Codependency therapy with our Thriveworks Newport News 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.
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.
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.
Treating Codependency in Newport News, VA—Counselors and Therapists
The counselors at Thriveworks Newport News know that it can be difficult for people to know when they have gone too far in offering help. That is why we offer codependency therapy: many people find themselves in situations where they are harming themselves and their loved ones.
Simply schedule your first appointment by giving us a call at (757) 418-8127.
Behavior Patterns that Are Codependent
Recognizing codependent behavior can be difficult because on the surface, they are often truly helpful. Yet, when a pattern of overstepping and enabling is seen, the behavior may be codependent. The following are behavior patterns that are often seen in codependent people:
- Minimization: Codependent people often have serious mental or physical health challenges that they minimize. Fixing other people is often a distraction from their own challenges.
- Difficulty setting boundaries: “No” is not a word codependents say very often, if at all. They have difficulty setting limits and often sacrifice their own well-being to meet their loved ones’ requests.
- Dependency: People who struggle with codependency are often deeply afraid of abandonment or rejection. They are often dependent upon others for their security and safety.
- Tendencies to people-please: When someone feels upset, frustrated, bored, or even happy, codependent people often take responsibility for those feelings. They work hard to make people happy and shield them from feeling upset.
- Poor communication skills: Codependent people often will not share their real opinions, thoughts, feelings, and needs, especially if they think someone will be offended or upset.
- Low self-esteem: Shame often drive codependent people’s actions. They often want to prove that they are worthy of love and that they belong.
- Caretaking: Who codependent people are and how they help their loved ones are often intertwined. When someone declines help, a codependent person will likely feel personally rejected.
Therapy for Codependency
As you read through the list of codependent behaviors, did you recognize any? If so, you are not alone. Many people struggle with how much helping is too much, and many people are also seeking therapy to help them learn the difference. Therapy for codependency may focus upon…
- Recognizing one’s inherent self-worth: Self-acceptance can bring a lot of healing. Everybody has both strengths and weaknesses. Everybody is worthy of love and belonging. Everybody can draw strength from their own self-worth.
- Prioritizing one’s own emotional, physical, and financial needs: When people fly on a commercial airplane, they are always instructed—in case of emergency, secure your own oxygen mask before helping others. The same is true in everyday life. Taking responsibility of one’s own emotional, physical, and financials needs should take priority.
- Practicing boundaries: Sometimes, people need to tell their loved ones, “no.” Maybe people need to practice disappointing a friend. Possibly, codependent people need to limit the time and attention they give to a family member.
There is no magic formula or special potion that can easily heal codependency, but there is guidance and help. Skilled therapists have helped many people establish new, healthier relational habits.
If you are ready for healthier relationships, we are ready to guide the process. Contact Thriveworks Newport News today at (757) 418-8127.
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