Criticism: When Needs Turn Into Attacks

Welcome to Adaptable | Behavior Explained! In this episode, we explore Defensiveness: When Protection Blocks Connection, one of the “4 Horsemen of the Apocalypse,” and how it shows up in our relationships. Defensiveness isn’t just about attitude, it’s often a protective response rooted in fear of blame, rejection, or disconnection. We break down why it happens, how it impacts communication, and what you can do to move from reacting to responding with awareness, so you can build deeper, more secure connections. I'm Kelly O'Horo, Attachment based EMDR Therapist, EMDRIA Consultant, and Advanced Trainer. I'm a mom of 5, Nonna of 5, wife, and a healer. I have the honor of spending my workdays walking along side people while they brave their healing journeys. I try to live with the generous assumption that we're all doing the best we can with what we know. Therapists are teachers for the "life stuff" and "emotional vocabulary" that may not have been learned due to gaps in our care givers capabilities. In the last 15 years I've learned that people are freaking amazing, resilient, and inspiring. Most importantly, we are hardwired for connection and for healing! I hope to bring an authentic, compassionate, and unpolished approach while we explore a variety of topics such as parenting, marriage, relationships, dating, trauma, attachment, adoption, depression, addiction, anxiety, and love! There's a why for all behaviors and an explanation that makes perfect sense as emotion is at the root of it all. -- Links -- https://linktr.ee/kellyohorolpc https://youtu.be/rLnARKekvgo https://www.emdria.org/find-an-emdr-therapist/