"Mommy or Daddy Issues"? You're Likely Dealing with an Attachment Wound (And Yes, EMDR Can Help)

You've Probably Heard the Term "Mommy or Daddy Issues"

But what if that phrase, often used as a joke or a jab, actually points to something deeper and more real?

At White Stone Counseling Center, we help people make sense of the relational patterns that feel confusing, painful, or stuck. The truth is, when someone says “mommy or daddy issues,” what they’re likely describing is an attachment wound.

What Is an Attachment Wound?

An attachment wound forms when your early emotional needs weren’t consistently met, whether through neglect, criticism, emotional absence, or unpredictable caregiving.

This can show up in your adult life as:

• Overthinking every text you send

• Feeling “too much” or “not enough” in relationships

• Shutting down when things get tense

• Struggling to trust others or let people in

• Fearing abandonment even when things seem fine

  
  

These patterns are not personality flaws. They’re survival strategies your nervous system learned long ago.

You Adapted

It’s easy to feel ashamed of these patterns or to think “I should be over this by now.” But attachment wounds often live deep in the body and nervous system. That’s why traditional talk therapy doesn’t always help them shift.

What does?

Attachment-focused EMDR therapy.

Meet Makenna Sands, LPC

Attachment-Focused EMDR Therapist | Serving Clients Across Virginia

Makenna Sands is a Licensed Professional Counselor at White Stone Counseling Center. She specializes in helping individuals heal from early relational trauma using EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), a powerful, research-backed approach that works at the root level of trauma.

Makenna creates a warm, safe environment for clients to:

• Understand how their early experiences are showing up in the present

• Process old memories and beliefs that no longer serve them

• Experience more secure, fulfilling relationships

• Reconnect with a sense of peace, both internally and spiritually

  
  

She integrates Christian counseling for clients who want their faith to be a part of the process, but also welcomes clients of all backgrounds.

What to Expect When You Start

1️⃣ Schedule a free 30-minute consultation

Make sure it’s a good fit before beginning.

2️⃣ Begin EMDR therapy (virtually or in-person)

Makenna sees clients in Christiansburg and online across Virginia.

3️⃣ Watch your patterns shift

Over time, you’ll build a more secure attachment style, reduce reactivity, and feel more at ease in your skin and your relationships.

You Deserve Secure, Meaningful Connection

Imagine what life could look like if:

• You didn’t constantly second-guess yourself

• You could trust others without always fearing abandonment

• You felt safe to express your needs

• You knew how to set boundaries without guilt

  
  

This kind of healing isn’t just for other people - it’s for you too.

We're here when you're ready to make that change.

Let us help you move from survival patterns to secure connection.