Avoiding

Avoiding is a type of Protective Pattern. Learn how Protective Patterns work in our life.

What does Avoiding look like?

Avoiding is when we ignore problems.
We might numb our emotions, misusing drugs or alcohol, eating too much food or spending too much.
We might avoid certain people.
We might say everything will be good when we know deep down that is not true.

Download our Protective Patterns Guide

Avoiding Armadillo

Resources for Avoiding

Books

Adults

Stop Avoiding Stuff: 25 Microskills to Face Your Fears and Do It Anyway by Matthew S. Boone LCSW,, Jennifer Gregg PhD, Lisa W. Coyne PhD
Raising Our Hands: How White Women Can Stop Avoiding Hard Conversations, Start Accepting Responsibility… by Jenna Arnold
The New Codependency: Help and Guidance for Today’s Generation by Melody Beattie

Teens

Speak Up: A Young Adult’s Guide to Engage in Difficult Conversations, Address Conflict, and Earn Respect

Children

My Very Favorite Book in the Whole Wide World by Malcolm Mitchell

Podcast

How to Stop Avoiding – The Brendon Show
Avoiding Avoidance with Anja Schmitz, PhD – Therapy for Real Life Podcast
Brene Brown on Comparative Suffering
Brene Brown on Comparative Suffering

Articles

Avoidance Coping and Why It Creates Additional Stress By Elizabeth Scott, MS
Avoidance: The Band-Aid Solution to Long-Term Problems By Christina Smith, LMHC
Toxic Positivity Is On The Rise. Are You Guilty Of Spreading It?

Videos