Codependency therapy from our Thriveworks Westborough 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.
Counselors and Coaches for Codependency in Westborough, MA
Thriveworks Counseling in Westborough offers counseling and coaching for codependency because many people have realized that instead of helping, they are hurting themselves and their loved ones. If you think you could benefit from codependency counseling, consider reaching out. We’re here and ready to help.
What Are Codependent Behaviors?
Codependent behavior can be very hurtful, but it can be hard to delineate between healthy and hurtful ways of helping. If you are wondering if you or someone you love may be codependent but are not sure, the following list gives characteristics of codependency:
- Dependency: Codependents often fear being rejected or abandoned. They may compensate for this fear by forming relationships where people need them, thinking, “if a person needs me, they will not leave me.” This thinking, however, leads to many relational problems.
- No/few boundaries: Codependents have a hard time asking for what they need or denying a request. Internally, they may think, “no,” but externally, they often say, “yes.”
- Low self-esteem: Feelings of shame, guilt, and inadequacy may plague codependent people. Instead of drawing strength from their inherent worth, they measure their value on how much they can do for others.
- People-pleasing tendencies: When other people are upset, angry, or disappointed, codependent people usually feel blame and intense anxiety. They can take responsibility for the feelings of others, trying to ensure people are happy all the time.
- Poor communication skills: Codependent people often struggle to express their own needs, feelings, and thoughts. They may fear upsetting others if they are honest. They may also be unaware of their own desires because they are so focused upon others.
- Caretaking: Codependent people may seek-out ways to help people and offer solutions without even being asked. If people decline the assistance, codependents may grow resentful and angry.
- Minimization: Because their behavior can, at times, benefit others, codependents have a hard time recognizing how harmful their behaviors can be. They may cast blame upon the person they are helping instead of owning their own responsibility in the situation.
Breaking Free from Codependency
Overcoming the minimization and denial about codependency is challenging, but breaking free from codependent habits is worth the effort. Codependent people can learn new, healthy ways of connecting.
Have you struggled to know how, when, and where to help? Do you feel resentful, at times, toward the people you are helping? If you recognized some of the behaviors and attitudes of codependency, you are not alone. Thriveworks Westborough treats codependency, and our therapists love seeing people learn how to be in healthy relationships while prioritizing their own well-being.
If you are ready for something new, know that our office provides convenient weekend and evening appointments. We also accept many types of insurance, and new clients may even see their therapist within the same week of scheduling. You do not have to wait for healthy relationships. Call Thriveworks in Westborough today.
