Explore every episode of the podcast On Attachment
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
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| #213: How to Care Less About Others' Opinions & Trust Yourself More | 04 Nov 2025 | 00:17:27 | |
So many of us spend our lives orienting around what other people think of us — seeking approval, avoiding disapproval, and constantly scanning for reassurance that we’re doing, saying, and being the “right” thing. If you lean towards anxious attachment patterns, this makes perfect sense. The foundation of the anxious attachment pattern is an external orientation — learning to attune to others for safety, validation, and a sense of self. When we’ve never had a steady internal anchor, other people become our compass. But that comes at a cost. We lose touch with our own truth — our values, our preferences, our intuition — and live our lives by borrowed standards. And the more we outsource our worth, the more fragile it becomes. In this episode, we explore how to shift from being other-referenced to self-referenced:
Ultimately, caring less about what others think isn’t about indifference — it’s about self-trust. When you truly respect and stand by yourself, other people’s opinions carry less weight. You stop needing to convince anyone of your worth, because you already know it. | |||
| #212: How & When to Start Dating Again After a Break-up | 28 Oct 2025 | 00:20:03 | |
One of the most common questions after a break-up is: when will I be ready to start dating again? Sadly, there’s no hard and fast rule, no magic timeline, and no moment where you’ll suddenly feel 100% confident and never wobble again. Readiness isn’t about the calendar — it’s about how you’re feeling, the work you’ve done, and the mindset you're bringing with you. In this episode, I’ll share:
If you’ve been wondering whether to dip your toes back in the dating pool, this episode will help you manage your expectations, recognise where you’re at, and approach the process in a way that feels grounded and intentional. Highlighted Links
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| #203: How to Soften Your Inner Critic and Forgive Yourself for the Past | 26 Aug 2025 | 00:17:00 | |
If you struggle with a harsh inner critic — whether it shows up as perfectionism, relentless self-judgment, or shame about the past — this episode is for you. We’re unpacking the roots of that punitive inner voice, how it tries to keep us safe, and the real cost it can have on our self-worth, our nervous system, and our ability to grow. We’ll also explore what it looks like to relate to ourselves differently: to meet our inner critic with compassion rather than fear, and to begin the process of forgiving ourselves for the things we wish we’d done differently. In this episode, we’ll cover:
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| #113: How Stress Impacts Our Relationships | 03 Oct 2023 | 00:27:11 | |
In today's episode, we're talking all about stress and the profound impact it can have on our relationships. We live in a world where stress is chronic and constant - and not only does that spell trouble for our health and wellbeing, but it can leave us feeling lonely, resentful and disconnected in our partnerships.
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| #112: When Your Partner Doesn't Want to Do The Work | 26 Sep 2023 | 00:18:19 | |
In today's episode, we're talking about what to do when your partner doesn't want to work on the relationship. This is an incredibly common dynamic, to have one partner who wants to actively work on things and another partner who is more resistant (which can often overlap with anxious-avoidant dynamics).
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| #111: The Pillars of Trust & Trustworthiness | 21 Sep 2023 | 00:16:33 | |
In today's episode, we're talking all about trust & trustworthiness. Trust is something that many people struggle with, oftentimes as a direct result of past experiences where trust has been breached. And as we'll discuss in today's conversation, trust is about so much more than honesty. My hope is that you'll walk away from today's episode with greater clarity about why you might struggle with trust, and the steps you can take to remediate this in your relationships.
Click here for my Building Trust masterclass 💻 Highlighted Links
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| #110: What Healthy Interdependency Looks Like & How to Cultivate It | 19 Sep 2023 | 00:20:38 | |
In today's episode, we're exploring healthy interdependency. Interdependency is often cited as a key trait of secure functioning relationships, and yet many of us lack a clear picture of what healthy interdependency actually looks and feels like - especially if you have a history of insecure attachment patterns.
JOIN THE WAITLIST FOR MY NEW COURSE ON ANXIOUS-AVOIDANT RELATIONSHIPS Highlighted Links
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| #109: Anxious Attachment & Open Relationships | 14 Sep 2023 | 00:12:52 | |
In today's episode, I'm sharing some thoughts around anxious attachment & open relationships. While not being my personal experience, this is an area I receive a lot of requests and questions around, as various non-monogamous relationship structures grow in popularity.
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| #108: How to Navigate Different Love Languages | 12 Sep 2023 | 00:16:34 | |
You've probably heard about the 5 Love Languages as pioneered by Gary Chapman. In this episode, I’ll share how to navigate the very common situation of having different love languages to your partner. We'll also cover how love languages interface with anxious-avoidant dynamics, and offer insights and practical tools on how you can share your love language with your partner so they can understand how to love you the way you want to be loved (and vice versa)! We’ll cover:
Find me on my new Youtube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@stephanierigg/ Highlighted Links
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| #107: Q&A: Mismatched Libido & Anxious-Avoidant Sexual Dynamics | 07 Sep 2023 | 00:16:52 | |
Mismatched libido in a relationship is a challenge that a lot of couples face. In today’s episode, I’ll be answering a listener's question of how to navigate mismatched libido in a relationship, particularly in an anxious-avoidant dynamic. I’ll guide you on strategies to break the anxious-avoidant spiral, by initiating open dialogue and finding a middle ground between both partners. We’ll cover:
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| #106: Retroactive Jealousy: Navigating Discomfort With Our Partner's Past | 05 Sep 2023 | 00:16:19 | |
Retroactive jealousy is one that focuses on the past, fixating on other partners or stages in your partner's lives and being threatened by it. In today’s conversation, I’ll dive into how such jealousy stirs immense stress, but more importantly, we share insights into building healthier, more resilient relationships. We'll cover:
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| #105: "How to navigate being newly single in my mid-30s? I feel like I'm out of time." | 31 Aug 2023 | 00:14:30 | |
With societal pressures and a ticking clock, being newly single in your mid-30s can be challenging. In today’s episode, I want to share advice on navigating being newly single and the mindset for dating, and honouring the desires you have without feeling hopeless or overwhelmed. We'll cover:
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| #104: The Importance of Separateness in Relationships | 29 Aug 2023 | 00:17:51 | |
As an anxiously attached person, space in a relationship can sometimes feel like the biggest threat. In today’s episode, I’m sharing my own experience with this and advice on how you can consciously choose space and separateness to foster greater intimacy in your relationship, especially in a time where you may feel more drawn to stay connected. We'll cover:
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| #202: How Attachment Styles Influence Friendship Dynamics | 19 Aug 2025 | 00:21:50 | |
We don’t often talk about how attachment dynamics play out in friendships — but if you’ve ever felt anxious, hurt, or overly invested in a friend who seemed to be pulling away, you’ll know just how triggering these relationships can be. While attachment theory was originally developed to explain the infant-caregiver bond and later applied to romantic relationships, many of the same fears, patterns, and protective strategies show up in our platonic relationships too — especially when they carry emotional significance. In this episode, we’re exploring how different attachment styles can impact the way we relate to our friends, why friendship ruptures can feel just as painful (if not more so) than romantic ones, and how to navigate these dynamics with more clarity, compassion, and self-respect. Highlighted Links
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| #103: How to Help a Partner Struggling with their Mental Health | 24 Aug 2023 | 00:18:12 | |
Looking out for someone who you care for that is going through a hard time is a challenge most of us will have to face in our lifetimes. But feelings of threat to the relationship, especially as an anxious attached person may come up in these times, and I want to help you navigate through these while prioritising your wellbeing, and not overstepping. We'll cover:
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| #102: Break-Up Q&A: No-Contact, Reconciling, and Guilt | 22 Aug 2023 | 00:16:07 | |
In today's episode, I'm answering your questions on the topic of break-ups. Break-ups are a universally challenging experience, and an area that I receive a lot of questions on.
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| #101: Navigating Long-Distance Relationships: Tips & Pitfalls | 17 Aug 2023 | 00:21:53 | |
In today’s episode, we’re exploring long-distance relationships. Despite the old adage of “absence makes the heart grow fonder”, many people tend to really struggle with long-distance relationship structures. We’ll cover:
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| #100: How to Stop Taking Things So Personally | 15 Aug 2023 | 00:19:29 | |
In today’s episode, I’m answering a listener’s question on how to stop taking things so personally. This is something a lot of us struggle with, and can lead us to internalise others’ behaviour in ways that damage our self-esteem and exacerbate our suffering.
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| #99: Attachment Styles & Break-Ups | 10 Aug 2023 | 00:23:39 | |
In today’s episode, we’re talking all about attachment styles and break-ups. While of course, break-ups are messy, personal and far from formulaic, there are undeniably certain themes in how our break-ups feel that can be traced to our attachment patterns. Use the code PHOENIX to save $150 off Higher Love - https://www.stephanierigg.com/higher-love Highlighted Links
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| #98: Ghosting: Why It Happens & How to Process | 08 Aug 2023 | 00:15:45 | |
Does ghosting leave you feeling anxious, confused, and questioning your self-worth? If so, you’re not alone. Highlighted Links
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| #97: How a Fear of Abandonment Impacts Our Relationships | 03 Aug 2023 | 00:18:45 | |
In today's episode, we're diving deep on the abandonment wound - a fear that lies at the heart of many insecure attachment patterns and relational dynamics. A fear of abandonment can show up in so many ways, and can keep us from experiencing relationships in a way that feels trusting, safe and secure.
Last Chance For This Round to Join My Signature Program, Healing Anxious Attachment https://www.stephanierigg.com/healing-anxious-attachment Highlighted Links
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| #96: The Importance of Discomfort in Life & Relationships | 01 Aug 2023 | 00:23:22 | |
In today’s episode, we’re talking all about discomfort — specifically, why it’s so essential in any healing journey to reframe the way we approach and relate to getting uncomfortable.
Join My Signature Program, Healing Anxious Attachment https://www.stephanierigg.com/healing-anxious-attachment Highlighted Links
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| #95: 3 Essential Ingredients to Make a Relationship Work | 27 Jul 2023 | 00:22:02 | |
Have you ever wondered why your relationship struggles persist, even when you love each other and have tried and tried to make it work?
Join Healing Anxious Attachment here! 🎉 Highlighted Links
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| #94: The Path to Healing Anxious Attachment | 25 Jul 2023 | 00:34:27 | |
Anxious attachment can be incredibly exhausting - but it doesn't have to govern your future. And in today's episode, I'm going to be laying out the path to healing anxious attachment, walking you through the core pillars of my methodology. We'll also delve deep into the core beliefs that drive anxious attachment, and how addressing these stories and wounds can liberate us from the fear of abandonment and feelings of unworthiness. Join My Signature Program, Healing Anxious Attachment https://www.stephanierigg.com/healing-anxious-attachment Highlighted Links
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| #201: How to Actually Heal from a Breakup | 12 Aug 2025 | 00:22:08 | |
If you’re someone with anxious attachment patterns, the ending of a relationship can bring up some of your deepest wounds: feelings of abandonment, not being enough, being too much, or fears that you’ll never find love again. In today’s episode, I’m offering a more grounded, intentional path through heartbreak — one that doesn’t rely on ruminating, obsessing, or waiting for closure from someone else. We’re talking about how to actually heal from a breakup, rather than just surviving it. I’ll walk you through:
Whether your breakup was recent or something you still carry with you, my hope is that this episode supports you in finding your way back to yourself — with clarity, compassion, and courage. Highlighted Links
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| #93: Why Are "Toxic" Relationships So Hard to Recover From | 20 Jul 2023 | 00:22:22 | |
Have you ever wondered why it can be so challenging to recover from toxic relationships? Why the drama and unpredictability leave you feeling more disoriented and overwhelmed than relieved? In today's episode, I'm here to guide you through this complex terrain. We'll unravel the dynamics of such relationships and expose the confusion, grief, and shame that often accompany them. We'll cover:
Join the waitlist for Healing Anxious Attachment https://www.stephanierigg.com/healing-anxious-attachment Heal from your break up, build deep self confidence, and find healthy, aligned love Highlighted Links
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| #92: How to Manage Jealousy in Relationships | 18 Jul 2023 | 00:21:00 | |
Unless you're a true outlier, there's a pretty good chance you've had some experience with jealousy. And yet, as universal as it is, jealousy is possibly one of the most maligned emotions we can have. Today's episode will also be beneficial for those grappling with jealousy resulting from a partner's past wrongdoings. Together, we'll learn how to create a safe space for addressing these feelings and communicating them respectfully. So tune in, and let's redefine your understanding of jealousy in relationships. Highlighted Links
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| #91: How to Navigate Boundaries with an Ex-Partner | 13 Jul 2023 | 00:20:14 | |
Ever been caught in that tricky situation of setting boundaries with an ex? Navigating this territory can be a daunting task at the best of times, and especially so when co-parenting or shared responsibilities are at play.
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| #90: Breaking the Cycle of Situationships | 11 Jul 2023 | 00:20:12 | |
Ever been stuck in a situationship, that in-between space where you're more than purely casual but not truly committed? In today's episode, we're unboxing this modern dating conundrum. Highlighted Links
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| #89: How to Care Less About Others' Opinions (For the Recovering People Pleaser) | 06 Jul 2023 | 00:13:10 | |
Are you feeling stuck in the perennial battle between seeking external validation and staying true to your authentic self? In today's Q&A episode, I'm sharing some thoughts on how to detach from unhealthy people-pleasing behaviours that ask us to trade our authenticity for belonging and approval. Highlighted Links
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| #88: The Anxious Dater's Guide: How to Remain Grounded in the Early Dating Phase | 04 Jul 2023 | 00:25:20 | |
Is your anxiety getting the better of you in the early stages of dating? Well, take a deep breath and let's journey together through this episode where we unravel the common anxieties in early dating, particularly for those with an anxious attachment style.
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| #87: The Art of Secure Relating with Stan Tatkin | 29 Jun 2023 | 00:50:53 | |
In today's episode, I'm delighted to be joined by the one & only Stan Tatkin, PsyD, MFT. Stan is a clinician, researcher, teacher, and developer of PACT (a Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy), as well as being a prolific author of several best-selling books such as Wired for Love and most recently, In Each Other's Care. We'll cover:
Use the code JUNE50 for 50% off 3 masterclasses or the Higher Love course - https://www.stephanierigg.com Highlighted Links
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| #86: 3 Tips for Building Self-Trust | 27 Jun 2023 | 00:16:53 | |
In the absence of self trust, we see a lot of other dominoes fall in terms of self worth and self respect. This is something almost everyone I work with struggles with to some degree and it’s a challenging piece of the puzzle when it comes to our personal growth in relationships. In today’s episode, I’m sharing 3 tips for building self trust to help you to go out into the world and make aligned choices. We'll cover:
Use the code JUNE50 for 50% off 3 masterclasses or the Higher Love Course - https://www.stephanierigg.com Highlighted Links
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| #85: “Am I Being Unreasonable?” (Part 2) | 22 Jun 2023 | 00:17:33 | |
In today’s episode, I’m continuing my series of answering your questions around the “reasonableness” of certain expectations and requests in relationship, with the goal of helping you build the muscle of discernment and capacity for self trust in navigating these nuances for yourself We'll cover:
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| #84: 5 Reminders If You're Going Through a Break-Up | 20 Jun 2023 | 00:20:27 | |
Unless you’ve married your high school sweetheart and lived happily ever after, you have likely experienced a breakup in your life. In today’s episode, I’m sharing 5 reminders and ways to support yourself while you're going through a break-up. We'll cover:
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| #200: How to Like Yourself More | 05 Aug 2025 | 00:23:03 | |
So many of us struggle with the idea of self-love. For me, and for many others, it can feel vague, aspirational, or simply out of reach. But what if, instead of trying to love ourselves, we focused on becoming someone we actually like? In today’s episode, I’m sharing five practical and tangible ways to do just that. This is about taking honest, grounded steps that help you build real self-respect, pride, and internal alignment. Whether you’re feeling disconnected from yourself, stuck in self-judgment, or just wanting to feel better in your own skin, this episode is for you. We’ll explore:
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| #83: How to Navigate Addiction to Drama with Dr Scott Lyons | 15 Jun 2023 | 00:49:58 | |
If you’ve ever caught yourself wondering why you keep attracting the same type of person, this episode is for you. Today I’m joined by Dr Scott Lyons, a holistic psychologist, educator and author, to talk about addiction to drama, and why we may subconsciously seek out chaos and intensity in our lives and relationships (even when we think we're trying to avoid it). We'll cover:
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| #82: “Am I Being Unreasonable?” (Part 1) | 13 Jun 2023 | 00:22:33 | |
One of the things I’m most often asked is “How do I know if I’m being unreasonable in my relationship?”. This can be a really tough enquiry to determine for yourself, particularly when you’re getting a lot of pushback and self-trust may be lacking. We'll cover:
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| #81: The Gift of Anxious-Avoidant Relationships | 08 Jun 2023 | 00:18:06 | |
So much of the content around attachment theory focuses on the challenges that anxious-avoidant pairings can present. And while those challenges are undoubtedly very real, there are also real gifts within an anxious-avoidant dynamic when the individuals involved are prepared to meet in the middle. Today I’m sharing what those gifts can look like, and tips on making the most of your anxious-avoidant relationship so that it can become a space for healing. We'll cover:
Use the code JUNE50 for 50% off my masterclasses or the Higher Love course - https://www.stephanierigg.com Highlighted Links
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| #80: How to Get an Avoidant Partner to Open Up | 06 Jun 2023 | 00:18:56 | |
This week, I’m answering the community question, “How do I get my avoidant partner to open up?”. I’ll dive into how to pave the way for more genuine, authentic connection and what that looks like for people with avoidant attachment styles and anxious attachment styles within relationships.
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| #79: 5 Reasons Why People Cheat | 01 Jun 2023 | 00:26:12 | |
A couple of weeks ago, I shared my thoughts on if “once a cheater, always a cheater” is true, and today I’m continuing the conversation around the reasons why people cheat in a relationship and getting curious around what’s driving these behaviours. For some people this may be a challenging episode to listen to, so please make sure you’re in the right mindset to listen. We'll cover:
Use the code JUNE50 for 50% off 3 masterclasses or the Higher Love Course - https://www.stephanierigg.com Highlighted Links
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| #78: Understanding Your Origin Wounds with Vienna Pharaon (@mindfulmft) | 30 May 2023 | 00:52:20 | |
In today's episode, I'm joined by Vienna Pharaon. Vienna is a licensed marriage & family therapist, creator of the hugely successful @mindfulmft Instagram account, and recently published author of The Origins of You. Vienna has the gift of conveying complex and emotionally dense topics with such nuance. Today she joins me on the podcast to talk about origin wounds and how they impact patterns in relationships as adults and how we can honour our pain and experience. We'll cover:
Find Vienna on Instagram or via her website. Highlighted Links
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| #77: "How to enjoy being single when I really want a relationship?" | 25 May 2023 | 00:15:18 | |
When you really want a relationship, enjoying being single can be something incredibly challenging. In today's Q&A style episode, I’m diving into how to enjoy being single when all you really want is a relationship. We'll cover:
Use the code PHOENIX for $150 off the Higher Love Course - https://www.stephanierigg.com/higher-love Highlighted Links
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| #76: 5 Communication Mistakes You're Making (& What to do instead) | 23 May 2023 | 00:23:40 | |
In today's episode, I’m sharing five communication and conflict mistakes that I often see people making in relationships and what you can do instead to bridge a positive connection with your partner. We'll cover:
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| #75: Is "once a cheater, always a cheater" true? | 18 May 2023 | 00:13:15 | |
Cheating within relationships can cause so much pain, grief and sensitivity around betray and infidelity. In today's Q&A style episode, I’m sharing my thoughts on if people can really change if they’ve cheated in the past and advice for people in the situation with concerns that their partner may not stay faithful. We'll cover:
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| #74: Helping Men Thrive in Life & Relationships with Connor Beaton (@mantalks) | 16 May 2023 | 00:57:46 | |
In today's episode, I'm talking with NY-based coach, teacher and speaker, Connor Beaton about the challenges men are facing in our modern society. Connor and I talk through how understanding the experience of men better, we can cultivate healthier relationships and happier and more fulfilled lives. Note: while On Attachment aims to be as inclusive as possible, this conversation is focused primarily on male-female relationships and the dynamics that can arise therein. We know that's not everyone's experience, so feel free to take from this episode what resonates with you, and leave what doesn't. We'll cover:
Find Connor Beaton's work on Instagram (@mantalks), check out his courses and membership on his website, and be sure to purchase his best-selling book Men's Work. Highlighted Links
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| #199: How Our Early Imprints Shape Our Lives & Relationships with Lael Stone | 30 Jul 2025 | 00:52:26 | |
In this episode, I’m joined by educator, speaker, and author Lael Stone to explore the powerful role that early imprints play in shaping the stories we carry — about ourselves, others, and the world around us. We dive into how our earliest experiences — especially within our family system — inform the narratives we unconsciously live by. We talk about what it means to bring those stories into conscious awareness, and how to begin rewriting the ones that no longer serve us. Whether you’re deep in your healing journey or just beginning to explore your inner world, this conversation is a reminder that we’re not defined by our past — and that we have the power to tell a new story. Connect with Lael Stone Instagram: @laelstone Website: laelstone.com.au Purchase Lael's new book, Own Your Story Highlighted Links
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| #73: Why We Want to Believe in "The One" | 11 May 2023 | 00:10:45 | |
In today's episode, I'm unpacking the concept of "the one". When it comes to relationships, many of us have absorbed the conditioning that there is some perfect person out there for us - and our only job is to find them. This can lead us down a rabbit hole of doubt, comparison and low self-worth.
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| #72: 5 Tips for Loving Someone Well | 09 May 2023 | 00:20:32 | |
In today's episode, I'm sharing 5 tips on how to love someone well. So often, we think we are being loving towards someone - when really, we are pursuing our own agenda of loving them with strings attached. We love in order to get something in return, and then feel secretly resentful when things don't go our way. So instead, I'm sharing how to love someone in a way that feels pure and open-hearted.
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| #71: "Is he avoidant or just not that into me?" | 04 May 2023 | 00:12:06 | |
In today's episode, I'm answering the question of "How do I know if someone is avoidant or just not that interested in me?" This is a question I get A LOT - and the answer might surprise you. Highlighted Links
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