Codependency is a relationship pattern where a person supporting someone they care about and giving of themselves at the cost of their own mental, emotional, and physical health. Codependency is a learned behavior that can be corrected. With counselling, more effective relationship patterns and coping strategies can be developed.
Navigating healthy relationships can be an area of struggle for many adults. In our work together you can expect to explore some of the relationship patterns that are causing you distress. Changing your relationship patterns may include recognizing and communicating safe and secure boundaries, directly communicating your needs and feelings, creating greater understanding of other people’s reactions and developing goals for how you would like to show up authentically.
I have specialized in substance use treatment since 1993. The struggles in relationship with alcohol or other substance use affects families and partners. Working with persons who have a problematic relationship with substances and their family members assist to support the change process, address historical issues, and provide vital relational support in recovery (everyone's recovery).
My approach to codependency involves guiding clients through the process of untangling from enmeshed relationships, using mindfulness and cognitive strategies to build independence and self-esteem.
Codependency runs rampant in our societies today. Codependency is a sign of abandoning, giving up yourself and losing your true voice out of fear of not getting others validation, approval and praise. Enmeshed families are especially detrimental to your self esteem when you give up your own needs and desires in order to give others the daughter, sister, or wife they want. Together we help your psychic inner child grow up with you so that they do not have to keep you acting in codependent ways.