This is The Energy to Heal, your resource for all things Splankna, the faith-based inner healing modality that will help you achieve emotional freedom. In this episode, Laura Milliken sits down with Angie Richie for a conversation about attachment theory—and how the relationships we experienced early in life can continue shaping the way we connect, communicate, and feel safe with other people as adults. Have you ever wondered why you crave closeness in a relationship while someone else seems to pull away from it? Why conflict can make one person desperately want to talk while the other person needs distance? Or why you can know someone loves you and still struggle to feel secure in the relationship? Some of those patterns may have roots that began much earlier than we realize. Laura and Angie unpack the basics of attachment theory and explore how our earliest experiences of connection, safety, responsiveness, and trust can influence the way we approach marriage, friendships, family relationships, and emotional intimacy later in life. Understanding your attachment style isn't about blaming your parents or putting yourself into another psychological box. It's about becoming curious about why you respond the way you do—and recognizing patterns that may no longer be serving you or your relationships. This conversation also offers hope: your earliest experiences may have shaped you, but they don't have to dictate the way you relate to people forever. In this episode: What attachment theory is and why it matters How our earliest relationships can influence adult connection The different ways people respond to closeness, distance, and vulnerability Why some people crave reassurance while others instinctively pull away How attachment patterns can show up in marriage and romantic relationships Why emotional intimacy can feel natural for some people and threatening for others Why your attachment style is information—not your identity The hope of learning new ways to experience safety, trust, and connection in relationships The goal isn't to find another label for yourself. It's to understand yourself well enough to recognize: Why do I respond this way when connection feels threatened? And perhaps even more importantly: Is this response helping me build the kind of relationship I actually want? Want To Become a Practitioner? Want To Become a Practitioner? You don't need a background in any certain field to be trained! 🎟️ Use promo code: PODCAST when you register for training to get a discount on your training cost at Splankna.com. (This discount is only applicable for the CORE training.) 🌟 About the Host Laura Milliken is the host of The Energy to Heal and a Master's Certified Splankna Practitioner. She is a registered nurse, a mom of five, and a passionate advocate for emotional freedom, healthy relationships, and faith-based personal growth. Learn more about Laura, Splankna and all things podcast here: www.LauraMilliken.com You can also find Laura's featured practitioners there—trusted Master's Certified practitioners Laura personally knows and confidently recommends. 📧 TheEnergyToHeal@gmail.com 🤍 Join Our Patreon Community! Join the Inner Circle Community on Patreon and get access to additional content, and once a month zoom calls with Laura and other Inner-circle members, we'd love to have you there! https://www.patreon.com/c/LauraMilliken Patreon members receive: Behind-the-scenes content Opportunities to vote on future episode topics 🎙️ About the Guest — Angie Richie 🎙️ About the Guest — Dr. Angie Richey Dr. Angie Richey, Ph.D., LMFT, is the 11th President of Life Pacific University, a Christ-centered, Spirit-filled Christian university in San Dimas, California. With more than 25 years of experience in education, Angie has served in faculty, staff, executive leadership, and presidential roles and has become a recognized voice in Christian higher education. Angie is also a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with extensive experience supporting individuals, couples, and families. She holds a Master's in Education, a Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy, and a Ph.D. in Counseling and Psychological Studies with a concentration in Life Coaching. Her work brings together faith, emotional health, relationships, leadership, and personal growth. In addition to her university leadership, Angie has worked with individuals and families as well as business executives, ministry leaders, and public figures, helping people develop greater self-awareness, emotional wellness, and healthier relationships. Angie is also an ordained minister and a frequent speaker at conferences, churches, retreats, and other events. Her passion for helping people understand themselves, experience greater emotional freedom, and develop healthy relationships makes her uniquely equipped for today's conversation about attachment theory and the ways our earliest relationships can continue influencing us as adults. ▶️ The Energy to Heal is on YouTube! Please show your support for this mission by subscribing, rating the show, and commenting on whatever platform you hear it on! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIhcKzqnllgmJX7HH9Qyr9CnRMUTKU-oR ⚠️ Disclaimer The Splankna protocol is a unique, faith-based modality, and individual experiences will vary. While many people report breakthrough and emotional freedom, we cannot guarantee specific outcomes or timelines. Some individuals experience change quickly, while others notice gradual shifts over time. This modality is not a substitute for professional medical or psychiatric treatment. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical or mental health concerns. By engaging with this content, you acknowledge that results are personal and not assured.