Today, we’re talking about co-dependency. In my field of work, co-dependency shows up a lot. I have this client, whom we’ll call Melissa (though that is not her real name), who was really struggling and by the time she came to me, she was diagnosed with six different clinical diagnoses. And her mom was someone that many would consider overbearing or a co-dependent. Whenever Melissa would come into my clinic to visit me, her mother would bombard her with constant calls, updates, and emails.

But, the thing is, I don’t think Melissa’s mom was ‘a co-dependent’; I think she was acting co-dependently. Whether this is semantic to you or you have been that family member who has been called co-dependent, I highly recommend that you stay tuned in for this one as we dive deeper into what it means to be co-dependent, why these behavioral patterns exist at all, and how we can help others to overcome and move past this co-dependent behaviors and mindset.

Topics Discussed:

[:42] About today’s topic: co-dependency, and a story about a client of mine.

[2:35] More about this term, ‘co-dependent.’

[3:22] My perspective on Melissa’s ‘co-dependent’ mom.

[3:51] The three components I’m going to break down in this episode (on co-dependency): what does it even mean to say somebody is co-dependent? Why do these behavioral patterns exist? And how do we help others overcome and get past these co-dependent behaviors?

[4:10] How co-dependency is defined and how it first came about.

[9:40] Why do these co-dependency behavioral patterns exist?

[13:24] How we “cured” Melissa’s mom of her co-dependent behaviors, and why it is incredibly important that we keep it sub-clinical rather than a full-on, clinical disorder.

[15:55] How do we measure dysfunction in a couple or a pair of people where this co-dependent pattern of behavior works well for them?

[17:04] In Melissa’s and her mother’s story, did co-dependency actually end up serving them?

[18:49] What is important to know if you’re struggling or you know someone who is struggling.

[20:10] If this was helpful for you or somebody you know, take a screenshot of this podcast, share it on social media, tag me, and let me know how it resonated for you!

Mentioned in this Episode:

IGNTD Recovery (Register and join the free workshop!)

TheAbstinenceMyth.com (Pay for shipping and I will send you the book for free!)

Find out more about IGNTD:

IGNTD.com

IGNTD.libsyn.com

Subscribe to the Podcast

iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify

Reach Out to Me!

@DrAdiJaffe on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook —

or email me at [email protected]