Pattern Comparisons

Commonly confused patterns and techniques, compared side by side.

Catastrophizing vs Overthinking

Understand the difference between catastrophizing and overthinking — two related but distinct thought patterns that affect anxiety, decisions, and daily life.

Anxious vs Avoidant Attachment

Compare anxious and avoidant attachment styles — how they develop, what they look like in relationships, and how to work with each one.

People-Pleasing vs Fawning Response

Understand the difference between people-pleasing and the fawning response — related patterns with different roots and different approaches to change.

Avoidance vs Procrastination

Learn the difference between avoidance and procrastination — two patterns that look alike but require different approaches to change.

Perfectionism vs Imposter Syndrome

Understand the relationship between perfectionism and imposter syndrome — how they feed each other and what to do about both.

Emotional Reactivity vs Emotional Flooding

Compare emotional reactivity and emotional flooding — two patterns of intense emotion that require different coping strategies.

Cognitive Restructuring vs Cognitive Defusion

Compare cognitive restructuring (CBT) and cognitive defusion (ACT) — two powerful techniques for working with unhelpful thoughts, using very different approaches.

Body Scan vs Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Compare body scan meditation and progressive muscle relaxation — two body-based techniques for reducing tension and building awareness.

Self-Sabotage vs Procrastination

Understand the difference between self-sabotage and procrastination — and why treating them the same way doesn't work.

Conflict Avoidance vs People-Pleasing

Compare conflict avoidance and people-pleasing — two patterns that often overlap but have different motivations and require different approaches.

Approval-Seeking vs People-Pleasing

Understand the difference between approval-seeking and people-pleasing — overlapping patterns with distinct motivations.