Codependency is defined as follows: "It is an emotional and behavioral condition that affects an individual's ability to have a healthy, mutually satisfying relationship. It is also known as “relationship addiction” because people with codependency often form or maintain relationships that are one-sided, emotionally destructive and/or abusive." Codependency is a condition that affects thinking, feelings, and behavior. It often stems from learned behavior in a dysfunctional family environment. Together my client and I unwind where the codependency stems from. My approach in therapy with clients who are codependent is solution oriented that help free the individual from the bondage of the toxic system. Much of my advanced training in codependency stems from my training as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor.
I see the therapeutic process as myself guiding my clients through difficult situations to move forward in life, and feel more energized. My clients say that I supportively nudge them along and that our therapeutic rapport is what helps them better find themselves.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, MSW: LCSW, LSW, PEL
A person that has codependency often have difficulty; set and maintain healthy boundaries; validating and protect themselves emotionally and make decisions on your own. If you have tendency to be codependency, this pattern may play out again and again. Your sacrifices you have made may also add up you become drained, overwhelmed, and even resentful or angry. It is time to achieve a new independency
Tired of feeling your choices are not really YOUR choices? Feeling like you are buried under other peoples' needs? Or questioning whether you are a co-dependent? Call me and let's talk.
Part of the healing process is being listened to and understood. I help you see more clearly what has been happening and what that may mean for you, providing a safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be explored and understood. Together, we work to help you move from wherever you're stuck.
It's great to be a nice person. It's another thing to be someone who feels depleted and resentful because you feel you give your all to those around you without receiving the same treatment in return. Are your moods defined by how others feel about you? Do you have trouble setting and keeping boundaries with others? These might be signs of codependent patterning. Patterns can be changed, however. You can learn how to have good boundaries and still be a nice person.
Sometimes we get into patterns where we put others before ourselves and end up neglecting our own needs in the process. When working with codependency patterns, I think it is important to relearn who we are as individuals and let that set the stage to better set boundaries with others and have healthier and more fulfilling relationships.
A codependent person can be anyone. It is natural for a person to want to help and protect those that they love. But sometimes helping and protecting others can cause us our own pain and suffering. My approach to treating codependency is through self-exploration, boundaries, and the use of CBT.
Specializing in treating the family system allows me to assist individuals to fully understand how the relationship between two people can trigger past relational traumas causing an emotional brain response ultimately distancing the system itself. Through exploration of family of origin experience I assist you in identifying maladaptive relational skills and create new pathways for connection.