Codependency Counseling in Short Pump (Henrico, VA)
One-Sided Relationships are a Sign of Codependency
Are you or a loved one currently involved in a relationship with a partner who simply takes, takes and takes some more with you receiving little in return? Maybe you feel “trapped” in a relationship with no place to go and no one you can turn to. If so, these are clinical signs you may be involved in what’s defined as codependency. Studies have found that over 90% of Americans show at least some signs of mild codependency within their interpersonal relationships. Middle or high-level dependency is present in nearly half of all American households, a phenomenon that sometimes leads to alcohol and drug abuse.
Codependency manifests through a pattern of behavior in which you become dependent upon someone else for your self-worth and identity or, in other words, you need that person around to define who you are. Extreme sacrifices are commonly involved, including the loss of personal freedoms and independence, while neglecting outside relationships. Clinicians have discovered that people involved in codependent relationships are more likely to have been abused or neglected as children, especially as adolescents. As a result, their partner’s feelings don’t matter as they become adept at manipulating others. Left unchecked, codependency can lead to higher levels of physical and emotional abuse.
Do You Have Any of these Codependency Symptoms?
There are numerous indications that you or your loved one may be involved in a codependent relationship, including these key signs:
- Being reliant upon another person to find fulfillment and satisfaction in life.
- Observing a partner engaged in unhealthy behaviors such as pornography, alcohol and/or drug abuse, gambling, and criminal activities, but staying with them anyway.
- Finding that supporting a partner’s unhealthy behaviors is draining mentally, emotionally and physically.
- Being the recipient of mental, emotional and even physical abuse from a partner.
If you or someone you care about is currently living one or more of these clinical signs, then they are probably engaged in a codependent relationship. The first step in the counseling process is identifying that you have an issue. And, the good news is that there are a number of clinically-proven outpatient resources available that effectively equip you to understand and cope with codependent tendencies.
Introducing Outpatient Codependency Therapies that Work
Okay, you or a loved one may be living within a codependent relationship, and it’s reached a level where it’s negatively-impacting job performance, happiness and other personal relationships involving family and friends. The good news is that the Counselors at Thriveworks Short Pump are here to help you change old behaviors on-the-road to a healthier and happier you! Job one in the process is to establish and stick to boundaries for your partner. For example, tell them that if they withdraw money from a bank account again without your permission, you will simply close that account and set up a new one that’s inaccessible to them.
In addition, you need to broaden your support network, and here are some of the better ways to do so:
- Get involved in new hobbies and activities in an effort to have more “you” time while building self-esteem and meeting new people.
- Allocate more time with other family members and friends which fosters understanding, feelings of self-worth and encouragement.
- Set and then track the progress for some personal goals which will build self-confidence and a sense of accomplishment.
- Spend time connecting spiritually through a higher power of your choosing which will give you inner strength and peace.
- Maintain a personal journal about your feelings and emotions. Writing things down gets those negative thoughts out of your head, and also serve as a historical reference as your individual healing process moves forward. Also, verbally and constructively express those feelings with others, including your codependent partner.
- Speak with a trained codependency counseling coach who can serve as a receptive and trusted source to help guide your through the healing process.
When it’s Time to Call our Thriveworks Henrico, VA Codependency Coaches Stand Ready
Whether you choose to use any or all of the above recommendations, the bottom line is this: Don’t go it alone. Left untreated, codependency relationships can become progressively more damaging, while the emotional, mental, financial and even physical burden eventually becomes impossible to bear for you or your loved one. For more information on codependency, our counseling services in general, or how to become a certified counseling coach, call: 804-205-3408 or visit our Contact page now.
