Codependency Therapists in 94925

Photo of Pamela Lister, MA, LMFT, EAS-C, CATC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Pamela Lister
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, EAS-C, CATC
Verified Verified
Corte Madera, CA 94925
My enthusiasm for recovery motivates me to create new opportunities for growth & healing for clients through Interventions. I have extensive experience with all aspects of Addiction and Codependency. I'm competent in individual, couples, family or group therapy. My background in mental health creates a good fit for identifying issues and safety concerns. I'm honored to share in my clients' journey toward the fulfilling lives they deserve.
My enthusiasm for recovery motivates me to create new opportunities for growth & healing for clients through Interventions. I have extensive experience with all aspects of Addiction and Codependency. I'm competent in individual, couples, family or group therapy. My background in mental health creates a good fit for identifying issues and safety concerns. I'm honored to share in my clients' journey toward the fulfilling lives they deserve.
(925) 401-3025 View (925) 401-3025
Photo of Avis Rumney, LMFT, CIP, Marriage & Family Therapist
Avis Rumney
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CIP
Verified Verified
Corte Madera, CA 94925
I will show you specific tools you can use to free yourself from emotional distress, codependency, unhealthy relationships, emotional eating and addictive behaviors.
I specialize in Couples Therapy, Codependency, Emotional Eating, and Eating Disorders. I'm a seasoned therapist and award winning author with over 30 years' experience helping couples and individuals create healthy, happy lives. If you keep thinking the same negative thoughts, or endlessly repeat unwanted behaviors, I can help. You don't need to struggle alone. I will help you transform your unhealthy patterns, negative inner voices and self-sabotaging actions into healthy physical, mental and emotional habits. We can work together to help you build your confidence, improve your relationships and increase your well-being.
I will show you specific tools you can use to free yourself from emotional distress, codependency, unhealthy relationships, emotional eating and addictive behaviors.
I specialize in Couples Therapy, Codependency, Emotional Eating, and Eating Disorders. I'm a seasoned therapist and award winning author with over 30 years' experience helping couples and individuals create healthy, happy lives. If you keep thinking the same negative thoughts, or endlessly repeat unwanted behaviors, I can help. You don't need to struggle alone. I will help you transform your unhealthy patterns, negative inner voices and self-sabotaging actions into healthy physical, mental and emotional habits. We can work together to help you build your confidence, improve your relationships and increase your well-being.
(415) 521-1116 View (415) 521-1116
Photo of Maia J Newman, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Maia J Newman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Corte Madera, CA 94925
I can also help you face an addiction or address codependency and enter into the recovery process when you are ready.
I'm Maia Newman, a seasoned licensed therapist working with individuals and couples determined to improve their lives. I can help you with all of your relationship concerns; from being single and seeking a relationship to adjusting from a divorce or the loss of a partner. If you are in a relationship I can assist you with keeping passion alive over time, improving communication, negotiating life transitions and role changes, aligning parenting, healing after an affair, or separating from your partner if that is the healthiest option. I have successfully helped many couples in times of crisis to stay together.
I can also help you face an addiction or address codependency and enter into the recovery process when you are ready.
I'm Maia Newman, a seasoned licensed therapist working with individuals and couples determined to improve their lives. I can help you with all of your relationship concerns; from being single and seeking a relationship to adjusting from a divorce or the loss of a partner. If you are in a relationship I can assist you with keeping passion alive over time, improving communication, negotiating life transitions and role changes, aligning parenting, healing after an affair, or separating from your partner if that is the healthiest option. I have successfully helped many couples in times of crisis to stay together.
(650) 485-3914 View (650) 485-3914
Photo of Irma Rivera-Carlisle, MDiv, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Irma Rivera-Carlisle
Marriage & Family Therapist, MDiv, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Corte Madera, CA 94925
Specializing in narcissism, depression, codependency, disordered eating, parent-adolescent conflict, foster care, and religion, I utilize an integrated theoretical approach; Attachment and Brain development, Family Systems, CBT and Psychodynamic.
Stress and worry can take its toll on our minds and bodies. If you experience high levels of these, or feel empty at the end of the day, I will provide a safe and caring environment with which to explore the causal factors. I enjoy working with codependency, Self-development, life transitions, and relational dynamics.
Specializing in narcissism, depression, codependency, disordered eating, parent-adolescent conflict, foster care, and religion, I utilize an integrated theoretical approach; Attachment and Brain development, Family Systems, CBT and Psychodynamic.
Stress and worry can take its toll on our minds and bodies. If you experience high levels of these, or feel empty at the end of the day, I will provide a safe and caring environment with which to explore the causal factors. I enjoy working with codependency, Self-development, life transitions, and relational dynamics.
(415) 851-3114 View (415) 851-3114
Photo of Jeannie Brown, PsyD, MA, Psychologist
Jeannie Brown
Psychologist, PsyD, MA
Verified Verified
Corte Madera, CA 94925
I have diverse experience working with different ages, backgrounds, sexual orientations, cultures, individuals, couples, Addictions, Trauma/abuse (PTSD),Anxiety, Depression, Codependency, Narcissist-Abuse, Relationships Problems.
Welcome to my in private practice (virtual and in person). Do you feel distressed and need more support? Many seek therapy to end or alleviate often life long or long term painful symptoms or patterns. They may be too complex to address on your own but be very treatable. I provide a safe, nonjudgmental, supportive place. I work collaboratively to help develop awareness and skills and through therapeutic modalities. This is to improve or eliminate distressing symptoms or problems and assist you in reaching your full potential. Education: UC Berkeley-BA in Psychology and a Doctorate from California School of Professional Psychology.
I have diverse experience working with different ages, backgrounds, sexual orientations, cultures, individuals, couples, Addictions, Trauma/abuse (PTSD),Anxiety, Depression, Codependency, Narcissist-Abuse, Relationships Problems.
Welcome to my in private practice (virtual and in person). Do you feel distressed and need more support? Many seek therapy to end or alleviate often life long or long term painful symptoms or patterns. They may be too complex to address on your own but be very treatable. I provide a safe, nonjudgmental, supportive place. I work collaboratively to help develop awareness and skills and through therapeutic modalities. This is to improve or eliminate distressing symptoms or problems and assist you in reaching your full potential. Education: UC Berkeley-BA in Psychology and a Doctorate from California School of Professional Psychology.
(415) 692-6331 View (415) 692-6331
Photo of Deborah Underwood, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Deborah Underwood
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Corte Madera, CA 94925  (Online Only)
I work with marital problems, divorce, addiction, codependency, communication, depression, bipolar, anxiety, parenting, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anger management, ptsd, and spiritual awareness.
I will challenge you with questions and give you homework to help you succeed. I work in the present and do not believe it is productive to spend years talking about the past. You will sense my passion for my work and will feel seen and heard.
I work with marital problems, divorce, addiction, codependency, communication, depression, bipolar, anxiety, parenting, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anger management, ptsd, and spiritual awareness.
I will challenge you with questions and give you homework to help you succeed. I work in the present and do not believe it is productive to spend years talking about the past. You will sense my passion for my work and will feel seen and heard.
(530) 419-6206 View (530) 419-6206
Photo of Cassandra Beck, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Cassandra Beck
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Corte Madera, CA 94925
I also provide individual therapy to teens and adults, specializing in substance use, codependency, and working with high achievers.
To those navigating the complexities of parenting, carrying the weight of past hurts, or striving to find harmony in their relationships, I see you. I specialize in supporting parents and caregivers concerned about their teenager's behavior and those looking to improve family relationships and reduce conflict. As a family therapist, I tackle various family challenges like addiction, disordered eating, and teen behavior. I assist with challenging transitions, supporting neurodivergent families, healing intergenerational trauma, and addressing burnout in high-achieving families.
I also provide individual therapy to teens and adults, specializing in substance use, codependency, and working with high achievers.
To those navigating the complexities of parenting, carrying the weight of past hurts, or striving to find harmony in their relationships, I see you. I specialize in supporting parents and caregivers concerned about their teenager's behavior and those looking to improve family relationships and reduce conflict. As a family therapist, I tackle various family challenges like addiction, disordered eating, and teen behavior. I assist with challenging transitions, supporting neurodivergent families, healing intergenerational trauma, and addressing burnout in high-achieving families.
(415) 450-0517 View (415) 450-0517
Photo of Christina Ashley Young, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Christina Ashley Young
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Corte Madera, CA 94925
My clients tend to be people who want to feel more in control of their emotions, more effective at getting what they want, less stuck, more flexible, more connected and really just more at peace. They seek relief from patterns - sometimes chronic and severe, sometimes only subtly troublesome - of painful emotions, negative self-talk and thoughts, rumination, relationship instability and self sabotaging behaviors. Many of my clients tend to have had very painful formative or recent experiences of invalidation that have been difficult or confusing. https://insightgrouptherapy.com/christina-young-polony
My clients tend to be people who want to feel more in control of their emotions, more effective at getting what they want, less stuck, more flexible, more connected and really just more at peace. They seek relief from patterns - sometimes chronic and severe, sometimes only subtly troublesome - of painful emotions, negative self-talk and thoughts, rumination, relationship instability and self sabotaging behaviors. Many of my clients tend to have had very painful formative or recent experiences of invalidation that have been difficult or confusing. https://insightgrouptherapy.com/christina-young-polony
(415) 650-0628 View (415) 650-0628
Photo of Molly Parsons VandenBerg, AMFT, APCC, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Molly Parsons VandenBerg
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
Corte Madera, CA 94925  (Online Only)
I provide counseling to adults, teens, couples and parents. I have expertise helping clients through severe anxiety, depression, family conflict and building stronger interpersonal relationships. Life can be really hard, and many of us don’t have the right support system to help us navigate the many challenges we confront. Partaking in therapy means we are prioritizing our health and wellbeing, which is a worthy and sacred journey.
I provide counseling to adults, teens, couples and parents. I have expertise helping clients through severe anxiety, depression, family conflict and building stronger interpersonal relationships. Life can be really hard, and many of us don’t have the right support system to help us navigate the many challenges we confront. Partaking in therapy means we are prioritizing our health and wellbeing, which is a worthy and sacred journey.
(415) 997-2770 View (415) 997-2770
Photo of Michelle Bonsignore, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Michelle Bonsignore
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Corte Madera, CA 94925
Waitlist for new clients
Are you feeling lonely, sad, angry, or unhappy in your relationships? Do you worry about your or someone else's alcohol or drug use? Substance Use Disorder often impacts individuals and families in painful + predictable ways that trap people in destructive patterns of anxiety, loneliness, anger, helplessness, and despair. You are not alone if your efforts to manage and move beyond the chaos in your relationships feel futile. Don't lose hope! People do get better, and relationships can be repaired!
Are you feeling lonely, sad, angry, or unhappy in your relationships? Do you worry about your or someone else's alcohol or drug use? Substance Use Disorder often impacts individuals and families in painful + predictable ways that trap people in destructive patterns of anxiety, loneliness, anger, helplessness, and despair. You are not alone if your efforts to manage and move beyond the chaos in your relationships feel futile. Don't lose hope! People do get better, and relationships can be repaired!
(628) 240-0812 View (628) 240-0812
Photo of Maysie Tift, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Maysie Tift
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Corte Madera, CA 94925
Are you Super Loyal? An excellent listener, who perhaps doesn’t share much about yourself? The one everyone leans on for support, advice, money, or favors? Are you the glue in your family, and the one who puts out fires? Many of my clients who identify with these kinds of qualities struggle in characteristic ways. Many are uncomfortable acknowledging their own feelings & desires. They make too many sacrifices to avoid being "selfish". They fear confrontation and the possibility of upsetting or disappointing others. They often get drawn into imbalanced relationships... or worse, toxic ones with selfish or narcissistic people.
Are you Super Loyal? An excellent listener, who perhaps doesn’t share much about yourself? The one everyone leans on for support, advice, money, or favors? Are you the glue in your family, and the one who puts out fires? Many of my clients who identify with these kinds of qualities struggle in characteristic ways. Many are uncomfortable acknowledging their own feelings & desires. They make too many sacrifices to avoid being "selfish". They fear confrontation and the possibility of upsetting or disappointing others. They often get drawn into imbalanced relationships... or worse, toxic ones with selfish or narcissistic people.
(415) 799-9000 View (415) 799-9000
Photo of Nicholas Coleman Plastiras, LMFT, LPCC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Nicholas Coleman Plastiras
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
Corte Madera, CA 94925
Navigating life can be difficult. Perhaps you find yourself stuck in problematic relational patterns, struggling to find a different way. Maybe you criticize and put limitations on yourself. Perhaps you have endless empathy for everyone but yourself. Maybe you’ve turned to alcohol or substances to avoid the pain. Maybe you don’t feel much of anything at all. Perhaps you are simply in a rut and you don’t know how to get yourself out of it. The good news is, by simply looking for help you are on your way to regaining confidence, agency, and a fuller, more authentic sense of self. A self that CAN navigate the difficulties of life.
Navigating life can be difficult. Perhaps you find yourself stuck in problematic relational patterns, struggling to find a different way. Maybe you criticize and put limitations on yourself. Perhaps you have endless empathy for everyone but yourself. Maybe you’ve turned to alcohol or substances to avoid the pain. Maybe you don’t feel much of anything at all. Perhaps you are simply in a rut and you don’t know how to get yourself out of it. The good news is, by simply looking for help you are on your way to regaining confidence, agency, and a fuller, more authentic sense of self. A self that CAN navigate the difficulties of life.
(415) 634-3407 View (415) 634-3407
Photo of Sherry Reyes Gillimore, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sherry Reyes Gillimore
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Corte Madera, CA 94925
Despite being in love, committed, loyal, and giving - life is hard and your relationship is full of broken promises, fighting, lack of connection, ruined holidays, and stressful vacations. Your constant concern for your loved one gets in the way of the life you want in so many ways. You feel guilty for being frustrated and drained. And you're worried that taking care of yourself is selfish and may lead to disaster. But you're running on empty, and you don't know how much more you can take.
Despite being in love, committed, loyal, and giving - life is hard and your relationship is full of broken promises, fighting, lack of connection, ruined holidays, and stressful vacations. Your constant concern for your loved one gets in the way of the life you want in so many ways. You feel guilty for being frustrated and drained. And you're worried that taking care of yourself is selfish and may lead to disaster. But you're running on empty, and you don't know how much more you can take.
(415) 729-2487 View (415) 729-2487
Photo of Lorin Tierney, Marriage & Family Therapist
Lorin Tierney
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Corte Madera, CA 94925  (Online Only)
YOU ARE DOING "ALL*THE*THINGS," but you’re emotionally and physically exhausted all the time. You're on autopilot, going through the daily motions, but not living your best life. You put your needs last, with caring for others first. You don’t want to burden or worry your friends or family, with your problems. You self sacrifice only to stay stressed and unfulfilled, with your life and relationships. There is no work-life balance and you don’t know where to start. You don't have to continue down this stressful path, you can gain back energy. CHANGE IS POSSIBLE. With getting the right help, you can create a life worth living!
YOU ARE DOING "ALL*THE*THINGS," but you’re emotionally and physically exhausted all the time. You're on autopilot, going through the daily motions, but not living your best life. You put your needs last, with caring for others first. You don’t want to burden or worry your friends or family, with your problems. You self sacrifice only to stay stressed and unfulfilled, with your life and relationships. There is no work-life balance and you don’t know where to start. You don't have to continue down this stressful path, you can gain back energy. CHANGE IS POSSIBLE. With getting the right help, you can create a life worth living!
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Photo of Amelia Howard-Smith, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Amelia Howard-Smith
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Corte Madera, CA 94925
You want to be seen, heard, and understood. This is what you’ll feel when you work with me. My approach is collaborative and tailored to your unique needs. I strive to help you make sense out of the past while guiding you to make changes for the future. I want to help you live the life you want to live, and I’m here to provide you with the tools to do just that. Together we’ll work towards gaining a deeper understanding of yourself, finding meaning in your life, self-acceptance, and empowerment. You’ll learn to manage strong and uncomfortable emotions and work through negative thought patterns.
You want to be seen, heard, and understood. This is what you’ll feel when you work with me. My approach is collaborative and tailored to your unique needs. I strive to help you make sense out of the past while guiding you to make changes for the future. I want to help you live the life you want to live, and I’m here to provide you with the tools to do just that. Together we’ll work towards gaining a deeper understanding of yourself, finding meaning in your life, self-acceptance, and empowerment. You’ll learn to manage strong and uncomfortable emotions and work through negative thought patterns.
(415) 326-1841 View (415) 326-1841
Photo of Dana Kahn, PhD, Psychologist
Dana Kahn
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Corte Madera, CA 94925
Hello. I have been a licensed Clinical Psychologist for twenty-five years. With experience, training, and a deep sense of compassion, I provide a safe space for patients to share their most vulnerable feelings. I am an active participant in the treatment, and I believe that a therapeutic relationship must be based on trust and mutual respect. I believe that every client has a unique story to tell, and therapy is tailored to those needs. I provide trauma-based therapy, CBT, DBT, psychodynamic, and mindfulness-oriented psychotherapy. I treat adults, adolescents and families.
Hello. I have been a licensed Clinical Psychologist for twenty-five years. With experience, training, and a deep sense of compassion, I provide a safe space for patients to share their most vulnerable feelings. I am an active participant in the treatment, and I believe that a therapeutic relationship must be based on trust and mutual respect. I believe that every client has a unique story to tell, and therapy is tailored to those needs. I provide trauma-based therapy, CBT, DBT, psychodynamic, and mindfulness-oriented psychotherapy. I treat adults, adolescents and families.
(415) 891-8378 View (415) 891-8378
Photo of Phyllis Galanis, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Phyllis Galanis
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Corte Madera, CA 94925
Are you feeling misunderstood in your relationships? Are you feeling anxious, irritated or depressed? Tired of having to explain yourself? Talking with an understanding therapist who will focus solely on you with a compassionate objectivity can really help. I specialize in working with anxiety, depression, addictive behaviors and relationship issues, and in helping to uncover and then overcome issues from the past that are still affecting thoughts and behavior in the present. I've been through many transitions, both planned and unplanned, throughout my life and have great compassion and skill in helping others come through them, too.
Are you feeling misunderstood in your relationships? Are you feeling anxious, irritated or depressed? Tired of having to explain yourself? Talking with an understanding therapist who will focus solely on you with a compassionate objectivity can really help. I specialize in working with anxiety, depression, addictive behaviors and relationship issues, and in helping to uncover and then overcome issues from the past that are still affecting thoughts and behavior in the present. I've been through many transitions, both planned and unplanned, throughout my life and have great compassion and skill in helping others come through them, too.
(415) 630-5316 View (415) 630-5316
Photo of Carrie Sanders, MPH, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Carrie Sanders
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MPH, LCSW
Verified Verified
Corte Madera, CA 94925
I offer psychotherapy to families, couples and individuals. People come to therapy for different reasons, whether it be a life changing event or just needing support. In the end, we all want supportive nurturing relationships with ourselves and others and I believe that therapy can help people work towards those goals. My approach is collaborative, non-judgmental and supportive and I am very down to earth and personable. I work with people from diverse backgrounds and ages and I am knowledgeable and affirming of open or non-monogamous relationship. I truly love the work that I do.
I offer psychotherapy to families, couples and individuals. People come to therapy for different reasons, whether it be a life changing event or just needing support. In the end, we all want supportive nurturing relationships with ourselves and others and I believe that therapy can help people work towards those goals. My approach is collaborative, non-judgmental and supportive and I am very down to earth and personable. I work with people from diverse backgrounds and ages and I am knowledgeable and affirming of open or non-monogamous relationship. I truly love the work that I do.
(628) 222-4252 View (628) 222-4252
Photo of Maite Acedo, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Maite Acedo
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Corte Madera, CA 94925
Through therapy, I help you develop the tools and skills for deeper understanding of how and why you get stuck in pain, self-defeating behaviors, relational problems, or internal/life struggles. Working together, we go to the root causes of different diagnoses: anxiety, depression, PTSD, dissociation, addictive behaviors, and relational difficulties. We work on transforming the patterns, beliefs and emotions that interfere with living your greatest potential. My deep approach and your consistency can change your neurobiology (nervous system and brain) resulting in increased clarity, self-love, peace, courage, and other strengths.
Through therapy, I help you develop the tools and skills for deeper understanding of how and why you get stuck in pain, self-defeating behaviors, relational problems, or internal/life struggles. Working together, we go to the root causes of different diagnoses: anxiety, depression, PTSD, dissociation, addictive behaviors, and relational difficulties. We work on transforming the patterns, beliefs and emotions that interfere with living your greatest potential. My deep approach and your consistency can change your neurobiology (nervous system and brain) resulting in increased clarity, self-love, peace, courage, and other strengths.
(415) 786-7296 View (415) 786-7296
Photo of Katherine Pearson - Kate Pearson, LMFT, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kate Pearson, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Corte Madera, CA 94925  (Online Only)
Anaïs Nin wrote "we see the world not as it is, but as we are." Without self-reflection, we can all fall into old patterns and behaviors which no longer serve us. With self-reflection we can make sense of our worldview and become active agents of change and growth in our own lives. I have about 20 years of clinical experience practicing psychotherapy in a variety of settings.
Anaïs Nin wrote "we see the world not as it is, but as we are." Without self-reflection, we can all fall into old patterns and behaviors which no longer serve us. With self-reflection we can make sense of our worldview and become active agents of change and growth in our own lives. I have about 20 years of clinical experience practicing psychotherapy in a variety of settings.
(415) 853-3850 View (415) 853-3850
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Codependency Therapists

What therapy types help with codependency problems?

Both couples and family therapy and cognitive and behavioral therapy (CBT) can help with the relationship difficulties referred to as codependency. Such problems typically include inappropriate feelings of responsibility for a loved one’s destructive behavior, irrational patterns of thinking about such behavior, and family interaction patterns in which the needs of one troubled member override the needs of others in a household.

What happens in therapy for codependency?

Spouses and family members learn and practice how to interact and support each other in a healthy way without sacrificing their own needs or well-being. They learn the limits of their responsibility for their loved ones and correct faulty patterns of thinking and feeling that underlie codependent behavior. Individuals may be encouraged to nurture an array of social relationships and to cultivate their own talents and interests so that they develop a healthy sense of self outside the family.

How does therapy help a person or couple overcome codependency?

Therapy helps people establish healthy ways of being in a relationship. Spouses and family members learn how to nurture and support one another without sacrificing their own needs or allowing the needs of one person to dominate the dynamic. Individuals learn how to say no and set boundaries, and how to maintain their own identity and self-esteem. Therapy helps people understand that they are not responsible for the feelings and actions of others. It also helps individuals deal with the turbulence that can come from living with a person suffering from such conditions as substance abuse and mental illness.

What is the goal of therapy for codependency?

One goal of therapy for codependency is to alleviate feelings of responsibility for and correct irrational patterns of thinking about loved ones whose behavioral problems override the needs of others in a household. Therapy helps people establish healthy boundaries of behavior and speak up for their own needs in a relationship. In addition, people learn how to maintain a healthy relationship, one in which both parties give and receive equally and are able to retain their own identity.