Codependency, sometimes referred to as “relationship addiction," describes sacrificing one’s personal needs to try to meet the needs of others. Although it is often associated with romantic relationships, codependency can be experienced in all types of close relationships, including with family and friendships. Someone who is codependent has an extreme focus outside themselves. Their thoughts and actions revolve around other people, such as a spouse or relative or they build their identity on helping or “saving” other people. Codependents typically experience feelings of low self-esteem, anxiety and insecurity in these relationships and may also experience perfectionism and control issues. Codependent symptoms can worsen if left untreated. If you are worried that you might be codependent, reach out to one of TherapyDen’s codependency experts today!
The way that I engage with people around codependency, which is a confusing term, is that it leads us to want to control other people's emotions so that in turn, we feel better (i.e. I don't want him/her/them to be mad, so I won't say anything). Putting others' emotions and needs ahead of our own is something that is also sanctioned by society. Working on codependency doesn't mean that we start offending others either. It's a gentle journey into boundary setting and communication.
— Anya Surnitsky, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in ,Those suffering from codependency may be feeling like they have to give up themselves in order to make the relationship work. Often times you may put the other person's needs ahead of your own because if you don't the other person may realize they don't love you and leave you. You may have thoughts of "If I am not helpful, useful, or what my partner needs me to be then they are going to leave me" These are all scary thoughts! We can unpack them in a safe space together.
— Joshua Bogart, Professional Counselor Associate in Beaverton, ORI help clients set and maintain boundaries to establish healthy interdependence in relationships.
— Kirsten Cannon, Counselor in Memphis, TNI help girls and women navigate their inner knowing within themselves. Through this awareness we look at areas and relationships within their lives where they are holding back their thoughts, beliefs, feelings and ideas from others to protect themselves and their relationships from rupture or conflict. We will work together to find ways that feel good and safe to express what is true and heal harmful codependent patterns.
— Rachael Rosenberg, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Los altos, CAConflict most frequently surfaces when one partner begins to define their identity outside of the relationship which is a necessary and healthy transition. However, this can feel threatening when codependency is a prominent element in the relationship. I work with couples to develop strategies to increase their sense of safety within the relationship and empower them to further develop their autonomy and sense of self within the relationship.
— Elizabeth Bryant, Licensed Professional Counselor in Atlanta, GAIn my experience I have noticed many empaths are codependent before they are aware and awakened. past trauma is usually the cause of codependents feeling like they are not whole unless they have approval from other people. Codependency drains our energy because we focus too much on the attachment figure(s), to the point of letting go of our safety and self care. Cultural programming keeps us stuck in the unhealthy helper and people pleaser roles. Lets heal and start loving all our parts again.
— Hema Naraharisetty, Clinical Social WorkerDo you find that you are often the "therapist friend" for others, or do you notice that you are putting the needs of others before your own? While these traits are inherently loving, it can be overwhelming and lonely when you are holding the weight of those around you without having a space to release your own struggles. I can function as this space while providing support in setting boundaries, reestablishing one-sided relationships, and discovering your needs that have been neglected.
— Laurel Chace, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CAWith years of clinical experience and specialized training, I possess professional expertise in effectively treating codependency as a counselor. I prioritize fostering self-awareness, boundary-setting, and healthier relationship dynamics, guiding clients towards autonomy and emotional well-being. Through empathetic listening and collaborative goal-setting, I empower individuals to break free from codependent patterns and cultivate fulfilling lives.
— Karissa Tobey, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Saint Charles, ILCodependency may show up as people pleasing and denying one's own needs. I like the famous analogy of being on an airplane: to be in a relationship, we must tend to ourselves (put on our own gas masks before helping others). Life is about relationships and there is none more important than the relationship we have with ourselves. To treat codependency, I draw on the teachings of theorists such as John Bradshaw, Pia Mellody, and Melody Beattie.
— Gavin Versi, Marriage and Family Therapist Associate in Issaquah, WALiving with codependency can feel like you’re constantly putting others' needs above your own, leaving you drained and disconnected from your true self. But it’s possible to break free from this cycle. In our sessions, we’ll work together to establish healthy boundaries, build self-worth, and empower you to reclaim your independence. Imagine a life where your happiness isn’t tied to others' approval but comes from a place of inner strength and self-respect. I’m here to guide you on this journey.
— Ellery Wren, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in Plano, TXCodependency is a learned pattern of behavior that starts in childhood but often becomes no longer helpful or even harmful in adulthood. Common codependent behaviors include denying one's thoughts or feelings; giving too much of one's time, energy, or money; being too identified as a caretaker or giver in relationships, and a culminating exhaustion and fatigue. I can work with you to address each of these life-restricting symptoms and learn how to get your life back.
— Ross Kellogg, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Angeles, CAWhen you give so much of yourself to others, it can feel like you lose parts of yourself in the process You might find it difficult to set boundaries or voice your true inner feelings. Together, you can learn to recognize and honor your inner voice, trust your intuition, and integrate the different parts of yourself enabling you to live life more fully and authentic to who you are.
— Lindsay Anderson, Licensed Professional Counselor in , ORI have enjoyed being able to work with people on their issues of codependency towards healthy relationships. I will be an advocate for your self-discovery and independent growth, so that you can find yourself with greater insight into your patterns, rather than wait for someone else to tell you what is "wrong with you" and then "fix you." We will discuss independence of identity, worth, self-respect, and boundaries.
— Matthew Taylor, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New Smyrna Beach, FLCodependency is often tied to the relationships that we have with addicts in our lives. Codependency is often defined as behaviors that enable behaviors we wish to see the end of but it often comes from a place of love, care and concern for others. The problem is that love, care and concern can result in giving too much to others. My goal in helping clients who struggle with codependency is to help them establish healthy boundaries so they can be supportive without overwhelming themselves.
— Aaron Bachler, Licensed Professional Counselor in Tempe, AZIt's hard to fault someone for being compassionate, caring or kind. Too often, other prey or take advantage our kindness and giving spirit. Inadvertently, we give away our power and then find life sometimes hopeless. Learn how to regain your sense of self- respect, security and independence. I utilize CBT therapy to rewire our brain changing our thoughts. Changing our thoughts changes how we feel, thus altering our actions. Using DBT, mindfulness practices and gaining self-confidence help us to
— Barbara Beck, Marriage & Family Therapist in Leawood, KSPutting others people in front of yourself to your detriment is my definition of codependency. Let's explore what if any, issues this might be causing in your life.
— Vickie Kulinski, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in , NCI specialize in working with clients who would like to address attachment wounds and address patterns, beliefs and behaviors that increase codependency. I strive to help my clients create healthy relationships with the self and others that include compassion, vulnerability, honesty and boundaries.
— Victoria Love, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Phoenix, AZAre you the one who always takes care of everything? Have you had to do things for yourself most of your life? "Codependency" is a big word that doesn't have to involve substance abuse. Ironically, its most common subjects describe themselves as "independent." If thinking about someone else's problems occupies more of your time than you'd like, let's talk.
— Kathryn Gates, Marriage & Family Therapist in Austin, TX