Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions around suicide.

Triggers Aren’t the Problem—They’re the Clue

Co-host Sue Marriott and guest Lisa Firestone examine how attachment wounds, emotional dysregulation, and relational disconnection can quietly escalate into crisis. Together they explore the often-overlooked link between attachment patterns and suicidality, and why understanding your relational blueprint may be one of the most important protective factors you have. Blending research, clinical experience, and practical strategies, this episode offers tools for building emotional resilience, increasing self-awareness, and supporting others through vulnerable moments.

“It is a full-time job to cope with alien elements from both interpersonal sources and societal influences.” – Dr. Lisa Firestone

Myths of Attachment Styles: What Real Science Tells Us

FREE LIVE Webinar – March 12

Join Ann and Sue as they challenge oversimplified attachment frameworks popularized on social media and explore the dynamic, context-dependent nature of defensive attachment patterns. The attachment spectrum includes cultural patterns as well as unconscious scripts and strategies to update your patterns in real time – tune in to hear more! FREE with an option to purchase 1.5 CE. Click Here to Sign Up!!

Time Stamps for From Crisis to Connection: Attachment as a Lifeline with Dr. Lisa Firestone (292)

05:23 Understanding suicide and self-regulation
11:09 Therapeutic approaches to suicidality
16:17 Navigating attachment styles
27:11 Understanding attachment and security
29:53 Interactive exercise on attachment
40:22 Recognizing triggers in relationships

About our Guest – Dr. Lisa Firestone

Lisa Firestone, PhD is a Clinical Psychologist and the Director of Research and Education at the Glendon Association and Senior Editor at PsychAlive.org. She is the author of numerous articles and book chapters and coauthor of the books Self Under Siege, Conquer Your Critical Inner Voice, and Creating a Life of Meaning and Compassion. Dr. Firestone is a national and international trainer and presenter on topics including couple relationships, attachment, suicide and violence prevention assessment and treatment Lisa has been involved in clinical training and research in the areas of suicide and violence which resulted in the development of the assessments Firestone Assessment of Self-destructive Thoughts (FAST) and (FASI) and the Firestone Assessment of Violent Thoughts (FAVT) for adults and adolescents. Lisa Firestone is a clinical psychologist in private practice and consultant on the management of high-risk clients.

Resources for From Crisis to Connection: Attachment as a Lifeline with Dr. Lisa Firestone (292)

Making Sense of Your Life – eCourse with Dr. Dan Siegel and Dr. Lisa Firestone (4 CEs)

Challenging the Fantasy Bond – book by Dr. Robert Firestone

Developing Secure Attachment – Two-Part Online Course (2 CEs)

Beyond Attachment Styles course is available NOW!

Learn how your nervous system, your mind, and your relationships work together in a fascinating dance, shaping who you are and how you connect with others.

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