Secure base
A relationship from which you dare to go out and explore, because you know there is somewhere to return to.
How it shows up
In a child it is visible literally: they go off to play, glance back, return. In an adult it is the same, just less obvious — in a safe relationship you risk more, not less.
What we do with it in therapy
The therapeutic relationship is designed precisely as a secure base. So the aim isn’t to become independent of support, but to have support you can go on from.
See also
Catastrophising
A thought pattern that turns uncertainty straight into the worst possible outcome.
Apology
An unconditional acknowledgement of harm — not an explanation, not a defence, no »but«.
Gaslighting
A pattern in which someone systematically undermines your confidence in your own judgement, memory and experience.
