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Co dependency workshop pt 1
The document outlines a three-part workshop on co-dependency by Erin A. Alexander, LPC, covering its definitions, historical context, and impact on relationships. It highlights characteristics of co-dependent behavior and how these learned behaviors can lead to unhealthy, one-sided relationships. The workshop aims to inform participants and provide tools for understanding and managing co-dependency in various relationship contexts.
Co dependency workshop pt 1
- 1. Co-Dependency Workshop Pt One ofa 3-part Series by Erin A. Alexander, LPC
- 2. This is a3-part series that will be 75 minutes in length for each session. It’s NOT meant to be therapy...it is informational and can be used as a tool in addition to other insightful tools. Overview/Objectives
- 3. Part I willaddress the definitions of co- dependency; how the concept began and where the treatment trends are now. Part I will also identify the applications of “co- dependency” traits to relationships...what does that look like? Part I
- 4. Part II willbe a continuation of what co- dependency looks like in relationships...intimate relationships and others. Part II will also begin exploring how one can take personal responsibility for co- dependency and/or cope with love ones. Part II
- 5. Part III willbe the conclusion/wrap-up. This will be the time for Q & A. Facilitator will also provide helpful resources. Part III
- 7. It’s about drugaddiction Dysfunctional relationships ? ? What else have you heard? ? What Have You Heard About Co-Dependency?
- 8. The disorder wasfirst identified about ten years ago as the result of years of studying interpersonal relationships in families of alcoholics. Co-dependent behavior is learned by watching and imitating other family members who display this type of behavior. Co-Dependency History
- 9. It is alsoknown as “relationship addiction” because people with codependency often form or maintain relationships that are one- sided, emotionally destructive and/or abusive. History….
- 10. Co-dependency is alearned behavior that can be passed down from one generation to another. It is an emotional and behavioral condition that affects an individual’s ability to have a healthy, mutually satisfying relationship. History….
- 11. Originally, co-dependent wasa term used to describe partners in chemical dependency, persons living with, or in a relationship with an addicted person. Similar patterns have been seen in people in relationships with chronically or mentally ill individuals. Current Trends
- 12. The term hasbroadened to describe any co-dependent person from any dysfunctional family. Today
- 13. Dysfunctional families donot acknowledge that problems exist (denial). They don’t talk about them or confront them. As a result, family members learn to repress emotions and disregard their own needs. “Dysfunctional” Family?
- 14. They develop behaviorsthat help them deny, ignore, or avoid difficult emotions. They detach themselves. They don’t talk. They don’t touch. They don’t confront. They don’t feel. They don’t trust. This is co-dependent. More on the “survivor”
- 15. They have goodintentions. They try to take care of a person who is experiencing difficulty, but the caretaking becomes compulsive and defeating. Co-dependents often take on a martyr’s role and become “benefactors” to an individual in need. The survivor/caregiver, cont
- 16. Have low self-esteemand look for anything outside of themselves to make them feel better. They find it hard to “be themselves.” Some try to feel better through alcohol, drugs or nicotine - and become addicted. Others may develop compulsive behaviors like workaholism, gambling, or indiscriminate sexual activity. Co-dependents
- 17. Repeated rescue attemptsallow the needy individual to continue on a destructive course and to become even more dependent on the unhealthy caretaking behaviors. As this reliance increases, the co-dependent develops a sense of reward and satisfaction from “being needed”. The Co-dependent, cont.
- 18. **An exaggerated senseof responsibility for the actions of others A tendency to confuse love and pity, with the tendency to “love” people they can pity and rescue A tendency to do more than their share, all of the time A tendency to become hurt when people don’t recognize their efforts **An unhealthy dependence on relationships. The co-dependent will do anything to hold on to a relationship; to avoid the feeling of abandonment **An extreme need for approval and recognition **A sense of guilt when asserting themselves A compelling need to control others **what I see most often Characteristics of Co-dependency
- 19. **Lack of trustin self and/or others **Fear of being abandoned or alone Difficulty identifying feelings Rigidity/difficulty adjusting to change Problems with intimacy/**boundaries Chronic anger Lying/dishonesty **Poor communications Difficulty making decisions Characteristics of Co-dependency
- 20. caregiver + addiction caregiver+ mental illness mental illness + mental illness addiction + addiction addiction + mental illness caregiver + abuser person not in relationship caregiver + other person with issues Co-Dependent Combinations
- 21. CEO of acompany works 65 hours a week and carries on an affair. He pays $$$ annually for wife to unsuccessfully complete alcohol treatment programs (caregiver/addiction) Career woman has turned down several potential opportunities because she is the primary contact for her father who has a mental illness (caregiver/mental illness) A mother in a domestic violence situation repeatedly rescues her teens from school disciplinary consequences (caregiver/abuser) A single person goes from relationship to relationship because he/she does not want to be alone (person not in a relationship or ???) An employee always takes it personally when his/her evaluations note need for improvement in certain areas (???) Examples
- 23. Part II willbe a continuation of what co- dependency looks like in relationships...intimate relationships and others. Part II will also begin exploring how one can take personal responsibility for co- dependency and/or cope with love ones. Conclusion of Part I
- 25.