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 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

Do you find that you are often the "therapist friend" for others, or do you notice that you are putting the needs of others before your own? While these traits are inherently loving, it can be overwhelming and lonely when you are holding the weight of those around you without having a space to release your own struggles. I can function as this space while providing support in setting boundaries, reestablishing one-sided relationships, and discovering your needs that have been neglected.

— Laurel Chace, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
 

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

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
 

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

I understand how folks struggling with codependency deeply care for others and often leave their own needs overlooked. Together, we’ll work on setting healthy boundaries, building self-worth, and learning how to prioritize your emotional well-being without guilt. I’m here to support you in finding balance, reclaiming your independence, and nurturing the relationships that truly serve you. You deserve to feel empowered and whole, not responsible for everyone else’s happiness.

— Amanda Woolston, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Parkesburg, PA
 

I support individuals struggling with codependent behavior and relationship patterns that are no longer serving them.

— NABILAH KHAN, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Codependency is a learned pattern of behavior that starts in childhood but often becomes no longer helpful or even harmful in adulthood. Common codependent behaviors include denying one's thoughts or feelings; giving too much of one's time, energy, or money; being too identified as a caretaker or giver in relationships, and a culminating exhaustion and fatigue. I can work with you to address each of these life-restricting symptoms and learn how to get your life back.

— Ross Kellogg, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Angeles, 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

Conflict most frequently surfaces when one partner begins to define their identity outside of the relationship which is a necessary and healthy transition. However, this can feel threatening when codependency is a prominent element in the relationship. I work with couples to develop strategies to increase their sense of safety within the relationship and empower them to further develop their autonomy and sense of self within the relationship.

— Elizabeth Bryant, Licensed Professional 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

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
 

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

Conflict most frequently surfaces when one partner begins to define their identity outside of the relationship which is a necessary and healthy transition. However, this can feel threatening when codependency is a prominent element in the relationship. I work with couples to develop strategies to increase their sense of safety within the relationship and empower them to further develop their autonomy and sense of self within the relationship.

— Elizabeth Bryant, Licensed Professional Counselor in Atlanta, GA
 

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

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 and explore the root cause of codependency.

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

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