The Human Upgrade: Biohacking for Longevity & Performance

How Early Childhood Attachment Sets Your Relationship Patterns – Daniel P. Brown, Ph.D., with Dave Asprey : 718

Jul 7, 2020

Daniel P. Brown, Ph.D., an Associate Clinical Professor at Harvard and expert in trauma and attachment theory, dives into how early childhood attachments shape adult relationships. He explains the two relational maps formed in early life and their complexities. Dr. Brown highlights the need to shift from addressing negative states to cultivating positive experiences through advanced meditation techniques. He also shares insights on the impact of early experiences and mentors in trauma recovery, bridging Western psychology and Buddhist practices.

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INSIGHT

Two Relational Maps

Humans develop two relational maps: the attachment map (12-20 months) and the CCRT map (3-4 years).
These maps determine whether individuals struggle with relationships or within relationships.

INSIGHT

Attachment Styles

Secure attachment involves a balance between exploration and seeking reassurance from a caregiver.
Insecure attachment styles include dismissing, anxious-preoccupied, and disorganized.

INSIGHT

Attachment Problems in Adults

About one-third of adults have insecure attachment styles stemming from childhood.
Metacognitive deficits often prevent individuals from recognizing their attachment problems.

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In this episode of Bulletproof Radio, my guest’s expertise ranges from trauma, attachment theory and hypnosis to ancient traditions of meditation. In fact, he’s a Buddhist Meditation Master. This is the first of a two-part series you don’t want to miss.

Dan Brown, Ph.D., is an Associate Clinical Professor of Psychology at Harvard University Medical School. He also teaches hypnotherapy. He’s been on the faculty for nearly 40 years.

We explore how early childhood attachment can define your relationships positively or negatively. As the world-leading expert on attachment theory, Dr. Brown shares share his research findings and give you options.

“There are two relational maps,” says Dr. Brown. “The first one forms about 12 to 20 months. That's the attachment map. The second one forms about the third and fourth year of life. That's called CCRT or Core Conflict Relationship Theme map. The difference between those two maps is the second map is much more complicated, and it's much more accessible to memory. The difference, put simply, is that there's a difference between whether you have trouble with relationships or within relationships.”

Dr. Brown also expanded his work to study the Buddhist approach.

“In the West we study psychopathology and psychiatric conditions,” he says. “In Buddhism, they studied positive states, so that's the other half of the map. Once you've worked through the negative stuff, all that leaves you with is a basic everyday unhappiness. If you work on developing the mind in the positive sense, you will be onto happiness and contentment in life, into awakening.”

I asked Dr. Brown how people could fix the broken stuff if they had early childhood trauma and were struggling in their adult relationships. He offers hope, treatments and says no one is left behind if they need help.

The other really cool thing we get into is hypnosis, which is actually just a “talent for heightened attentiveness.” Dr. Brown worked for over 100 hours with Sirhan Sirhan, the man accused of assassinating Robert F. Kennedy. You didn’t see that coming, did you? Listen on to learn what he found out!

Enjoy the show! And get more resources at https://blog.daveasprey.com/category/podcasts/.

SPECIAL OFFER FOR BULLETPROOF RADIO LISTENERS

You can learn more about Dr. Daniel P. Brown’s teachings and your own attachment style with this special promotion. Save 20% off all online courses at https://www.attachmentproject.com/dave/. Enter code DAVE at checkout to save 20%.

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