Photo of A Willow Bends, LLC in Woodland Park, CO
A Willow Bends, LLC
MA, LPC, LAC, MAC, EMDR
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Woodland Park, CO 80863
Have you suffered through years of abuse or trauma? Lost a loved one through divorce or death? Maybe, you feel you can't face life anymore. Maybe you struggle with the use of alcohol or drugs. Do you use them to "feel good about yourself?" Maybe, just "to forget for a moment". Maybe because they make you feel "normal". This is the time to seek help. It takes courage to call and yet we are here to walk with you during your trying times and help you find the inner peace, joy, and success you deserve!
Have you suffered through years of abuse or trauma? Lost a loved one through divorce or death? Maybe, you feel you can't face life anymore. Maybe you struggle with the use of alcohol or drugs. Do you use them to "feel good about yourself?" Maybe, just "to forget for a moment". Maybe because they make you feel "normal". This is the time to seek help. It takes courage to call and yet we are here to walk with you during your trying times and help you find the inner peace, joy, and success you deserve!
(719) 624-4782 View (719) 624-4782
Photo of Outside Rein, LLC, Licensed Professional Counselor in Woodland Park, CO
Outside Rein, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LAC, CEIP-MH
Verified Verified
Woodland Park, CO 80863
We are all human, imperfect, and want/need grace. Mental health is a part of our overall health, not separate from it. We cannot disconnect the head from the body. All session are conducted with empathy and compassion, with or without equines. We are currently accepting new clients, as our caseload allows. We accept Medicaid, TriWest, TRICARE, and Aetna insurances, in addition to private pay with a deeply sliding scale. We can also do a single case agreement or supply a superbill for out of network insurance.
We are all human, imperfect, and want/need grace. Mental health is a part of our overall health, not separate from it. We cannot disconnect the head from the body. All session are conducted with empathy and compassion, with or without equines. We are currently accepting new clients, as our caseload allows. We accept Medicaid, TriWest, TRICARE, and Aetna insurances, in addition to private pay with a deeply sliding scale. We can also do a single case agreement or supply a superbill for out of network insurance.
(719) 452-8474 View (719) 452-8474
Photo of Emily Slough, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Woodland Park, CO
Emily Slough
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, C-DBT, MA, BA
Verified Verified
Woodland Park, CO 80863  (Online Only)
You may appear to have it all together to those around you, but internally you are struggling not to fall apart. You have a hard time balancing everything that is going on in your life and feel overwhelmed. Depression and anxiety are normal for you, but recently you feel they have been controlling your day to day. You're noticing patterns that you can't seem to break out of on your own. You know that it can get better, what you’ve been doing isn’t working. You’re tired of feeling stuck and you are motivated to learn how to love yourself, how to cope with daily struggles, and how to unlearn and change what you experienced growing up.
You may appear to have it all together to those around you, but internally you are struggling not to fall apart. You have a hard time balancing everything that is going on in your life and feel overwhelmed. Depression and anxiety are normal for you, but recently you feel they have been controlling your day to day. You're noticing patterns that you can't seem to break out of on your own. You know that it can get better, what you’ve been doing isn’t working. You’re tired of feeling stuck and you are motivated to learn how to love yourself, how to cope with daily struggles, and how to unlearn and change what you experienced growing up.
(719) 625-3573 View (719) 625-3573
Barbara A. Batchelor, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Woodland Park, CO 80866
(719) 285-4276 View (719) 285-4276

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Brooke Small, Counselor in Woodland Park, CO
Brooke Small
Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Colorado Springs, CO 80921
I am passionate about working with clients experiencing grief and loss, spiritual abuse, those hurt in crucial relationships, and those drained by emotional abuse. Often this looks like anxiety, depression, and difficulty in relationships. The decision to begin therapy is a courageous one usually made when feeling stuck, vulnerable, or in emotional distress. My goal as a therapist is to provide a safe and supportive space where you can express your thoughts and feelings openly and develop a deepening awareness that can develop into a meaningful and lasting understanding of yourself.
I am passionate about working with clients experiencing grief and loss, spiritual abuse, those hurt in crucial relationships, and those drained by emotional abuse. Often this looks like anxiety, depression, and difficulty in relationships. The decision to begin therapy is a courageous one usually made when feeling stuck, vulnerable, or in emotional distress. My goal as a therapist is to provide a safe and supportive space where you can express your thoughts and feelings openly and develop a deepening awareness that can develop into a meaningful and lasting understanding of yourself.
(719) 948-8268 View (719) 948-8268

Online Therapists

Photo of Umbrella Collective, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Woodland Park, CO
Umbrella Collective
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CGP
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Boulder, CO 80301
Our specialties include working with adolescents and adults in individual, couples, and group configuration to address patterned issues related to identity, trauma, relationship dissatisfaction, life transition, codependency, attention challenges, anxiety, mood swings, and depression.
Talk therapy for your intersecting identities. We are adept at navigating the difficult and complex conversations about your intersecting identities that can ebb and flow over one's life. In addition, we are committed to ongoing education and skilled at therapeutic intervention for psychological healing. By talking through the challenges you face, we collaborate with you to interrupt old patterned behavior and install new conclusions and behaviors that lead to constructive coping, personal growth, increased self-awareness, and feeling more comfortable within yourself.
Our specialties include working with adolescents and adults in individual, couples, and group configuration to address patterned issues related to identity, trauma, relationship dissatisfaction, life transition, codependency, attention challenges, anxiety, mood swings, and depression.
Talk therapy for your intersecting identities. We are adept at navigating the difficult and complex conversations about your intersecting identities that can ebb and flow over one's life. In addition, we are committed to ongoing education and skilled at therapeutic intervention for psychological healing. By talking through the challenges you face, we collaborate with you to interrupt old patterned behavior and install new conclusions and behaviors that lead to constructive coping, personal growth, increased self-awareness, and feeling more comfortable within yourself.
(720) 410-9468 View (720) 410-9468
Photo of Erin Wesley, Counselor in Woodland Park, CO
Erin Wesley
Counselor, MS, LPCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Crested Butte, CO 81224  (Online Only)
I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you on your journey toward healing and self-discovery. With years of experience and a deep passion for helping individuals overcome their challenges, I specialize in treating eating disorders, addictions, and codependency. I stay up-to-date with the latest research and therapeutic approaches to ensure that I provide you with the most effective and comprehensive care. In our sessions, you can expect a collaborative and empathetic approach. Our work together will focus on building your resilience, enhancing your self-esteem, and equipping you with practical tools to navigate challenges
I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you on your journey toward healing and self-discovery. With years of experience and a deep passion for helping individuals overcome their challenges, I specialize in treating eating disorders, addictions, and codependency. I stay up-to-date with the latest research and therapeutic approaches to ensure that I provide you with the most effective and comprehensive care. In our sessions, you can expect a collaborative and empathetic approach. Our work together will focus on building your resilience, enhancing your self-esteem, and equipping you with practical tools to navigate challenges
(970) 465-5359 View (970) 465-5359
Photo of Annika Nichols, Counselor in Woodland Park, CO
Annika Nichols
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80203  (Online Only)
I want to help bring authenticity and change to your life the way you want it to. I'm Nick (they/them), and I’m dual licensed in two states working with FL and CO clients. I work with queer issues and gender exploration/transition, codependency and relationship problems, anxiety disorders, neurodivergence, chronic illness, trauma, and grief/loss. I also work with non-monogamous/poly clients. I’m here to provide a safe and respectful place for you to be seen and heard. You're not alone and you don’t have to keep telling yourself everything is “fine” or normal in your life - let's find a better "normal" for you to live.
I want to help bring authenticity and change to your life the way you want it to. I'm Nick (they/them), and I’m dual licensed in two states working with FL and CO clients. I work with queer issues and gender exploration/transition, codependency and relationship problems, anxiety disorders, neurodivergence, chronic illness, trauma, and grief/loss. I also work with non-monogamous/poly clients. I’m here to provide a safe and respectful place for you to be seen and heard. You're not alone and you don’t have to keep telling yourself everything is “fine” or normal in your life - let's find a better "normal" for you to live.
(720) 790-4189 View (720) 790-4189
Photo of Katie Quick, Licensed Professional Counselor in Woodland Park, CO
Katie Quick
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80204  (Online Only)
I am passionate about helping clients with the following issues: anxiety, codependency, people pleasing, setting boundaries, self-confidence, childhood trauma, and building healthy relationships.
Are you constantly anxious? Overthinking about your future? Worried about things that are out of your control? Did you have a childhood filled with trauma and difficult experiences? Are you ready to do the work to shift into a happier, healthier, more authentic life? Then you’ve come to the right place. My name is Katie Quick (she/her) and I help anxious adults find relief through inner child healing and empowerment. Using a gentle yet direct, compassionate and expansive approach, we will look to your past to give us insight into your present, and transform your pain into the healing that will create a beautiful future.
I am passionate about helping clients with the following issues: anxiety, codependency, people pleasing, setting boundaries, self-confidence, childhood trauma, and building healthy relationships.
Are you constantly anxious? Overthinking about your future? Worried about things that are out of your control? Did you have a childhood filled with trauma and difficult experiences? Are you ready to do the work to shift into a happier, healthier, more authentic life? Then you’ve come to the right place. My name is Katie Quick (she/her) and I help anxious adults find relief through inner child healing and empowerment. Using a gentle yet direct, compassionate and expansive approach, we will look to your past to give us insight into your present, and transform your pain into the healing that will create a beautiful future.
(720) 310-1115 View (720) 310-1115
Photo of Janean Anderson, Psychologist in Woodland Park, CO
Janean Anderson
Psychologist, PhD, CEDS
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80222
I specialize in treating Eating Disorders, codependency, and perfectionism and anxiety.
My style is warm, real, and practical. Working with me in therapy means having a conversation, just two people talking together. I embrace humor and honesty in therapy. I balance helping you gain greater understanding of yourself with taking action, supporting your every step. I strive to provide the best services possible by helping you to feel deeply understood by considering all the aspects of your unique story and using therapeutic techniques that have been shown by research to be effective. I provide individual and group therapy as well as psychological evaluations (testing).
I specialize in treating Eating Disorders, codependency, and perfectionism and anxiety.
My style is warm, real, and practical. Working with me in therapy means having a conversation, just two people talking together. I embrace humor and honesty in therapy. I balance helping you gain greater understanding of yourself with taking action, supporting your every step. I strive to provide the best services possible by helping you to feel deeply understood by considering all the aspects of your unique story and using therapeutic techniques that have been shown by research to be effective. I provide individual and group therapy as well as psychological evaluations (testing).
(970) 366-3075 View (970) 366-3075
Photo of Ann Loomis, Registered Psychotherapist in Woodland Park, CO
Ann Loomis
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, LMT, NLC
Verified Verified
Longmont, CO 80501  (Online Only)
What would your life be like if you could love yourself freely? What’s getting in the way? A compulsive behavior? Fear? Shame? Grief? A story left over from childhood? You may not know but you’d like to. One client described working with me as, “An immersive experience into my subconscious that was actually energizing! I’ve been in therapy my entire adult life. I wish I had known sooner that this is an option!” Somatic hypnotherapy is great for neutralizing anxiety, phobias, childhood wounds, codependency, self-sabotage, addictions, etc. making it possible for Love to flow through you in your everyday life. It’s your birthright!
What would your life be like if you could love yourself freely? What’s getting in the way? A compulsive behavior? Fear? Shame? Grief? A story left over from childhood? You may not know but you’d like to. One client described working with me as, “An immersive experience into my subconscious that was actually energizing! I’ve been in therapy my entire adult life. I wish I had known sooner that this is an option!” Somatic hypnotherapy is great for neutralizing anxiety, phobias, childhood wounds, codependency, self-sabotage, addictions, etc. making it possible for Love to flow through you in your everyday life. It’s your birthright!
(720) 706-4429 View (720) 706-4429
Photo of Julie Beam, Licensed Professional Counselor in Woodland Park, CO
Julie Beam
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CAS
Verified Verified
Castle Rock, CO 80104
I have worked as an addiction counselor and mental health counselor for over 33 years. I work with adolescents and adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, addiction, parenting struggles, codependency, behavioral problems, grief and loss, PTSD. My goal is to find out what works best for you, to explore solutions and to provide tools and strategies to make lasting changes. I provide education, explore feelings and provide alternatives to the destructive patterns that sometimes develop in our lives.
I have worked as an addiction counselor and mental health counselor for over 33 years. I work with adolescents and adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, addiction, parenting struggles, codependency, behavioral problems, grief and loss, PTSD. My goal is to find out what works best for you, to explore solutions and to provide tools and strategies to make lasting changes. I provide education, explore feelings and provide alternatives to the destructive patterns that sometimes develop in our lives.
(303) 801-8477 View (303) 801-8477
Photo of Katherine Longley, Licensed Professional Counselor in Woodland Park, CO
Katherine Longley
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80033
I treat clients who struggle with symptoms of anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, substance abuse, codependency, women's issues, obsessive-compulsive disorders, personality disorders, eating disorders, and trauma.
Welcome! My name is Katherine Longley. I'm excited to work with you to build resources, develop skills, and assist you in taking any necessary steps toward achieving your goals. I work with teens and adults, and my style is relational, holistic, empathetic, and collaborative; I believe that you are the expert of your experience. I enjoy working to understand where you're coming from so that we can explore your roadblocks in life together. I use a combination of approaches that will be catered to your individual needs. Give me a call, text, or email to see if we're a good fit!
I treat clients who struggle with symptoms of anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, substance abuse, codependency, women's issues, obsessive-compulsive disorders, personality disorders, eating disorders, and trauma.
Welcome! My name is Katherine Longley. I'm excited to work with you to build resources, develop skills, and assist you in taking any necessary steps toward achieving your goals. I work with teens and adults, and my style is relational, holistic, empathetic, and collaborative; I believe that you are the expert of your experience. I enjoy working to understand where you're coming from so that we can explore your roadblocks in life together. I use a combination of approaches that will be catered to your individual needs. Give me a call, text, or email to see if we're a good fit!
(719) 259-2459 View (719) 259-2459
Photo of Brooke R Tangen Huus, Drug & Alcohol Counselor in Woodland Park, CO
Brooke R Tangen Huus
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, MA, LAC, EMDR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80210
Over the last 13 plus years I have specialized in treating clients struggling with substance use and trauma. I have spent the majority of my career working in treatment facilities that address substance use whether they were residential, extended care or outpatient and I enjoy working with those who report concerns related to their use of a substance(s) and report other "underlying concerns" such as a history of trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, etc. I've been trained in EMDR and spent several years working with young adults, women, and even professionals. Codependency and family work is also an area of expertise of mine.
Over the last 13 plus years I have specialized in treating clients struggling with substance use and trauma. I have spent the majority of my career working in treatment facilities that address substance use whether they were residential, extended care or outpatient and I enjoy working with those who report concerns related to their use of a substance(s) and report other "underlying concerns" such as a history of trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, etc. I've been trained in EMDR and spent several years working with young adults, women, and even professionals. Codependency and family work is also an area of expertise of mine.
(720) 571-4623 View (720) 571-4623
Photo of Samantha Torres - Reflecting Light Guidance, Licensed Professional Counselor in Woodland Park, CO
Samantha Torres - Reflecting Light Guidance
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, MA
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80218  (Online Only)
Are you looking for someone to stand beside you as you navigate the complexities of chronic illness or need support in breaking cycles of codependency or difficult relationship dynamics with friends, family or partners? I specialize in providing compassionate and personalized support to individuals facing these challenges. I understand the unique struggles associated with chronic illness, offering a safe space to explore your emotions, address self-care needs, and develop effective coping strategies. Similarly, for relationships, I provide a non -judgmental environment and practical skills to help you create new dynamics.
Are you looking for someone to stand beside you as you navigate the complexities of chronic illness or need support in breaking cycles of codependency or difficult relationship dynamics with friends, family or partners? I specialize in providing compassionate and personalized support to individuals facing these challenges. I understand the unique struggles associated with chronic illness, offering a safe space to explore your emotions, address self-care needs, and develop effective coping strategies. Similarly, for relationships, I provide a non -judgmental environment and practical skills to help you create new dynamics.
(970) 233-4751 View (970) 233-4751
Photo of Blair Thurston Counseling LLC, Licensed Professional Counselor in Woodland Park, CO
Blair Thurston Counseling LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80210  (Online Only)
As a therapist, I am a great match for clients who want to transcend old patterns, build more self-trust, and experience a more spacious and peaceful inner world. I believe that all people have an intrinsic desire to move towards connection, health, and aliveness and I have a knack for helping people access these qualities within themselves. I have a lot of experience in the world of addiction and family systems, specifically working with clients who have a loved one dealing with an addiction. I specialize in treating codependency, compassionate boundary setting, and helping you find your voice.
As a therapist, I am a great match for clients who want to transcend old patterns, build more self-trust, and experience a more spacious and peaceful inner world. I believe that all people have an intrinsic desire to move towards connection, health, and aliveness and I have a knack for helping people access these qualities within themselves. I have a lot of experience in the world of addiction and family systems, specifically working with clients who have a loved one dealing with an addiction. I specialize in treating codependency, compassionate boundary setting, and helping you find your voice.
(720) 619-8582 View (720) 619-8582
Photo of Liz Norris, Licensed Professional Counselor in Woodland Park, CO
Liz Norris
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Littleton, CO 80120
Liz works collaboratively with individuals, specializing in trauma, emotional, sexual, and spiritual abuse, family of origin issues, relationship issues, codependency, missions and re-entry, life transitions, stress management, anxiety, self-esteem, and depression.
Dr. Liz Norris is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and holds a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from Mercer University, a MA in Professional Counseling with a specialization in Trauma Counseling from Richmont Graduate University, and a BA in Communication from Valdosta State University. She is trained in EMDR, a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC), and a Board Certified TeleMental Health Provider (BC-TMH). Liz has worked in a wide range of clinical settings, such as a homeless shelter and rehabilitation program, psychiatric hospital, missions agency, and private practice.
Liz works collaboratively with individuals, specializing in trauma, emotional, sexual, and spiritual abuse, family of origin issues, relationship issues, codependency, missions and re-entry, life transitions, stress management, anxiety, self-esteem, and depression.
Dr. Liz Norris is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and holds a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from Mercer University, a MA in Professional Counseling with a specialization in Trauma Counseling from Richmont Graduate University, and a BA in Communication from Valdosta State University. She is trained in EMDR, a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC), and a Board Certified TeleMental Health Provider (BC-TMH). Liz has worked in a wide range of clinical settings, such as a homeless shelter and rehabilitation program, psychiatric hospital, missions agency, and private practice.
(404) 666-8533 View (404) 666-8533
Photo of Ariana Gioia, Licensed Professional Counselor in Woodland Park, CO
Ariana Gioia
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S, CCTP, NCC
Verified Verified
Colorado Springs, CO 80920
My specialty is in complex trauma, issues for women, anxiety, grief, relationship issues, and adjustment difficulties. Many of my clients seek counseling for unresolved trauma and grief that negatively impacts their functioning and relationships, resulting in dysfunction, anxiety, depression, shame, or codependency. I'm dedicated to helping clients heal from past experiences, rebuild self worth, and find happiness and meaning. I care deeply for working with survivors of suicide and those who have lost a loved one to drug overdose. I enjoy working with clients adjusting to the challenges and changes associated with parenthood.
My specialty is in complex trauma, issues for women, anxiety, grief, relationship issues, and adjustment difficulties. Many of my clients seek counseling for unresolved trauma and grief that negatively impacts their functioning and relationships, resulting in dysfunction, anxiety, depression, shame, or codependency. I'm dedicated to helping clients heal from past experiences, rebuild self worth, and find happiness and meaning. I care deeply for working with survivors of suicide and those who have lost a loved one to drug overdose. I enjoy working with clients adjusting to the challenges and changes associated with parenthood.
(719) 781-6745 View (719) 781-6745
Photo of Iam Jophiel, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Woodland Park, CO
Iam Jophiel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, SEP, CCTP-II
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80014  (Online Only)
I provide a balanced therapeutic approach to assisting you with mental, emotional and spiritual challenges that can present as anxiety, fear-based thinking, over-analyzing, self-criticalness, depression, codependency, low self-esteem and other trauma-based symptoms. At times, the healing journey can feel scary and hard, but as you slowly take steps to identify beliefs & narratives that no longer serve you; recondition your heart and mind to accept your shadowed parts; and practice gratitude, Self-compassion and forgiveness; you can reclaim your innate sovereignty, feelings of authenticity and your power to create wellness.
I provide a balanced therapeutic approach to assisting you with mental, emotional and spiritual challenges that can present as anxiety, fear-based thinking, over-analyzing, self-criticalness, depression, codependency, low self-esteem and other trauma-based symptoms. At times, the healing journey can feel scary and hard, but as you slowly take steps to identify beliefs & narratives that no longer serve you; recondition your heart and mind to accept your shadowed parts; and practice gratitude, Self-compassion and forgiveness; you can reclaim your innate sovereignty, feelings of authenticity and your power to create wellness.
(720) 802-6501 View (720) 802-6501
Photo of Valerie J Shinbaum, MS, LPC, MAC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor in Woodland Park, CO
Valerie J Shinbaum, MS, LPC, MAC, NCC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, MAC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Northglenn, CO 80234
) and process (food, eating disorders, sex, work, toxic relationships, codependency, porn, social media, internet, etc.
As a practicing psychotherapist since 1992, I have the honor of assisting clients with the emotional issues that create obstacles and/or roadblocks in all areas of their lives. My compassionate and caring approach is solution-focused and action-oriented, and I believe all clients have the capacity for change within themselves. Clients willing to engage in the emotion and thought based therapeutic process of correcting their actions toward more positive behavior changes achieve the desired outcome of eliminating those life obstacles and roadblocks, resulting in the ultimate therapy goal - better and greater happiness!
) and process (food, eating disorders, sex, work, toxic relationships, codependency, porn, social media, internet, etc.
As a practicing psychotherapist since 1992, I have the honor of assisting clients with the emotional issues that create obstacles and/or roadblocks in all areas of their lives. My compassionate and caring approach is solution-focused and action-oriented, and I believe all clients have the capacity for change within themselves. Clients willing to engage in the emotion and thought based therapeutic process of correcting their actions toward more positive behavior changes achieve the desired outcome of eliminating those life obstacles and roadblocks, resulting in the ultimate therapy goal - better and greater happiness!
(720) 513-1911 View (720) 513-1911

See more therapy options for Woodland Park

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.