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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Codependency most often comes from growing up in a dysfunctional environment with underlying trauma at the core. The manifested symptoms are vast and can include; the belief that you need someone or something outside of yourself to feel whole, being so absorbed by other's problems (addiction, illness, etc) that you don't take care of yourself, having the need to control people and events because you feel out of control inside or being unable to set boundaries or say no.

— Kim Tayler, Licensed Professional Counselor in , TX

Jordan helps clients move from painful and draining codependence to a nourishing balance of inter- and independence. Knowledgeable in both 12-step and other recovery networks, Jordan works with her clients to find appropriate support while exploring the root cause of codependency.

— Jordan Dobrowski, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Chicago, IL
 

It's hard to fault someone for being compassionate, caring or laughing. Too often, other spray or take advantage our kindness and giving spirit. Inadvertently would 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 for when

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

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
 

You find yourself stuck in a pattern of people pleasing. You're a good listener, someone others go to vent to. While that is a part of your relational strength, you're also intimidated by conflicts and exposed differences between you and your partner and friends. You put great effort into mirroring and reading the room to alleviate tension with others and within yourself. You'd love to embrace your authentic self and know that ruptures in your relationships don't have to be an ultimatum.

— Therapy On Fig, Therapist in Los Angeles, CA

Having boundaries, saying now, and advocating for ourselves is difficult. This is especially true for highly sensitive individuals, women, and particularly sensitive women in male-dominated fields. I love supporting my clients in accessing their voice, their strength, and finding connection through differentiation.

— Devin Bard, Licensed Professional Counselor in Minneapolis, MN
 

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 ,

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
 

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

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
 

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

Do you find your mood dependent on those around you and no matter what you do you feel the need to keep them happy? You want to be able to have a say in the way you respond but your nervous system tells you that it's not safe and people could leave you or reject you. Clients come to me looking for a therapist to help them create a secure attachment, regulate their nervous system and become more comfortable with saying "no" when they want to.

— Megan Santiago, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in Tampa, FL
 

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

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
 

Codependency as described by Pia Mellody, author of Facing Codependence, by symptoms of difficulty with self-esteem, boundaries, owning one's reality, acknowledging and meeting one's wants and needs, and expressing reality in moderation.

— Goldie VanHeel, Clinical Psychologist

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
 

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

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
 

Are 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

When 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 , OR