Secure Base

As a child –

 To whom did you turn when distressed, ill, or tired?

 Who did you feel understood you best as a child?
 Adjectives and illustrative episodes for mother and father (five each).
 What was your most frightening situation or moment as a child?
 How did you get comfort when frightened?

Now –

 What do you do when you are ill, depressed, worried or tired?

 To whom do you turn when upset or troubled?
 Describe a comforting image or thought, piece of music, etc.
 What is your greatest fear?
 With whom do you feel most relaxed and at ease?
 Do you ever feel cut-off and detached from people?
 Do you ever so frightened of people that you avoid their company?
 Do you ever fear that those you are close to will leave you, and so cling onto them even when
you find it irritating?
 Is there a basic pattern to your close relationship – you as the mediator, the conceder, the
strong one, the one who copes, the one who looks after everyone, the strong silent
breadwinner, etc?
 In close relationships do you tend to comfort or be comforted, or does it happen both ways?