Codependency and Dependent Personality Disorder Therapy in Westminster, CO
At Thriveworks Westminster, our therapists have helped a number of patients through codependency and dependency counseling. Because codependency often involves caring for other people, it can be difficult to acknowledge as a problem, but it’s important to do so for one’s own health and wellbeing.
By taking care of the self, one can then more effectively care for others. In regard to dependency counseling, the aim is similar. Our therapists will work with you to learn self-sufficiency and self-efficacy skills that will allow you to become independent. Reach out today to get started.
What Is the Difference Between Dependency and Codependency?
Dependency
First, let’s define healthy dependency in a relationship. In a healthy relationship, “each party is able to comfortably rely on the other for help, understanding, and support.” However, relationships that have an unhealthy type of dependence are detrimental. In these relationships, one party relies on another to fill their needs, and associates that action with love. Ideally, that person would instead be self-reliant, able to fulfill their own needs and wants, and rely on their partner for assistance and support as needed.
Codependency
Codependent relationships are a bit different. In codependent relationships, at least one of the parties “…needs to be needed [by the other party] if they’re to feel okay about themselves.” In other words, in codependent relationships one of the people is so wrapped up in being needed or approved of by the other person that they are neglectful of their own needs.
What Are the Ramifications of Codependency and Dependency?
In dependent relationships, one person may not be very self-reliant. Instead, they rely on the other person to do many tasks that one would normally do for themselves, from the basics of paying bills to making complex decisions like deciding which new vehicle to purchase. The dependent person associates these actions with love. Without their partner’s willingness to go above and beyond to meet their needs, they feel unloved.
Similarly, in a codependent relationship, one subconsciously associates being needed with being loved. Often, this relates back to a childhood in which they witnessed or were taught that love means giving up your own needs and wants for someone else.
How Does Counseling for Codependency and Dependency Help?
In counseling for codependency and dependency, our therapists work with patients to determine what underlying beliefs or experiences are manifesting in the person’s relationship behaviors. Those underlying beliefs frequently stem from how the person experienced love from parents or other close caregivers during childhood. Once any issues from childhood are addressed, the person may begin to detach from unhealthy relationships. This does not mean abandoning friends or family in need, but rather, learning to take care of oneself by setting appropriate boundaries. Setting boundaries can be difficult for anyone, so it’s helpful to have a therapist experienced in codependency or dependency therapy present to help as you walk through the shift.
Contact Thriveworks Westminster for Codependency and Dependency Counseling
Thriveworks Westminster is home to some of the best therapists in the field. Our therapists know that counseling for codependency and dependency can help improve lives. If you even suspect that you’re in a relationship with one of these dynamics in play, give us a call. Therapy has helped many lead fuller, more mentally healthy lives, and it can help you too.
