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Offered in-person & online

Our providers offer codependency therapy in Alexandria, VA

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686,000 people sought help with Thriveworks in the last year

Discover how starting codependency therapy can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

Good news! We have 121 therapists in Virginia available for an online or in-person session.

Starting Codependency therapy

What is Codependency therapy?

Codependency therapy from our Thriveworks Alexandria therapists helps people reduce and overcome codependent habits, which involve sacrificing one's own needs to meet the needs of others (usually those closest to them). It helps to improve one's well-being as well as the health of their relationships.

How does Codependency therapy work?

Codependency therapy works by helping the individual recognize, understand, and accept codependent patterns — including why and how they might've developed. In addition, it focuses on helping the individual to kick these tendencies and build more balanced relationships that allow them to support others without neglecting their own needs.

Is Codependency therapy conducted in person or online?

Codependency therapy at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and via Online therapy. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How long does Codependency therapy last?

Codependent counseling can last for a few weeks, months, or longer. It depends on the exact needs of the client as well as the severity of their codependent challenges and other needs or preferences.

Need more help deciding?

When you needed help the last time, who did you call? Most likely, it was a friend or a family member because that’s what loved ones do. They lend each other a hand. Offering and receiving support are important parts of healthy relationships. But is there ever a point when too much help becomes unhealthy? Yes. Helping too much or too often may be causing more harm than benefits, and it is called codependency.

Think about Jenna’s story. Most people describe Jenna as sweet, kind, and selfless. She loves her family so much, and seeing her loved ones happy is the best feeling she has ever had. Jenna would do anything to keep her family together, and she has. Jenna’s husband, Will, has a hard time holding down a job. He’s smart and capable, but he also drinks a lot. Jenna has spent tens of thousands of dollars on treatment for Will. She is their only income most of the time, and the family has gone into debt for several of his programs. Will improves for a season each time, but he never sticks with recovery long-term. Jenna tells herself that a lot of wives have it worse… taking care of him is her responsibility… if she did not help him, who would?

Without a doubt, Jenna loves Will. But are her feelings of affection translating into actions that benefit herself, her family, and her husband? Most likely, no. In reality, Jenna maybe causing more harm, and her actions may display codependency.

Codependent behavior shields others from the natural consequences of their behavior or sacrifices one’s own well-being to prioritize other people’s needs and wants. Often, codependent behavior enables an addiction or irresponsible behavior.

Thriveworks Alexandria offers therapy for people who want to recover from their codependent behaviors. Knowing when, where, and how to help without enabling is difficult. Many people struggle with codependency. but learning to prioritize one’s own well-being and establish appropriate boundaries is possible.

What Are Codependent Behaviors?

Whether consciously or not, codependent people often choose to form relationships with other who are vulnerable or needy. Many times, they have an addiction or history of irresponsibility. Codependents then compensate for their loved one or attempt to fix them in some way. In the process, codependent people usually sacrifice their own self-care and feel resentment when their care is not received or acknowledged.

Insecurity, shame, and passivity often plague codependent people and feeds their behaviors. Fixing, helping, or compensating for others becomes a way of proving they are accepted, loved, and competent. Unfortunately, this strategy never works. Personal healing does not come through fixing or compensating for another person.

Codependent people often are in situations where they give more and more; their loved one presumes upon them more and more; they compensate more and more. Without intervention, the cycle leads to more and more resentment.

Because codependent behaviors at first seem nice and caring, it is important to delineate between healthy and unhealthy ways of helping. The following are signs of unhealthy, enabling, and codependent behaviors:

  • Denial: Even though they focus upon others, serious relational and mental health problems plague codependent people. However, they often minimize or deny their own issues.
  • Low self-esteem: Codependent people often feel deep shame, inadequacy, and incompetency. These may motive their care for others, as a way to prove their worth.
  • Communication challenges: Speaking openly about their true thoughts, needs, and feelings is often difficult for codependents, especially if they think these will upset or offend a loved one.
  • Dependency: “I want you to want me. I need you to need me…” are famous lyrics that capture the codependent attitude perfectly. Confusing the feelings of being loved and being needed is a common mistake that codependents make.
  • Caretaking: Taking care of others often becomes a core aspect of a codependent’s identity. Codependent people may pride themselves on being able to anticipate their loved one’s needs and take care of them.
  • People-pleasing tendencies: When their loved ones feel anger, boredom, or frustration, codependent people often feel responsible. They often work to make sure their loved ones feel happy.
  • No/weak boundaries: What is the recipe for stress? When your mouth says, “yes,” but your heart says, “no.” Codependents have a hard time setting a limit or saying no. They have no or weak boundaries.

Codependency Recovery at Thriveworks Alexandria, VA

Did some of the attitudes and behaviors of codependent people resonate with you? Have you struggled with codependency? You are not the only one. Many people engage in codependent behavior, and many people have learned healthier behavior patterns. Thriveworks Alexandria has helped many codependent people, and we offer therapy for codependency recovery.

When you call our office, know that we have evening and weekend appointments available. We work with most major insurance providers. New clients may even see their therapist the day after their call.

Do not wait for healthier relationships. Call Thriveworks today.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our Alexandria therapists and counselors accept 26 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS HMO

  • CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

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Self-pay costs at Alexandria
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

4.9 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
I was very satisfied with first session/consultation with my therapist. I feel confident she will address my needs and look forward to working with her.
Read more I was very satisfied with first session/consultation with my therapist. I feel confident she will address my needs and look forward to working with her.
Marjorie Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
At 75 years old and still learning is wonderful. My counselor is simply an outstanding individual and human being. The "bank is closed", I understand more clearly by my counselor who, have been instrumental in " breaking down some walls" in my forward motion and healing from the pain
Read more At 75 years old and still learning is wonderful. My counselor is simply an outstanding individual and human being. The "bank is closed", I understand more clearly by my counselor who, have been instrumental in " breaking down some walls" in my forward motion and healing from the pain
Horace Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Bank closure is fundamentally when a financial institution goes bankrupt; however, parents can't go into bank closure for their children, family, and friends. Nevertheless, parents do close their bank (hearth) to minimize disrespect, abuse, and abundant misuse of LOVE. So I closed my life to abuse, disrespect, and misuse of ❤️
Read more Bank closure is fundamentally when a financial institution goes bankrupt; however, parents can't go into bank closure for their children, family, and friends. Nevertheless, parents do close their bank (hearth) to minimize disrespect, abuse, and abundant misuse of LOVE. So I closed my life to abuse, disrespect, and misuse of ❤️
Horace Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★
I am very happy with my therapist, I would give him 5 Stars but I am handicapped and the facility I go to has No Handicap access, No ramp or elevator and is on the third floor of a three story building.
Read more I am very happy with my therapist, I would give him 5 Stars but I am handicapped and the facility I go to has No Handicap access, No ramp or elevator and is on the third floor of a three story building.
Ed Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My therapist, Dee Jacobi Edwards, continues to help me deal with my individual struggles in life so that I can achieve peace in dealing with life situations. She is a wonderful therapist.
Read more My therapist, Dee Jacobi Edwards, continues to help me deal with my individual struggles in life so that I can achieve peace in dealing with life situations. She is a wonderful therapist.
Louisa Dec 2023
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★
Love our therapist.
Heidi Dec 2023
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My daughter's dad and I had a few sessions with Dee Jacobi-Edwards and she was great. She was very neutral and honest with both of us when it came to our disagreements and downfalls. She was also extremely patient with us throughout our sessions. I would absolutely recommend Dee.
Read more My daughter's dad and I had a few sessions with Dee Jacobi-Edwards and she was great. She was very neutral and honest with both of us when it came to our disagreements and downfalls. She was also extremely patient with us throughout our sessions. I would absolutely recommend Dee.
Alexandria Mar 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I have been battling anxiety and depression for years, and Mary Alice Fields has helped me finally find some relief. She is dedicated to helping her clients live their best possible life, and she has helped me gain some peace in my life. I know she has help countless others, and I would highly recommend her to anyone who suffers from depression or anxiety issues.
Read more I have been battling anxiety and depression for years, and Mary Alice Fields has helped me finally find some relief. She is dedicated to helping her clients live their best possible life, and she has helped me gain some peace in my life. I know she has help countless others, and I would highly recommend her to anyone who suffers from depression or anxiety issues.
Alexandria Jan 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Alexandria is located off of Franconia Rd., just behind Oak Tree Plaza. We share a building with MRM Associates. Right next door to us is a MakeSpace, and the closest bus stop is at Franconia Rd. & Beulah St.

Phone number

(703) 454-8246

Languages spoken by VA providers

  • Portuguese
  • English
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm

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Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm

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