While Valentine’s Day is traditionally associated with affection and celebration, clinicians at River’s Bend PC are raising awareness of a lesser-known truth: for many clients, this time of year can trigger intense emotional dysregulation rooted in attachment trauma and limerence—a form of obsessive infatuation with significant clinical risk.
“These aren’t just relationship struggles,” said Amy Fresch, MA, LPC, Clinical Director at River’s Bend. “For clients with co-occurring disorders, unresolved attachment trauma often presents as emotional chaos, relapse risk, or suicidal ideation. And it frequently intensifies during holidays and romantic stressors.”
Attachment Trauma in Clinical Practice: Recognizing the Signs
River’s Bend highlights that anxious and disorganized attachment styles, in particular, may lead to a range of concerning clinical behaviors, including:
- Suicidal ideation or self-harm following romantic rejection
- Substance use to numb perceived abandonment
- Obsessive rumination or stalking behaviors
- Emotional breakdowns during ambiguous or “situationship” dynamics
“These patterns are often misinterpreted as mood disorders or personality dysfunction,” said Fresch. “But they are adaptive survival responses to early relational wounds—and they are treatable.”
When Infatuation Becomes Addiction: The Neurobiology of Limerence
The team at River’s Bend also notes the neurobiological overlap between limerence and addiction. Romantic obsession triggers the brain’s reward system in ways nearly identical to substance use, a pattern that can lead to relapse or addiction substitution in recovery populations.
“In group therapy, we regularly see clients equating a partner’s text with a dopamine hit,” said Fresch. “Then when that attention is withdrawn, it mimics withdrawal symptoms seen in substance use disorders.”
This dynamic is especially dangerous for individuals in early recovery, where limerence can function as an unrecognized substitute addiction.
When Weekly Therapy Isn’t Enough
While most clients can process attachment themes in weekly therapy, River’s Bend encourages referral partners to consider higher levels of care when:
- Attachment trauma co-occurs with SUD, depression, or suicidal ideation
- Clients display repeated relational reenactments or risk behaviors
- Emotional dysregulation consistently disrupts functioning or therapeutic progress
“We work with clients who once had secure relationships,” said Fresch. “But trauma or addiction disrupted their ability to feel safe. Our programs help rebuild that foundation through structure, validation, and therapeutic connection.”
For Clinical Consultation or Referral
River’s Bend invites therapists, medical professionals, and referral partners to consult on complex cases. The practice offers:
- Streamlined referrals and collaborative care planning
- Insurance-covered assessments and immediate availability
- Evidence-based step-down care for clients needing stabilization
To make a referral or request a clinical consult, visit our referral partner page at: https://www.riversbendpc.com/referral-partners/
About River’s Bend P.C.
Founded in 1995, River’s Bend is a nationally accredited outpatient behavioral health clinic specializing in evidence-based treatment for mental health and substance use disorders. With a deep commitment to compassionate care and community support, River’s Bend provides personalized treatment programs including IOP, PHP, and specialty services for adolescents and families.
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