Codependency

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!

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Do you struggle setting boundaries or knowing what you want? For years I’ve worked with clients who struggle with codependency and low self worth. Codependency is an emotional and behavioral condition that affects an individual’s ability to have a healthy, mutually satisfying relationship. The good news is that we can learn a new and different way of interacting with others. Through communication and setting boundaries we can learn to feel good about the relationships in our lives.

— Hayley Schmidt, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Ann Arbor, MI

I 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, FL
 

I specialize in work around codependency and family of origin issues. I am familiar with more specific 12-step recovery programs around codependency, including Al-Anon, Coda, SLAA, and Adult Children of Alcoholics.

— Heather Beller, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Chicago, IL

Codependency 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, AZ
 

I specialize in helping clients break free from codependency, especially in the context of emotionally abusive relationships. Codependency often manifests in people-pleasing behaviors, a constant need for external validation, and difficulty setting boundaries. Many struggle with emotional regulation and feel unable to manage their feelings without the support or approval of others. Together, we’ll work on building self-worth, healthy boundaries, and emotional independence for lasting change.

— Tracey Knows, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in Tysons Corner, VA

Have you been feeling anxious, depressed, or find that you have a hard time saying no to people? Do you find that you often end up feeling like you need to help or fix a loved one's problems? Do you struggle with boundaries, people pleasing and unbalanced relationships? You don't have to do this alone. Having a therapist that's experienced in codependency treatment will support you in addressing underlying issues that have been keeping you stuck.

— Jennifer Leupp, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Palm Beach Gardens, FL
 

Are you drawn into the same kinds of patterns in relationships over and over? Do you give yourself away, with little left over for you? Do you find your relationships exciting at first, and then unfulfilling eventually? Do you find yourself in relationships with people who are abusive, narcissistic, addictive, or manipulative in some way? Do you like to have control, but wish someone else could take over for you? Do you feel hungry for love, but unsure how to get it? If so, please reach out.

— Katy Shaffer, Psychologist in Baltimore, MD

Codependency 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, AZ
 

If you find yourself constantly prioritizing others' needs above your own, feeling an overwhelming need for approval, or struggling to establish healthy boundaries, I'm here to help. Together, we'll navigate the intricacies of codependency, uncover its underlying roots, and develop strategies to foster independence, self-care, and healthier relationships. Your journey toward greater self-awareness and empowerment starts here.

— Emmily Weldon, Counselor in Atlanta, GA

Is it challenging for you to say "No" to your partner, parent, boss or co-workers? Do you find yourself wondering if you are helping too much, or giving too much of yourself, your independence or your personal power away? The art of managing your personal boundaries in a way that supports you and your relationships in a healthy and authentic way is part of the ongoing work of growing into a fuller, more realized version of yourself.

— Nathan Michael, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Berkeley, CA
 

Putting 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 , NC

It'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, KS
 

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 ,

It's hard to fault someone for being compassionate, caring or kind. Sometimes, others prey or take advantage of our kindness and giving spirit. Unknowingly, we give away our power and feel helpless. Learn how to regain your sense of self-respect, security, and independence. I utilize CBT and EMDR therapy to rewire the brain. When we change our thoughts, it changes how we feel, thus altering our actions. You do not have to continue self-doubting and over-explaining yourself!

— Barbara Beck, Marriage & Family Therapist in Leawood, KS
 

It'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 think and feel best altering our actions.

— Barbara Beck, Marriage & Family Therapist in Leawood, KS

I 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, CA
 

Codependency can be a challenging thing to navigate on your own, but it is very possible to gain a more comprehensive and complete understanding of why you developed this coping mechanism in the first place. From there, we can support you to re-learn how to have your own autonomy and separate sense of self. If applicable to you, we'll also support you in learning how to discern and hold your own boundaries and connect with others in ways that are empowering for you.

— Kim Stevens, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA

Perhaps you seek a “coming home” to yourself in a way that feels safe & meaningful. Perhaps you long to understand yourself in relationships or in the world around you where you consider your needs as much as those around you. Being a people pleaser can lead to compassion fatigue and burnout. I am honored to walk alongside you as we explore and process all that you hold within you. You are allowed to let go, breathe and prioritize your wellbeing.

— Sabrina Samedi, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in AGOURA HILLS, CA
 

I 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, AZ

Hiding Parts of Who You Are Over-Commitment to Basically Anything Not Feeling Good Enough or Capable Enough People-Pleasing Behaviors Comparing Anything/Everything & “Falling Short” Perfectionist Expectations Inflexible Thinking (Either/Or Thinking) Struggling to Identify How You Feel “Taking On” the Emotional Experiences of Others as Your Own

— Jennifer Gray, Licensed Professional Counselor in Portland, OR