CC08 Workshop 14 - Addiction to “Alone Time”: Avoidant Attachment, Narcissism, and a One-Person Psychology within a Two-Person Psychological System - Stan Tatkin, PsyD

Description: Avoidant attachment can resemble disorders of the self, such as narcissistic or schizoid presentations, where partners rely heavily on auto-regulation and disengage from mutual emotional attunement. This workshop examines how such dynamics play out in romantic relationships, offering practical strategies—like proximity-based interventions and structured dyadic exercises—to support co-regulation and foster secure relating.

Syllabus Description: Comparisons have been made between severe avoidant attachment and disorders of the self such as antisocial personality, schizoid personality, and narcissistic personality. Each of these disorders, including avoidant attachment, can be grouped together as one-person psychological organizations in that they operate outside of a truly interactive dyadic system, and primarily rely upon themselves for stimulation and calming via auto-regulation. The chronic need for “alone time” can take many surprising forms throughout the lifespan, directly impacting romantic relationships.

Educational Objectives:

1. To describe an appropriate intervention for keeping an avoidant patient in treatment.
2. To identify physical approach and avoidance behaviors that often accompany attachment organization.

*Sessions may be edited for content and to preserve confidentiality*