What is codependency, and why is it important? Codependents are care takers and take care of others over themselves, and lack the understanding of healthy boundaries in relationships. By nature they are very nurturing, but feel empty and tired, disappointed, and that they care more for others, than others care for them. This is a very common relationship dysfunction, and often we see it passed down in families through parenting styles and unhealthy marriage traits. We can fix it!
Codependency, or what we shrink-types call enmeshment, blurs the emotional lines in a relationship. Essentially, this means that one doesn't know where s/he ends and the other begins. Individuality ceases to exist. In therapy, we will work on moving from COdependency to INTERdependency.
Together, we will explore the underlying causes of codependency, unravel patterns of enabling and self-sacrifice, and develop practical strategies to establish healthy boundaries, enhance self-care, and nurture authentic connections. I provide a safe space for you to explore your emotions, rediscover your personal identity, and build a strong foundation of self-love and empowerment.
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC-S, NCC, ACS, BC-TMH, EMDRIA Certified, Qualified ART
Underwood Counseling & Consultation, PLLC works with clients to understand the impact of codependency in their life, create strategies to overcome, and accountability to implement new ways of interacting with others. Codependency is frequently seen within families affected by addiction, domestic violence, and spiritual abuse to name a few.
Individual counseling is offered to individuals in helping them achieve control over actions through an understanding of how thoughts, feelings, and decisions produce actions. We provide a safe environment where one’s private pain can be shared in confidence with a trained therapist to grow in self-awareness and self-esteem while helping a person make decisions, solve problems, and overcome past and present abuses and pains. Sometimes when negative memories prohibit an individual from enjoying a satisfying life, issues in one’s family of origin can be explored to understand the past and seek to establish a new identity.
Feelings like fear, sorrow, anger, rejection, and loneliness can lessen as self-acceptance and coping skills are encouraged and strengthened.
We have training and experience in working with people on issues with codependent relationships, struggles with self-esteem, and addiction in relationships.
I offer insights, encouragement, and feedback to both individuals and couples who are working to address issues with codependency. In our meaningful work, you will grow in your ability to set more reasonable boundaries, foster a sense of both independence and healthy interdependence with others, and better articulate your expectations, hopes, and emotions in your close relationships.