Family of Origin & Wounds

Course Cut-OutFreedom From Anxiety
Written By Austin Cavaliere

If you need help seeing Jesus in the middle of your struggle, or just feel like you are stuck, ready to move into growth and healing, connect with a Christian coach.

Excerpt: Root Cause: Family of Origin & Wounds - Anxiety Session 5

Course: Freedom From Anxiety

Speakers: Matthias Barker

Unmasking the Wound: Anxiety as a Protector and the Roots of Attachment

Sometimes, anxiety isn't just about problem-solving; it's a protector, shielding a deeper wound. It manifests as a pervasive inability to experience joy or presence, even amidst positive circumstances. This disconnect signals an underlying issue, a pain seeking to be addressed.

Anxiety's Protective Role

Anxiety can act as a guard, protecting a vulnerable part of ourselves from further harm. It's like a dialogue between different internal voices, each trying to safeguard a tender, hidden pain. This pain might stem from childhood wounds, parental relationships, bullying, or trauma.

Identifying the Wound

To understand this, we must explore the roots of our anxiety, often linked to attachment patterns formed in childhood. John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth's "Strange Situation" experiment revealed how early relationships with caregivers shape our interactions with the world.

Secure, Avoidant, and Anxious Attachment

The experiment demonstrated secure attachment, where a child seeks comfort from a caregiver, and two insecure patterns: avoidant, where a child avoids seeking comfort, and anxious, where a child exhibits clinginess and anger due to fear of abandonment.

Attachment Wounds

These attachment patterns influence our adult relationships and self-perception. We might have secure attachments in some areas and insecure ones in others, leading to internal conflicts and anxieties.

The Internal Conflict

These attachment wounds create internal "software" that shapes our interactions. When this software is incompatible, it leads to internal conflict, manifesting as anxiety and discontentment.

Healing the Inner Child

Addressing these wounds involves acknowledging the younger version of ourselves, offering the nurture and safety they lacked. This loosens the grip of anxiety, allowing us to set it down instead of being controlled by it.

Trauma Beyond Severity

Trauma isn't solely defined by severity; it's also measured by surprise. An unexpected betrayal or experience can profoundly alter our worldview, leaving a lasting imprint.

Acknowledging the Trauma

Acknowledging the traumatic nature of these experiences, even if they seem minor, is crucial for healing. It validates our feelings and allows us to process the impact they had on our lives.

Conclusion: Healing the Roots for Lasting Peace

Anxiety often masks deeper wounds, particularly those related to attachment and unexpected trauma. By understanding these roots and offering compassion to our younger selves, we can begin to heal, loosening the grip of anxiety and finding lasting peace.

 

If you like the content, you can continue in a few different ways…

  • 1) See the outline below and check out other sections from the FFP course.

  • 2) Take the full small group course to your church community! The first course your church runs is free! Reach out to us here to learn how.

  • 3) Connect with a Share The Struggle Coach for one-on-one support. Let’s face it, some of us have tried kicking this thing, and we’ve had no luck. It’s time to start looking toward forms of support that can help us see and feel the beautiful life God has in store for us.

 

Freedom From Anxiety

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Freedom From Anxiety 〰️

Understanding the Roots of Anxiety

Session 1

Session 2

Session 3

Session 4

Session 5

Healing Through Relationships

Session 6

Session 7

Session 8

 

Share The Struggle Courses

Share the Struggle Courses are topical expert led video courses to help you understand life’s greatest struggles and provide you with tools for navigating them. Moreover, STS courses create a space for you to connect with others struggling with similar things, experience belonging, and encounter God’s nearness in a place of wilderness in your life (pain, confusion, healing journey). Want to start a group at your church? Reach out to us here to learn how.

 

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Here at Share The Struggle we believe Jesus is present with us in the middle of our pain and mess, and it is in that place that we often experience and encounter Jesus most deeply.

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We invite you to explore our resources, share your journey, and find the support you need to overcome the struggles you face.

Austin Cavaliere
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