I Want to Connect: Rewire Your Nervous System for Stress Resilience and Secure Attachment

From our earliest moments to old age, quality of life revolves around relationships. But while the human brain craves intimacy, many struggle with building deeper bonds. All too often, childhood experiences can pave the way for relationships that are vulnerable to conflict, instability, and miscommunication. This added stress can manifest as anxiety and depression, gut problems, and a weakened immune system. Living a connected life isn't just pivotal for our emotional well-being; it's essential for our physical health.

In I Want to Connect, a follow-up to the popular The Attachment Theory Workbook, expert relationship therapist Annie Chen explores how your nervous system directly impacts your relationships and what you can do about it. Weaving together insights from Polyvagal Theory, somatic practices, and relationship co-regulation skills, this workbook addresses a range of issues through a central connecting point: that the state of our nervous system either primes us for resilience and connection or pushes us toward defense and shutdown.

With the tools inside, you'll learn how to:

Read your nervous system through your body's signals

Reset your body to a home base that promotes calm and connection

Pinpoint when trauma is causing trouble for your relationships

Rediscover aspects of yourself that have been hidden beneath frazzled nerves

Communicate with others in a way that prioritizes emotional safety

Annie Chen is an author, therapist, consultant, and coach who holds two master's degrees in counseling and psychology. With over 17 years dedicated to studying the mind, nervous systems, and relationships, Annie has developed a unique approach to working with people. Her work integrates research from neuroscience to help clients navigate the complexities of relationships and emotional safety.

Her journey of healing through meditation, therapeutic work, and community has not only transformed her own life but also empowered her to guide others. Annie has helped thousands build fulfilling relationships and greater resilience. Today, Annie maintains a practice seeing individuals and couples in Berkeley, CA and virtually.