

On Attachment
Stephanie Rigg
Join relationship coach Stephanie Rigg in On Attachment, where she delves deep into all things attachment theory, love, relationships & intimacy - sharing her wisdom and experience to help you start making real changes in your life & relationships.
Episodes
Mentioned books

6 snips
Jan 22, 2026 • 6min
#226: “If They Wanted To, They Would” (Ask Steph)
This discussion delves into the phrase 'if they wanted to, they would,' revealing its nuances. It distinguishes between basic effort and genuine capacity, shedding light on how relationships are often affected by deeper issues like attachment patterns and stress responses. The conversation encourages listeners to focus on their own boundaries and non-negotiables, rather than judging others' intentions. It emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and the value of being with a partner willing to grow.

53 snips
Jan 20, 2026 • 20min
#225: How to Know Whether to Keep Trying or Walk Away from a Relationship
Navigating the choice to stay or leave a relationship can be a heart-wrenching dilemma. Discover 10 reflective questions designed to guide clearer decision-making, focusing on needed changes and mutual willingness. Explore the significance of respect and trust for relationship longevity. Unpack whether you’re pursuing love or just the idea of being chosen. Delve into self-reflection, assessing boundaries, and envisioning life a year ahead. This compassionate framework helps you reconnect with your values and navigate emotions with grace.

Jan 15, 2026 • 5min
#224: I Drunk Texted My Ex and Feel So Much Shame — Help! (Ask Steph)
Drunk texting an ex can lead to a morning of shame, but you're not alone! The conversation tackles why this happens, especially post-breakup when emotions run high. Tips for handling the situation include keeping follow-ups simple and avoiding the temptation to over-explain. Setting practical guardrails, like pausing drinking and blocking contacts, can help prevent future slip-ups. Instead of spiraling into shame, listeners are encouraged to view these moments as learning opportunities to rebuild self-trust and make healthier choices.

Jan 13, 2026 • 15min
#223: What It Really Takes to Make an Anxious–Avoidant Relationship Work
Anxious-avoidant relationships can be both magnetic and destabilizing, often deemed incompatible. The key to their success lies in commitment, humility, and capacity. Commitment fosters safety for vulnerability and repair, while humility helps break down defensive patterns. Understanding one’s nervous system and communication skills is essential for navigating triggers. Ultimately, assessing whether both partners can support mutual growth is crucial for these dynamics to thrive.

Jan 8, 2026 • 9min
#222: Can a Fearful Avoidant Change After Cheating? (Ask Steph)
In this engaging discussion, the host delves into the complexities of infidelity and the potential for real change in fearful-avoidant partners. They emphasize the importance of genuine remorse over empty promises and the necessity of understanding the root causes of cheating. The conversation highlights how fearful-avoidant patterns can lead to self-sabotage and stresses the emotional maturity required for rebuilding trust. Key questions for navigating repair after betrayal are shared, providing listeners a roadmap for assessing the likelihood of meaningful change.

24 snips
Jan 6, 2026 • 14min
#221: How to Let Go of Someone You Love (For Anxious Attachers)
Letting go of someone you love can be a monumental challenge, especially for those with anxious attachment patterns. Discover how these patterns create a false sense of safety in holding on. Explore the crucial difference between love and compatibility, and why feelings shouldn't dictate actions. Letting go is a recurring choice that may be accompanied by grief and discomfort, but these are essential parts of the healing process. Gain insights on handling lingering emotions without reverting to old habits, empowering you to trust your choices.

Dec 30, 2025 • 20min
#220: 3 Hard Truths About Changing Your Life
As the year comes to a close, this episode offers a grounded reflection on what actually creates change — beyond resolutions or waiting to feel ready.This is an invitation to reflect on agency, integrity, and the quiet choices that shape your life over time.Register for the 28-Day Secure Self Challenge here

8 snips
Dec 16, 2025 • 19min
#219: How a Fear of Rejection Keeps Us From What We Want Most
Fear of rejection extends beyond romantic relationships, impacting friendships, work, and creativity. It stems from evolutionary roots, making rejection feel personal and triggering avoidance. This creates a cycle of self-criticism and loneliness. By building resilience, reality-checking assumptions, and taking small risks, individuals can break free from self-rejection. Emphasizing that rejection reflects compatibility, not worth, offers encouragement to embrace opportunities and live more boldly, even in the face of potential rejection.

65 snips
Dec 9, 2025 • 27min
#218: Why You're Attracted to Unavailable People
The discussion dives into the patterns that attract people to emotionally unavailable partners. Low self-worth and inconsistent early relationships can create a magnetic pull toward the familiar. The savior mentality, driven by hope and potential, often keeps one invested in unfulfilling dynamics. Intermittent reinforcement makes these relationships addictive, similar to gambling. Interestingly, the conversation also highlights how one's own emotional unavailability can contribute to these patterns. It's a compassionate exploration of how to shift toward more fulfilling relationships.

Dec 3, 2025 • 18min
#217: The Missing Piece in Your Healing Journey
In this episode, we explore what it really takes to create meaningful change — especially in those seasons where everything feels hard, familiar patterns keep looping, and no amount of “trying” seems to make a difference. We talk about the inner environment required for real change, and why self-compassion isn’t the opposite of accountability — it’s the foundation of it.You’ll hear about:Why we default to shame when we feel stuckThe myth that self-criticism leads to better behaviourHow shame overwhelms an already stressed nervous systemWhy being on your own team is essential for honest self-reflection👉🏼 Join the January round of my 28-Day Secure Self Challenge here00:00 Introduction 04:13 Why Self-Judgment is So Common06:32 Understanding and Validating Anxiety08:49 The Role of Self-Compassion in Growth11:58 Isn't Self-Compassion Self-Indulgent?


