Growing up in a less than nurturing environment can lead to all sorts of codependent traits, resulting in struggles with: self-esteem, self-care, boundaries, controlling others, taking care of your adult needs, perfectionism, and emotional flooding, to name a few. I am well versed in the 12-step program of codependents anonymous and the issues that are helped through attending meetings. I recommend the program, but it is not required to understand or heal the above issues.
The relationship between the therapist and the client is the most important factor in providing "successful" therapy. I provide a safe, nonjudgmental environment where you can explore codependency issues. Likely you are experiencing pain that you want to end. I can help you gain freedom from the cycle of codependency.
When my identity becomes wrapped up in what my partner thinks about me, I find myself in the codependant position. It becomes hard for me or my partner to feel anything because our feelings are so triggering to each other. If we were both healthy my partner could have a bad day or a bad mood and I could be fine. But when I am codependent, I need my partner to be happy all the time because if they mad, sad, or bad, it means there is something wrong with me and now I am in an identity crisis. If you can relate to this, reach out to us, we can help you engage principles of relational intelligence in your life that will support your emotional stability and relational well being.
Codependency means well. It has the best of intentions. It is only trying to help, to be of service, to protect, to belong. And yet, within a confined space, there is not enough air to breathe, no room to grow, and for folks in a family or in a relationship, the effects stifle and suffocate, and slowly, slowly, slowly, like a frog in boiling water, you don't realize the difficult space you are in until it is almost too late. Let's untie the cords that bind you in your relationships with others!
Do you find it difficult to say no? Do you always put the needs of others ahead of your own? Do you feel selfish when you take care of yourself? While many people who answer yes to these questions have a generous heart, they can end up feeling used up and taken advantage of. Therapy can be a great place to learn to understand the importance of your own needs and how to meet them in a way that's self-nourishing, not selfish.
Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor #6947 (CA), TLHT #494 (FL)
As I have worked in a number of community settings where recovery or addiction was an issue; including the LGBTQ community, survivors of sexaul violence/abuse, and homeless acute psychiatric individuals; I have encountered numerous people struggling with the impact of addiction on their lives. In addition, I worked with clients from families with addiction, which often foster codependent tendencies. I help clients understand boundaries and how important they are in preserving mental health.