Moving from Codependence 7 week group

Service Description

Codependency, as defined by Melody Beattie, is the concept of losing oneself in the name of helping someone else. It is complex, often unconscious, and confusing. On one hand, we can take on the role of rescuer or caretaker, but at the same time, be controlling, obsessive and angry. People who have strong codependent characteristics are often incredibly insightful into the lives of others, and are able to identify what is working well, what might help to change things and be incredibly supportive. However, they often can’t see the struggles they themselves have, or how to get out of them; they minimize their experiences as not being “as bad as” someone else or they actually crave and feed off of the crises of other people. Often, codependency is seen as noble actions, self-sacrificing and what someone ought to do. However, this belief system is false. There is a difference between being helpful and being codependent. When you aren’t able to say no, even when you really want to, or when you do something and are left feeling empty, resentful or even angry, these might be signs that your behaviours are tending to be codependent. Topics that we will explore include characteristics of codependents such as caretaking, low self-worth, anger, controlling behaviour, poor communication and weak boundaries. We will also discuss and explore boundary setting, improving communication, and healthy detachment, and more. In this group, we will use the book “Codependent No More” by Melody Beattie as a starting point for our processing, learning and healing. Each week, we will meet for 2 hours to discuss the assigned chapters and homework. Each homework assignment will support your own reflection and growth; the group sharing will subsequently take you deeper, as well as show you that you are not alone in this journey. Codependency is often a journey that can feel very isolating and misunderstood.