. It is normal to feel insecure and have strong emotional reactions when the relationship bond is threatened with disconnection. The key to managing this insecurity is building a relationship where sharing vulnerability is valued and treasured. It is through shared vulnerability that we can increase our emotional connection, and repair the relationship when there has been a moment of disconnection. Couple therapy can help you take the risk to be vulnerable while also training you how to create the emotional safety for you partner to be vulnerable with you. ![]() Elizabeth Polinsky, MSW, LCSW, is a marriage counselor and couple therapist specializing in working with military members, veterans, and their families. Liz is located in Norfolk, Virginia, and provides online counseling services throughout Virginia, South Carolina, and Arkansas. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Virginia (#0904011022), South Carolina (#11302), and Arkansas (#7735-C). She is also licensed as a Resident in Marriage and Family Therapy in Virginia (#0730000567) under the supervision of Dr. Victoria Holroyd at The Relationship Center at East Beach. My blogs and newsletters are general information for educational purposes only; they are not psychotherapy and not a replacement for therapy. The information provided does not constitute the formation of a therapist-patient relationship. You should consult your doctor or mental health provider regarding advice and support for your health and well being. I cannot answer questions regarding your specific situation. If you are experiencing a medical or mental health emergency, you should call 911, report to your local ER, or call the National Crisis Hotline at 1-800-273-8255. Nothing I post should be considered professional advice. The information in my blog posts and newsletters is not intended to be therapy or psychological advice. The blog posts and newsletters are not a request for a testimonial, rating, or endorsement from clients regarding counseling. If you are a current or former client/ patient, please remember that your comments may jeopardize your confidentiality. I will not “friend” or “follow” current or past clients to honor ethical boundaries and privacy; nor will I respond to comments or messages through social media from current or past clients. Current and past client’s should only contact me through the professional contact information provided on the website. Lastly, this account may be managed by multiple people. Therefore, comments and messages are monitored by staff and are not confidential.
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The Communicate & Connect Podcast
In Communicate & Connect For Military Relationships, I provide educational tips for relationships, communication, and navigating military family life. AuthorHey, I'm Elizabeth Polinsky and I am a marriage therapist in the Hampton Roads area. Categories
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