Codependency Therapists in Houston, TX

Photo of Brea Cooper - Authentically Me Therapy, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Authentically Me Therapy
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
5 Endorsed
Houston, TX 77008
I work with adults moving through self-doubt, burnout, codependency, or anxious patterns—and couples navigating disconnection, clarity, or change.
You may be the strong one, the helper, the one who holds it all together—but somewhere along the way, you lost touch with your own voice. I work with adults untangling identity from obligation, and couples seeking either reconnection or resolution. My approach blends depth with direction—drawing from somatic awareness, attachment theory, and creative tools like journaling, unsent letters, and meaning-making rituals. Together, we’ll make space for the messy middle—the questions, the clarity, and the quiet breakthroughs.
I work with adults moving through self-doubt, burnout, codependency, or anxious patterns—and couples navigating disconnection, clarity, or change.
You may be the strong one, the helper, the one who holds it all together—but somewhere along the way, you lost touch with your own voice. I work with adults untangling identity from obligation, and couples seeking either reconnection or resolution. My approach blends depth with direction—drawing from somatic awareness, attachment theory, and creative tools like journaling, unsent letters, and meaning-making rituals. Together, we’ll make space for the messy middle—the questions, the clarity, and the quiet breakthroughs.
View
Photo of Rachael A. Price, Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Rachael A. Price
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
3 Endorsed
Online Only
I specialize in chronic illness, relationship issues, codependency, boundaried living, family of origin issues, addicted and dysfunctional family systems.
Questioning why some relationships are so difficult? Blown away by the lack of reciprocity in your relationships? Feeling taken for granted, mistreated, or even abandoned in seeking love and connection? Feeling like no matter how hard you try you’ll end up feeling disappointed, hurt, left behind? Do you obsess, questioning yourself, wonder if you’ll ever be enough, or doubt your worth at times? You have and continue to work so hard and excel in so much, and these experiences and feelings leave you in a spiral. Whether relationships with family, friends, romantic interests, or romantic partners you want and need support and change.
I specialize in chronic illness, relationship issues, codependency, boundaried living, family of origin issues, addicted and dysfunctional family systems.
Questioning why some relationships are so difficult? Blown away by the lack of reciprocity in your relationships? Feeling taken for granted, mistreated, or even abandoned in seeking love and connection? Feeling like no matter how hard you try you’ll end up feeling disappointed, hurt, left behind? Do you obsess, questioning yourself, wonder if you’ll ever be enough, or doubt your worth at times? You have and continue to work so hard and excel in so much, and these experiences and feelings leave you in a spiral. Whether relationships with family, friends, romantic interests, or romantic partners you want and need support and change.
(720) 726-1693 View (720) 726-1693
Photo of Ashley Shantharaj, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Ashley Shantharaj
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
1 Endorsed
Houston, TX 77020
I work with women of all ages struggling with life transitions, depression, anxiety, PTSD, attachment issues, and codependency.
I am a trained EMDR therapist and I utilize this evidence-based treatment to help my clients heal from emotional distress caused by trauma and adverse life experiences. I also specialize in Client Centered Therapy, Attachment Therapy, The Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. My clients and I collaborate on which approach is best for them and their goals.
I work with women of all ages struggling with life transitions, depression, anxiety, PTSD, attachment issues, and codependency.
I am a trained EMDR therapist and I utilize this evidence-based treatment to help my clients heal from emotional distress caused by trauma and adverse life experiences. I also specialize in Client Centered Therapy, Attachment Therapy, The Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. My clients and I collaborate on which approach is best for them and their goals.
(346) 572-9698 x100 View (346) 572-9698 x100
Photo of Allison Jeanette Briggs, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MEd
Allison Jeanette Briggs
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MEd
5 Endorsed
Houston, TX 77005
Childhood trauma and codependency can leave you feeling unimportant and trapped.
I work with all types of individuals, but specialize in helping women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and those dealing with codependency—many of whom have found little success with traditional talk therapy. Using EMDR and Brainspotting, I’ve seen clients experience profound healing and growth where other methods have fallen short. Ready for lasting change?
Childhood trauma and codependency can leave you feeling unimportant and trapped.
I work with all types of individuals, but specialize in helping women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and those dealing with codependency—many of whom have found little success with traditional talk therapy. Using EMDR and Brainspotting, I’ve seen clients experience profound healing and growth where other methods have fallen short. Ready for lasting change?
(832) 956-1508 View (832) 956-1508
Photo of Myles Schutte, Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-S, CSAT
Myles Schutte
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-S, CSAT
6 Endorsed
Serves Area
I work with clients on a wide range of issues, such as depression, anxiety, anger, codependency, sexual addictions, and sexual identity concerns.
My counseling includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy which provide practical tools, goal-setting strategies, and mindfulness techniques to support lasting change. Additionally, I am a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist, offering specialized support for individuals struggling with addiction.
I work with clients on a wide range of issues, such as depression, anxiety, anger, codependency, sexual addictions, and sexual identity concerns.
My counseling includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy which provide practical tools, goal-setting strategies, and mindfulness techniques to support lasting change. Additionally, I am a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist, offering specialized support for individuals struggling with addiction.
(832) 990-8978 View (832) 990-8978
Photo of Kelsey Wood, Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Kelsey Wood
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
I specialize in working with clients who have relationship anxiety (attachment), codependency or hyper independence, marital issues, self esteem issues and inner child wounding.
I specialize in working with individuals struggling with relationship anxiety (attachment), codependency, hyper-independence, marital issues, self-esteem, and inner child wounding. I also support teens navigating anxiety, perfectionism, and identity development, as well as parents who want to strengthen the connection with their child or teen while healing.
I specialize in working with clients who have relationship anxiety (attachment), codependency or hyper independence, marital issues, self esteem issues and inner child wounding.
I specialize in working with individuals struggling with relationship anxiety (attachment), codependency, hyper-independence, marital issues, self-esteem, and inner child wounding. I also support teens navigating anxiety, perfectionism, and identity development, as well as parents who want to strengthen the connection with their child or teen while healing.
(737) 312-4880 View (737) 312-4880
Photo of Danielle Ellis, Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Danielle Ellis
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
1 Endorsed
Online Only
She provides care for clients who struggle with anxiety, boundary setting, depression and anxiety, codependency, as well as, addiction, emotional and behavioral concerns, eating disorders, stress management, and problems of everyday living.
Danielle "Dani" Ellis is a counselor, coach, and psychotherapist who helps people having difficulty coping with emotional or behavioral problems that are affecting their happiness and peace of mind. She assists her clients by focusing on resilience, empowerment, assertiveness, and positive actionable change. Care is based on a wellness perspective where clients are understood, accepted, and encouraged to focus on their individual uniqueness and strengths rather than identifying with an illness or diagnosis. She helps clients heal from trauma, confront unhealthy habits, develop insight and awareness, and learn new ways to cope.
She provides care for clients who struggle with anxiety, boundary setting, depression and anxiety, codependency, as well as, addiction, emotional and behavioral concerns, eating disorders, stress management, and problems of everyday living.
Danielle "Dani" Ellis is a counselor, coach, and psychotherapist who helps people having difficulty coping with emotional or behavioral problems that are affecting their happiness and peace of mind. She assists her clients by focusing on resilience, empowerment, assertiveness, and positive actionable change. Care is based on a wellness perspective where clients are understood, accepted, and encouraged to focus on their individual uniqueness and strengths rather than identifying with an illness or diagnosis. She helps clients heal from trauma, confront unhealthy habits, develop insight and awareness, and learn new ways to cope.
(713) 893-3989 View (713) 893-3989
Photo of Jennifer Aune - Jennifer L. Aune Counseling, PLLC, Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Jennifer L. Aune Counseling, PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
We use a variety of techniques that are tailored to meet the needs of our clients with a special interest in self esteem/self worth issues, codependency, NPD & unconscious programming.
Areas of specialty include: Healing trauma & unconscious programming, unlocking limiting thoughts & beliefs, Imago Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mood & anxiety disorders, Codependency and NPD, substance abuse/dependence & alternative/integrative therapies such as dry flotation with Zerobody. We work with adults, couples and adolescents.
We use a variety of techniques that are tailored to meet the needs of our clients with a special interest in self esteem/self worth issues, codependency, NPD & unconscious programming.
Areas of specialty include: Healing trauma & unconscious programming, unlocking limiting thoughts & beliefs, Imago Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mood & anxiety disorders, Codependency and NPD, substance abuse/dependence & alternative/integrative therapies such as dry flotation with Zerobody. We work with adults, couples and adolescents.
(936) 337-4803 View (936) 337-4803
Photo of Meagan Butler, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LCDC, BCN
Meagan Butler
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LCDC, BCN
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
I specialize in Trauma, Codependency, Burnout, Neurofeedback, Greif, and Spiritual Guidance.
I am here to help those struggling with unprocessed grief over trauma, abuse, and toxic home environments. Unprocessed grief often plays out in life through symptoms of codependence, relationship issues, anxiety/depression, and addiction that hinder us from living in freedom. My recovery story began in 2014. I had a counselor come alongside me and teach me how to deal with anxiety, toxic shame, depression and fear. She did it gently and without judgment. It is my joy to pay forward what I have received.
I specialize in Trauma, Codependency, Burnout, Neurofeedback, Greif, and Spiritual Guidance.
I am here to help those struggling with unprocessed grief over trauma, abuse, and toxic home environments. Unprocessed grief often plays out in life through symptoms of codependence, relationship issues, anxiety/depression, and addiction that hinder us from living in freedom. My recovery story began in 2014. I had a counselor come alongside me and teach me how to deal with anxiety, toxic shame, depression and fear. She did it gently and without judgment. It is my joy to pay forward what I have received.
(346) 236-0893 View (346) 236-0893
Photo of Darcia Miller, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Darcia Miller
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
My expertise includes life transitions, codependency, people-pleasing, relationship challenges, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, stress management, anger management, impulse control, and behavioral therapy.
Do you feel like you’re navigating life transitions alone? Are you struggling to adjust to certain situations and unsure of how to move forward? No one should have to face difficult times by themselves. Seeking support in a safe, non-judgmental space can make all the difference. Here, you won’t experience negativity or criticism—only validation, understanding, and encouragement. You deserve to be heard and supported as you process your experiences and emotions.
My expertise includes life transitions, codependency, people-pleasing, relationship challenges, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, stress management, anger management, impulse control, and behavioral therapy.
Do you feel like you’re navigating life transitions alone? Are you struggling to adjust to certain situations and unsure of how to move forward? No one should have to face difficult times by themselves. Seeking support in a safe, non-judgmental space can make all the difference. Here, you won’t experience negativity or criticism—only validation, understanding, and encouragement. You deserve to be heard and supported as you process your experiences and emotions.
(512) 714-3403 View (512) 714-3403
Photo of Margot Goralczyk, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Margot Goralczyk
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
2 Endorsed
Online Only
I specialize in treating individuals with depression, anxiety, trauma, codependency, & healing from contentious relationships.
Do you feel alone, confused, or that no one understands you? Do you feel like your life is out of balance? Perhaps you are experiencing mood swings? Are disturbing memories from the past or worries about your future impacting your present? You deserve to live in a state of being where you feel seen, heard, supported, and understood. By talking out your problems, learning new coping tools, and developing a deeper awareness of your needs, you will be more equipped to manage difficult days. In time, you will experience a deeper connection with yourself and with others.The benefits of therapy are life changing.I can help get you there.
I specialize in treating individuals with depression, anxiety, trauma, codependency, & healing from contentious relationships.
Do you feel alone, confused, or that no one understands you? Do you feel like your life is out of balance? Perhaps you are experiencing mood swings? Are disturbing memories from the past or worries about your future impacting your present? You deserve to live in a state of being where you feel seen, heard, supported, and understood. By talking out your problems, learning new coping tools, and developing a deeper awareness of your needs, you will be more equipped to manage difficult days. In time, you will experience a deeper connection with yourself and with others.The benefits of therapy are life changing.I can help get you there.
(512) 229-9678 View (512) 229-9678
Photo of Tom Collins, Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CEAP
Tom Collins
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CEAP
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I specialize in helping with depression, anxiety, addiction, PTSD, and codependency.
Life can be a grand adventure of discovery, positive change, and transformation, also; at times, we can be at war with life, ourselves, others...all of us have our battles and our “dragons to slay” and grow through. Having spent a decade of my life in the War Zones of Iraq and Afghanistan as a Combat Stress Counselor, travelled the world, and over 40 years of a personal growth journey, I’ve gained deep insight into the human experience and, as a Master's Level Psychotherapist, can help you heal and grow through life's challenges...transforming pain into progress.
I specialize in helping with depression, anxiety, addiction, PTSD, and codependency.
Life can be a grand adventure of discovery, positive change, and transformation, also; at times, we can be at war with life, ourselves, others...all of us have our battles and our “dragons to slay” and grow through. Having spent a decade of my life in the War Zones of Iraq and Afghanistan as a Combat Stress Counselor, travelled the world, and over 40 years of a personal growth journey, I’ve gained deep insight into the human experience and, as a Master's Level Psychotherapist, can help you heal and grow through life's challenges...transforming pain into progress.
(936) 261-8263 View (936) 261-8263
Photo of Malissa Melton-Otunba - FaithworX Counseling Services & Consulting PLLC, Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-S
FaithworX Counseling Services & Consulting PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-S
Serves Area
Are you healing from divorce, codependency, feeling lost professionally, parenting challenges or experiencing depression or anxiety, therapy will help!
I am Enneagram informed and EMDR trained. I practice integrative mental health which incorporates a mindful & holistic approach that will incorporate your mind, body and spirit to maximize our time together and integrate all the pieces in achieving your personal wellness. We do not practice a sickness model but one of wellness-it makes all the difference.
Are you healing from divorce, codependency, feeling lost professionally, parenting challenges or experiencing depression or anxiety, therapy will help!
I am Enneagram informed and EMDR trained. I practice integrative mental health which incorporates a mindful & holistic approach that will incorporate your mind, body and spirit to maximize our time together and integrate all the pieces in achieving your personal wellness. We do not practice a sickness model but one of wellness-it makes all the difference.
(682) 204-9780 View (682) 204-9780
Photo of Bianca Diaz, Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Bianca Diaz
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
3 Endorsed
Online Only
This could mean boundary setting, identifying values, people pleasing or codependency recovery, burnout recovery, self-esteem building, challenging thoughts, or just taking a deep dive into the discomfort of it all.
ONE Afternoon Time Slot Left! - We humans are all too familiar with dismissing or ignoring our own feelings for the sake of others. Between work roles, kids, family stressors, and romantic partners, it can be very difficult to find time to tune into our own individual wants and needs. If you've woken up and realized that you don't always call the shots in your own life and you'd like that to change, there's meaningful work we can do!
This could mean boundary setting, identifying values, people pleasing or codependency recovery, burnout recovery, self-esteem building, challenging thoughts, or just taking a deep dive into the discomfort of it all.
ONE Afternoon Time Slot Left! - We humans are all too familiar with dismissing or ignoring our own feelings for the sake of others. Between work roles, kids, family stressors, and romantic partners, it can be very difficult to find time to tune into our own individual wants and needs. If you've woken up and realized that you don't always call the shots in your own life and you'd like that to change, there's meaningful work we can do!
View
Photo of Anusree Gupta, Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, LMHC, NCC
Anusree Gupta
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, LMHC, NCC
5 Endorsed
Online Only
I specialize in working with anxiety caused by Trauma and PTSD using EMDR and strengthening self esteem by addressing codependency and relationship issue.
Do you prioritize other people's needs over your own? Do you avoid expressing your needs, feelings, have self-doubt, have difficulty setting boundaries, find yourself in toxic relationships and easily slip into a caretaker's role? You might have had difficult experiences growing up that shaped your understanding of relationships. Childhood trauma can affect the choices we make as adults resulting in anxiousness, loneliness, feeling overwhelmed causing a people pleasing response. If you are tired of these patterns, want to take charge of your life and are ready to form reciprocal relationships then you have come to the right place.
I specialize in working with anxiety caused by Trauma and PTSD using EMDR and strengthening self esteem by addressing codependency and relationship issue.
Do you prioritize other people's needs over your own? Do you avoid expressing your needs, feelings, have self-doubt, have difficulty setting boundaries, find yourself in toxic relationships and easily slip into a caretaker's role? You might have had difficult experiences growing up that shaped your understanding of relationships. Childhood trauma can affect the choices we make as adults resulting in anxiousness, loneliness, feeling overwhelmed causing a people pleasing response. If you are tired of these patterns, want to take charge of your life and are ready to form reciprocal relationships then you have come to the right place.
(512) 960-1961 View (512) 960-1961
Photo of Audry Steele, Licensed Professional Counselor, MA
Audry Steele
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA
Houston, TX 77006
Reasons clients begin may include codependency, narcissism, parenting concerns, grief, postpartum changes, self-esteem issues, bipolar symptoms, anger, and trauma.
A few openings available... Are parts of your life going well, yet certain dilemmas persist despite attempts to make changes? Many of the people who see me are intelligent, capable, or thoughtful—each in their own way. They may be high-achieving in many areas or accustomed to taking care of others—and yet still struggle with behaviors or situations that don’t seem to shift, despite their insight or effort. Whether you’re navigating complex relationships, managing stress or anxiety, or seeking meaningful change, I work with individuals invested in understanding their lives—both internally and externally.
Reasons clients begin may include codependency, narcissism, parenting concerns, grief, postpartum changes, self-esteem issues, bipolar symptoms, anger, and trauma.
A few openings available... Are parts of your life going well, yet certain dilemmas persist despite attempts to make changes? Many of the people who see me are intelligent, capable, or thoughtful—each in their own way. They may be high-achieving in many areas or accustomed to taking care of others—and yet still struggle with behaviors or situations that don’t seem to shift, despite their insight or effort. Whether you’re navigating complex relationships, managing stress or anxiety, or seeking meaningful change, I work with individuals invested in understanding their lives—both internally and externally.
View
Photo of Matt Carrillo, Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Matt Carrillo
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
4 Endorsed
Houston, TX 77007
Clients work with me on LGBT issues, life transitions, codependency, grief, shame, relationship challenges, trauma, mood disorders, anxiety, spirituality, and religion.
I approach therapy from an integrative perspective creatively weaving psychoanalysis, person-centered, and relational therapy. I also use cognitive behavioral therapy and offer eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. I provide a personalized experience focusing on understanding and easing life's journey in relationship with self and others.
Clients work with me on LGBT issues, life transitions, codependency, grief, shame, relationship challenges, trauma, mood disorders, anxiety, spirituality, and religion.
I approach therapy from an integrative perspective creatively weaving psychoanalysis, person-centered, and relational therapy. I also use cognitive behavioral therapy and offer eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. I provide a personalized experience focusing on understanding and easing life's journey in relationship with self and others.
(281) 524-2321 View (281) 524-2321
Photo of Gina Marie Baiamonte, Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, EMDR
Gina Marie Baiamonte
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, EMDR
3 Endorsed
Houston, TX 77063
I welcome you to opening the door and stepping through the threshold of change and new insight. Together we will uncover long-standing behavior patterns or negative thinking that maybe preventing you from experiencing a more satisfying life helping, you to find freedom and purpose. I coach and counsel from a holistic perspective with adults, individuals, couples and families, specializing in Trauma, Life-Purpose, Life Transitions, Creatives, Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, working with a 4 team approach for couples and Business & Entrepreneurial Coaching.
I welcome you to opening the door and stepping through the threshold of change and new insight. Together we will uncover long-standing behavior patterns or negative thinking that maybe preventing you from experiencing a more satisfying life helping, you to find freedom and purpose. I coach and counsel from a holistic perspective with adults, individuals, couples and families, specializing in Trauma, Life-Purpose, Life Transitions, Creatives, Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, working with a 4 team approach for couples and Business & Entrepreneurial Coaching.
(832) 266-0979 View (832) 266-0979
Photo of Ashley-Lauren E. Smith, Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC, CEAP
Ashley-Lauren E. Smith
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC, CEAP
1 Endorsed
Houston, TX 77055
She assists individuals, couples, or families with general problem areas of distress such as self-esteem, stress management, toxic relationships, communication skills, codependency, problem-solving, depression, anxiety, anger, and other impulsive behaviors.
Ashley-Lauren E. Smith has a special interest in treating Bipolar Disorder, stress management, and coping skills. She utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy for all three specialties.
She assists individuals, couples, or families with general problem areas of distress such as self-esteem, stress management, toxic relationships, communication skills, codependency, problem-solving, depression, anxiety, anger, and other impulsive behaviors.
Ashley-Lauren E. Smith has a special interest in treating Bipolar Disorder, stress management, and coping skills. She utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy for all three specialties.
(832) 219-1409 View (832) 219-1409
Photo of Sarah Shelton - Sarah Shelton: Somatic, EMDR, Brainspotting, Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, SEP
Sarah Shelton: Somatic, EMDR, Brainspotting
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, SEP
6 Endorsed
Houston, TX 77098
I have specialized training in complex trauma, codependency, and attachment.
Have you spent years managing stressors, relationships, and responsibilities while carrying the weight of accumulated emotions or trauma? Does the thought of finding time for weekly therapy overwhelm you or feel impossible? At Home Body Counseling, I help busy, high functioning adults create time for trauma healing and recovery with specialized Somatic Therapy & Intensives tailored to fit your life. Whether you’re navigating chronic stress, anxiety, or trauma, my approach can help you move beyond survival mode and into the beautiful adulthood you desire. This is your invitation to feel at home and at ease in your body, your life.
I have specialized training in complex trauma, codependency, and attachment.
Have you spent years managing stressors, relationships, and responsibilities while carrying the weight of accumulated emotions or trauma? Does the thought of finding time for weekly therapy overwhelm you or feel impossible? At Home Body Counseling, I help busy, high functioning adults create time for trauma healing and recovery with specialized Somatic Therapy & Intensives tailored to fit your life. Whether you’re navigating chronic stress, anxiety, or trauma, my approach can help you move beyond survival mode and into the beautiful adulthood you desire. This is your invitation to feel at home and at ease in your body, your life.
(346) 206-0913 View (346) 206-0913

See more therapy options for Houston

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.