When One Partner Shuts Down and the Other Leans In

In many couples, one person tends to retreat while the other pushes harder to connect. It’s not a character flaw, it’s a dance rooted in attachment.

This dynamic can feel frustrating and lonely for both people.

  • The pursuer feels ignored.

  • The withdrawer feels overwhelmed.


  • At Clairville Therapy Group, we help couples understand and shift these patterns so both people feel safe and seen.

🌀 Try This Together: Pause an argument and ask, “What do you need right now to feel calmer with me?”

www.clairvilletherapygroup.com

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What If the Problem Isn’t You, It’s Chronic Stress?

It’s easy to blame yourself when you’re irritable, unfocused, or withdrawing from loved ones. But often, the “problem” is prolonged stress, and your nervous system is doing its best to cope. Chronic stress can look like: – Reactivity in your relationship – Forgetting simple things – Feeling numb or shut down – Constant fatigue, even after sleep If this resonates, know that your body is not betraying you. It’s protecting you. Therapy can help you reset your stress responses and reclaim calm. 🌀 Reflection Prompt: What small signals has your body been sending that you might be overlooking? www.clairvilletherapygroup.com
Read more

Sunday Reset: Mental Health Rituals That Work

Sundays can bring up a mix of dread, pressure, or the urge to overhaul everything. But healing happens in rhythm not extremes. Here are 3 simple rituals to build into your Sunday: Mental Check-In: How am I feeling physically, emotionally, and socially? Gratitude Debrief: Share one small thing that brought comfort this week with your partner or journal. 5-Minute Reset: Tidy one small area, stretch, or go outside. These aren’t fixes, they’re foundations. When you show up gently for yourself, you build a life that’s sustainable, not just productive. 🌙 Today’s Invitation: Choose one ritual and make it yours. www.clairvilletherapygroup.com
Read more