Recovering from Codependency in Alexandria, VA (Franconia)—Counseling and Therapy

Recovering from Codependency in Alexandria, VA (Franconia)—Counseling and Therapy

When you needed help the last time, who did you call? Most likely, it was a friend or a family member because that’s what loved ones do. They lend each other a hand. Offering and receiving support are important parts of healthy relationships. But is there ever a point when too much help becomes unhealthy? Yes. Helping too much or too often may be causing more harm than benefits, and it is called codependency.

Think about Jenna’s story. Most people describe Jenna as sweet, kind, and selfless. She loves her family so much, and seeing her loved ones happy is the best feeling she has ever had. Jenna would do anything to keep her family together, and she has. Jenna’s husband, Will, has a hard time holding down a job. He’s smart and capable, but he also drinks a lot. Jenna has spent tens of thousands of dollars on treatment for Will. She is their only income most of the time, and the family has gone into debt for several of his programs. Will improves for a season each time, but he never sticks with recovery long-term. Jenna tells herself that a lot of wives have it worse… taking care of him is her responsibility… if she did not help him, who would?

Without a doubt, Jenna loves Will. But are her feelings of affection translating into actions that benefit herself, her family, and her husband? Most likely, no. In reality, Jenna maybe causing more harm, and her actions may display codependency.

Codependent behavior shields others from the natural consequences of their behavior or sacrifices one’s own well-being to prioritize other people’s needs and wants. Often, codependent behavior enables an addiction or irresponsible behavior.

Thriveworks Alexandria offers therapy for people who want to recover from their codependent behaviors. Knowing when, where, and how to help without enabling is difficult. Many people struggle with codependency. but learning to prioritize one’s own well-being and establish appropriate boundaries is possible.

What Are Codependent Behaviors?

Whether consciously or not, codependent people often choose to form relationships with other who are vulnerable or needy. Many times, they have an addiction or history of irresponsibility. Codependents then compensate for their loved one or attempt to fix them in some way. In the process, codependent people usually sacrifice their own self-care and feel resentment when their care is not received or acknowledged.

Insecurity, shame, and passivity often plague codependent people and feeds their behaviors. Fixing, helping, or compensating for others becomes a way of proving they are accepted, loved, and competent. Unfortunately, this strategy never works. Personal healing does not come through fixing or compensating for another person.

Codependent people often are in situations where they give more and more; their loved one presumes upon them more and more; they compensate more and more. Without intervention, the cycle leads to more and more resentment.

Because codependent behaviors at first seem nice and caring, it is important to delineate between healthy and unhealthy ways of helping. The following are signs of unhealthy, enabling, and codependent behaviors:

  • Denial: Even though they focus upon others, serious relational and mental health problems plague codependent people. However, they often minimize or deny their own issues.
  • Low self-esteem: Codependent people often feel deep shame, inadequacy, and incompetency. These may motive their care for others, as a way to prove their worth.
  • Communication challenges: Speaking openly about their true thoughts, needs, and feelings is often difficult for codependents, especially if they think these will upset or offend a loved one.
  • Dependency: “I want you to want me. I need you to need me…” are famous lyrics that capture the codependent attitude perfectly. Confusing the feelings of being loved and being needed is a common mistake that codependents make.
  • Caretaking: Taking care of others often becomes a core aspect of a codependent’s identity. Codependent people may pride themselves on being able to anticipate their loved one’s needs and take care of them.
  • People-pleasing tendencies: When their loved ones feel anger, boredom, or frustration, codependent people often feel responsible. They often work to make sure their loved ones feel happy.
  • No/weak boundaries: What is the recipe for stress? When your mouth says, “yes,” but your heart says, “no.” Codependents have a hard time setting a limit or saying no. They have no or weak boundaries.

Codependency Recovery at Thriveworks Alexandria, VA

Did some of the attitudes and behaviors of codependent people resonate with you? Have you struggled with codependency? You are not the only one. Many people engage in codependent behavior, and many people have learned healthier behavior patterns. Thriveworks Alexandria has helped many codependent people, and we offer therapy for codependency recovery.

When you call our office, know that we have evening and weekend appointments available. We work with most major insurance providers. New clients may even see their therapist the day after their call.

Do not wait for healthier relationships. Call Thriveworks today.

Thriveworks Counseling Alexandria

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Overall Rating: 5★★★★★ based on 16 5 1 16 reviews. See all reviews
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A truly dedicated professional

★★★★★
I have been battling anxiety and depression for years, and Mary Alice Fields has helped me finally find some relief. She is dedicated to helping her clients live their best possible life, and she has helped me gain some peace in my life. I know she has help countless others, and I would highly recommend her to anyone who suffers from depression or anxiety issues.
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Excellent Experience

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Mary Alice was excellent to work with. I highly recommend!
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Mary Alice Fields

★★★★★
Excellent and convenient help when you need it.
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Great place

★★★★★
Not only does Mary Alice perform her duties in an exemplary manner following all protocols, she does so with empathy and caring.
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MaryAlice Fields

★★★★★
MaryAlice is a talented counselor who helped me tremendously.
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patient parent

★★★★★
Lolita is a very thoughtful therapist. She also has a good understanding of children as she worked with my son at the ages of 15 & 16. She was an advocate for him, and she was eager to work with him in goal-setting, which my husband and I appreciate very much. We may continue to seek our her assistance in the future should our needs change. Thank you for all of your help.
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Can’t thank you enough

★★★★★
I was skeptical at first to open up to a complete stranger and express my problems and thoughts but Gelila made me feel completely comfortable within the first couple of sessions. She is very kind, a good listener, and extremely helpful. I have been talking to her for a couple of months and I feel instantly relieved of stress after our sessions. I can’t thank her enough for helping me out through tough times.
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Rebecca Fry is amazing

★★★★★
Rebecca has been my therapist for almost a decade and I can not recommend her enough. She is thoughtful and caring, while also great at challenging and giving direct recommendations on how to deal with issues. She even stayed with me after I moved out of the area and worked to figure out a remote option. She has worked with me through many issues and remained a valuable resource I can rely on.
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Rebecca is incredible!

★★★★★
I can't speak highly enough of Rebecca Fry - she is compassionate, patient, attentive, and encouraging. She is celebratory of growth and honest in her feedback without ever being critical or judgmental. For someone who was fearful of entering therapy, she embraced me with warmth and understanding. She has helped me tremendously by equipping me with practical coping mechanisms that are manageable and realistic but challenge unhealthy habits when necessary. On top of her professionalism - Rebecca is so easy to relate to and never makes me feel like I have anything to be ashamed of. She cares deeply for her patients and wants to help them lead healthier lives. She is an absolute treasure and I can't recommend her highly enough!!
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Highly Recommend Kayla Barnoski

★★★★★
I would highly recommend Kayla Barnoski as a therapist. She is caring and knowledgeable. She listens and works with you to find a solution that works for your individual situation. She has experience with many age groups and is a hard worker. You will not be disappointed.
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Only one session so far, but it’s going well.

★★★★★
Only one session so far, but it’s going well.
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I love Lisa Cornelius!

★★★★★
I love my sessions with Lisa Cornelius! She helps me to work through issues and is just a fantastic listener!
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Lisa is great!

★★★★★
Lisa is great! Easy to relate to and very helpful. I appreciate her flexibility as well.
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Loving my therapist!

★★★★★
Loving my therapist!
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Great Counselor – Lisa Cornelius

★★★★★
I'm so glad I found Lisa. She's an awesome therapist, and I really enjoy my visits with her!
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So far so good!!!!

★★★★★
So far so good!!!!
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Thriveworks Counseling

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  • 6076 Franconia Rd Suite D,
    Alexandria, VA 22310

  • Mon-Fri:7AM-9:30PM
    Saturday:7AM-6PM
    Sunday:8AM-5PM

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