Recovering from Codependent Relationships
Jenni* always described herself as a “people pleaser.”
Her first husband left her after having a two-year affair.
And despite working full-time, caring for the kids, and doing all the housework, he fought for full custody of the kids. The divorce took over four years to resolve, leaving Jenni financially destitute.
Ready to move on, she fell in love with a guy recovering from various substances. But Jenni loved him and wanted to do everything possible to keep his love. She found herself slipping into the same patterns…
Unable to express her thoughts and needs…
Catering to his every whim…
Feeling like a failure when he was unhappy…
Jenni realized she wasn’t happy and knew she needed help to have a healthy relationship.
If you’ve always described yourself as a “people pleaser,”…
When you’re the primary “giver” in a relationship, it’s hard to leave or salvage it – even when you KNOW it’s toxic.
For most with this tendency, it’s a lifelong pattern – likely one you learned while in a relationship with a narcissist.
On the one hand, you just want to treat people well and hope for the same in return; on the other hand, you don’t truly believe you deserve anything better.
If you’re here, you know how being in a codependent relationship affects every area of your life.
Recovery begins by investing in yourself.
Therapy can help you learn, improve, and practice the skills you need to break free from codependence.
The first step begins by feeling seen, heard, and connected with ourselves. When you’re codependent, your identity takes a back seat to meeting other people’s needs. As you explore and develop your relationship with yourself, you’ll see the world and other people more clearly.
Once you know, understand, and value yourself, you’ll be able to learn skills for setting and maintaining healthy boundaries. You cannot have a healthy relationship without healthy boundaries. We will discuss what boundaries are and how to create them so you can have safety in your life.
In our sessions together, you’ll practice and get comfortable expressing your boundaries through role-playing and writing exercises before moving on and using them in your life.
Change isn’t easy, but with lots of repetition, you’ll build new patterns that become the new norm in your life and relationships.
You’ll be amazed at how healthy boundaries change your life.
If someone doesn’t respect your boundaries, you’ll recognize that the problem is with THEM and not with YOU having or expressing a need.
Your confidence will build when you stick to your boundaries, and your self-esteem will improve as others show you more respect.
You’ll notice how the resentment, insecurity, anxiety, and anger begin to dissipate.
I am here to help you on your journey to a healthy relationship with yourself. Call now to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation: (435) 248-2325.
*The above name and story are a fictionalized composite of real clients I’ve supported.