Leslie Bosch, PhD

Developmental Psychologist

Dr. Leslie Bosch is a Developmental Psychologist, National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, and Owner of Bosch Integrative Wellness. With over 15 years of experience, she specializes in providing stress relief coaching services to individuals and groups using a variety of scientifically proven methods for change including motivational interviewing, positive psychology, self-compassion, non-violent communication, social learning theory, and self-determination theory. Dr. Bosch received training from the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona and earned a PhD in Human Development and Family Studies from The University of Arizona. She is also a member of the National Board of Health and Wellness Coaching Association. Dr. Bosch has published many papers and been featured in the media numerous times.

wikiHow's Editorial ProcesswikiHow partners with over 1000+ experts from a wide range of fields to ensure our content is accurate and based on well-established research and testimony. Content Managers conduct interviews and work closely with each expert to review information, answer reader questions, and add credible advice. Learn more about our editorial process and why millions of readers trust wikiHow.

Forum Comments (1)

What's it like being in a relationship with someone with avoidant attachment?

People with an avoidant attachment style are trying to minimize their own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. So they are not really all that dialed in to understand emotions. And a lot of this, of course, comes from the modeling they got from how they were raised, so it's not really something that they did on purpose. It's kind of what they saw their parents doing, and so they thought that's probably what they should do as well.

When you have a fearful avoidant style, their thoughts may be "I'm not capable," "Others aren't dependable," and "The world is a hazardous place." So people can struggle to know where to go to get support when they need it.

Q&A Comments (21)

Are you too old to have fun?

Not always! I think it depends on the activity, clearly. If you like an activity and it brings you joy without any threat to your health or well-being, you can enjoy it without thinking you're too old.

What triggers an identity crisis?

Usually, this occurs when the things that used to give you a sense of purpose, comfort, and meaning are suddenly called into question or don't make sense for you anymore. This usually happens when something big happens in your life and you discover that what you were striving for is not going to work out (for any reason whatsoever).

Can your attachment style change?

Sure it can, but it is not easy or simple! Without awareness, you really can't change anything. So, if you want to modify your attachment style, start by understanding and unpacking some information about your perceived style. Then, begin to try new behaviors. For instance, with an avoidant type, try to gain more emotional intelligence and to become more familiar with your own feelings, sharing them more openly with the people close to you.

See more comments

Co-authored Articles (32)

12 Different Types of Family Structures in Modern Society

Plus, the strengths and weaknesses of each typeHow many different family structures are there, and is any one type considered “the norm”? We’re here to tell you everything you need to know. “Family structure” d...

How Do You Comfort Someone & Make Them Feel Better? Experts Weigh In

Plus comforting things to say in person, on the phone, and via text When someone you care for is down in the dumps, it might leave you feeling a little helpless or frustrated. There must be something you can say to help ...

Which Personality Types Are the Opposite of an Empath?

Traits and common behaviors of people who lack empathyYou might be familiar with the empath personality, but what exactly is the opposite of an empath? While empaths are known for their compassion and sensitivity, there ...

How to

Overcome Fearful Avoidant Attachment Style

When you have your needs met as a child, you learn that you can rely on the people around you. But when your needs are ignored, it can cause you to develop an anxious, avoidant, or fearful attachment style. The fearful a...

110+ Heartfelt Quotes About Sons from Moms & Dads

Find the perfect heartfelt or funny quote to describe your dynamic sonLooking for an inspirational, sentimental, or silly quote to make your son feel cherished? We’ve got you covered! In this article, we’re providing...

Why Does a Good Cry Leave You Feeling So Exhausted?

The benefits of crying and tips for recoveringSometimes there’s nothing better than having a really good cry. When you’re done, you’ll hopefully feel lighter, calmer, and…sleepy? It’s not like you were running ...

How to

Hide That You've Been Crying

Although crying is a very healthy thing to do, you don’t always want others to know that you’ve been crying. You fear you might be judged for being weak, or you simply don’t want people to ask you what is wrong. Wh...

How Do You Know if Your Avoidant Partner Loves You?

Learn how your partner’s avoidant attachment style influences their behavior in your relationshipDating is complicated as it is, but when you’re involved with someone with an avoidant attachment style, it can be hard...

How to

Deal with Avoidant Attachment Style

Wondering how to manage when you have a partner with an avoidant attachment style? Whether your partner has a dismissive-avoidant or fearful-avoidant attachment style, you may be feeling frustrated and saddened by their ...

What’s the Difference between an Omnivert and an Ambivert?

Do you feel like you don’t quite fit the definition of introverted or extroverted? Many people feel the same way, which is why researchers came up with 2 new classifications: omniverts and ambiverts. Since the traits o...

How to Handle Parents Playing Favorites As an Adult

It can be hurtful to have your parents treat you poorly while showering praise and energy on your siblings. Not only does it make it hard to connect with your parents, but it can breed resentment and rivalry between you ...

How to

Be a Very Cold and Quiet Person

Some people who are introverts by nature spend their lives pretending to be outgoing extroverts in a misguided effort to please others. Introversion is nothing to be ashamed of, and it’s healthy for your wellbeing if y...

How to

Become an Introvert

Introversion is an essential social temperament that favors solo reflection and solitude to socializing. More simply put, introverts are focused inward, while extroverts are focused outward. If you want to learn whether ...

How to

Figure Out Who You Are

Figuring out who you are can be a difficult task. Because we are always growing, changing, and learning new things, you might find that your identity is always changing as well. But there are some things that you can do ...

What is Toxic Empathy? Everything You Need to Know

Learn how to deal with toxic empathyDo you feel drained after spending time with struggling friends or family members? Do you tend to feel others’ pain as if it were your own? If these questions resonate with you, you...

How to

Deal With a Friend Who Constantly Talks About Her Boyfriend

You're super happy that your friend has found a boyfriend, except for one thing: he's all she talks about. Constantly listening to someone gush about how much they love their boyfriend or vent about their last argument c...

What Is an Introverted Intuition Personality Type?

Understand the Myers-Briggs perceiving trait and how it can affect your life Are you a deep thinker who’s always connecting the dots and finding parallels everywhere you look? If so, you may have Introverted Intuition....

How to

Survive when You Run Away

Sometimes when situations get so bad at home you can't bear it, you get the urge to run away. And then you do...but once you have, the daunting question comes: "How will I survive?" Well, this article will guide you thro...

How to Get Over Your Fear of Being Kidnapped

What to do if you have a fear of being abducted Being kidnapped is a valid and understandable concern, but it's not very healthy to shoulder a constant fear of it. In this article, we've laid out the facts to help ease y...

How to

Deal With a Runaway Teen

If your child is a teen runaway, or you think they might become one, there is a problem. Before you jump to the conclusion that they are just a bad kid, or lecture them or grow angry, determine what really pushed them in...

See more articles

Share your thanks with Leslie Bosch, PhD

Leslie Bosch, PhD

Forum Comments (1)

Q&A Comments (21)

Co-authored Articles (32)