“No one is an island” is a saying with a lot of truth to it. None of us can live without some sense of needing and depending on others.

Codependency, however, is a dysfunction that inflates that sense of need and can make you ignore or subordinate your own needs to meet those of others. If you find that you are dependent on someone else for approval, your sense of self-worth or identity, and if you consistently make substantial sacrifices to satisfy the needs of your partner or loved one, you may be in a codependent situation.

Codependency is often birthed from environments where there are issues such as childhood attachment issues, growing up with a chronically ill or mentally ill parent, or growing up with a parental figure with addiction issues. These situations often lead the child to place their needs second to others, and this mindset can persist into adulthood.

Codependency affects relationships, be they romantic, with your children or others in your life.

The good news is that Christian counseling in Thousand Oaks, California can help you to break free of the cycle of codependent behavior and unhealthy relationships.

Here at Thousand Oaks Christian Counseling, the counselors can help you uncover the roots of your codependent behavior, coaching you toward life-giving ways of conducting your relationships.

The counselors will evaluate your unique situation and develop a treatment plan that suits your needs, and they may use counseling methods such as:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, to help you gain awareness of your thoughts and feelings to take responsibility for your own happiness and actions

Psychotherapy, to help uncover and process past events that may have caused your codependency

Marriage and family counseling, for those couples and families with codependent behavior patterns they need to unlearn.

If you want to free yourself from the cycle of codependent behavior, don’t hesitate to call us today at Thousand Oaks Christian Counseling to make an appointment for your risk-free initial assessment.