Codependency Recovery is Roslyn Saunders‘s speciality. Codependency is an unhealthy relationship pattern that can cause a person to feel trapped and unable to break free from the cycle of codependency. It’s a problem that has been around for decades, yet it remains largely misunderstood. If you’re struggling with codependency and looking for help, you’re not alone – recovery is possible! This article will explore what codependency is, how it affects individuals and their relationships, and provide resources for recovering from codependency.
Codependency occurs when one person becomes overly reliant on another in order to feel emotionally secure. This reliance often leads to an imbalance of power in the relationship and can be damaging to both parties involved. Codependent individuals often have difficulty setting boundaries or expressing themselves openly, as they rely heavily on others for validation and approval. They may also struggle with low self-esteem as a result of their reliance on external sources of validation.
Recovery from codependency requires effort and commitment, but it is attainable with the right support system in place. With a combination of therapy, support groups, self-care practices, and other resources available to those recovering from codependency, progress can be made towards emotional healing. In this article, we’ll delve into these topics further to provide insight on how to begin your own journey towards recovering from codependency.
1. Understand What Codependency Is
Codependency is a type of dysfunctional relationship that is often manifested in family settings. It involves an individual sacrificing their own needs and wants to take care of the needs and wants of another person. This means they put their own mental health and well-being at risk in order to meet the needs of someone else. It’s important to understand what codependency is so you can start working on recovery.
The first step to understanding codependency is recognizing its symptoms. Examples include difficulty making decisions, feeling trapped in relationships, obsessing over another person’s problems, feeling responsible for other people’s feelings, low self-esteem, and a need for approval. If you experience any of these symptoms, it may be a sign that you’re struggling with codependency issues.
It’s also important to be aware of the underlying causes of codependency. These can include unresolved childhood trauma from growing up in an emotionally abusive home or being raised by an alcoholic or drug addicted parent. Other causes include helplessness and powerlessness in relationships due to societal gender roles or religious beliefs about subordination. Once you have identified the root cause of your codependency issues, you can begin taking steps towards recovery.
Recovery from codependency often involves therapy or support groups where you learn how to establish healthy boundaries and recognize unhealthy patterns within relationships that could lead to further emotional distress or even relapse into old habits. With the help of a trained professional (such as myself) and a support network, it is possible to break free from codependent patterns so that you can live a more fulfilling life.
2. Identify Codependent Behaviors
When it comes to recovering from codependency, it’s important to identify codependent behaviours. Once those are identified, it becomes a lot easier to move forward with recovery. A codependency quiz can help to identify these behaviours.
The first step is recognising the behaviour. Codependent behaviour can include things like trying to control other people, or neglecting your own needs in favor of someone else’s. It could be constantly trying to please others and never saying no. It can also look like rescuing or enabling someone else’s bad behaviours in order to avoid conflict.
Codependency can lead to feelings of guilt, low self-worth, and even resentment towards the person you are trying to help. If left unchecked, these feelings can become more intense and difficult to manage over time. Not only does this make recovery harder, but it also makes it more likely that codependent behaviours will continue into the future.
It is important for anyone looking to recover from codependency they learn how to recognise these behaviours in themselves and others so they can address them appropriately. Practising assertiveness can be a great way of doing this; allowing yourself permission to say no and setting boundaries when necessary are essential parts of any successful recovery plan. With practice, these skills become easier until eventually, they become second nature – helping you break free from codependence for good!
3. Recognise Codependency In Relationships
Recognising codependency in relationships is an important step in recovery. It can be hard to identify, as it can manifest in different ways and look different depending on the people involved (try Roslyn’s codependency quiz today). Though it can sometimes be difficult to admit, understanding the role of codependency in one’s own relationships is a crucial part of recovery.
One way to recognise codependency in a relationship is by understanding the dynamics between two people. Codependent relationships tend to involve one person making decisions for both parties or assuming responsibility for their partner’s actions and emotions. This could mean trying to solve their partner’s problems or feeling overly responsible when they are struggling with something. There may also be a lack of boundaries where one person gives up their own needs and wants in order to please their partner.
Another way to recognise codependency is by looking for signs of imbalance and power dynamics. In these types of relationships, one person may exert control over the other, whether it be through manipulation, criticism, or gaslighting behaviours. This type of behaviour can make the other person feel like they are not able to make their own decisions or have any autonomy over their lives. It is important for each party in a relationship to feel respected and supported by the other, so if there is an imbalance then codependency may be at play.
Recognising codependent behaviours and patterns in our relationships is an essential step towards creating healthier ones that are based on mutual respect and support. Taking this time to reflect on our relationships can help us understand how our past experiences influence our current dynamics so that we can create positive changes going forward.
4. Learn Healthy Boundaries
Creating healthy boundaries is an important part of codependency recovery. To have a healthy relationship with someone, it’s critical to understand and recognize boundaries. This means knowing when to set limits and respecting the needs of yourself and others.
Boundaries can be physical or emotional. Physical boundaries involve things like personal space, privacy, and body autonomy. Emotional boundaries are all about expressing feelings, thoughts, and beliefs in a safe way that doesn’t harm anyone else. It’s important to remember that while you should respect the boundaries of others, you also need to make sure your own boundaries are respected as well.
Building healthy boundaries takes work and practice. It’s important, to be honest about what makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe in relationships. You should also learn how to communicate your needs without being overly demanding or judgmental of others. Additionally, it’s important to accept the fact that not everyone will agree with you all the time—and that’s OK! Learning how to accept and respect differences is an essential part of creating healthy relationships with others.
By recognizing codependency in relationships (take Roslyn’s codependency quiz today) and understanding how to create healthy boundaries, we can take steps towards codependency recovery and create healthier connections with the people in our lives.
5. Develop Self-Awareness
Developing self-awareness is an important step in codependency recovery. Being aware of your feelings, needs, and behaviour can help you identify unhealthy patterns in relationships. It can also give an understanding of why those patterns have developed, allowing for more conscious choices when interacting with others.
Self-awareness requires the ability to be honest and accept oneself as is – flaws and all. This level of honesty takes practice, but it’s essential for understanding underlying issues that cause codependent behaviours. Additionally, it helps create a more positive view of oneself by recognizing one’s strengths and positive qualities.
This process can be uncomfortable at times but the rewards are worth it. Learning to be kind to yourself creates a sense of safety and security which encourages growth and progress on the road to recovery from codependency. As such, developing self-awareness is an important part of breaking free from unhealthy patterns and living a healthier life.
6. Accept Your Feelings
When it comes to codependency recovery, the sixth step is accepting your feelings. This can be a difficult and uncomfortable process for many. It requires self-reflection and learning to recognize our own emotions.
The goal of this step is to understand what we’re feeling in any given moment. It’s important to be able to identify our emotions, whether they’re positive or negative. Once these feelings are acknowledged, we can move forward in the recovery process and work towards making healthier choices.
It’s easy to make excuses for why we feel certain emotions or try to push them away entirely, but that doesn’t help us grow as individuals. Accepting our feelings allows us to better understand ourselves and gives us an opportunity to gain insight into why we may act the way that we do. We can use this knowledge to create more meaningful connections with others and build healthier relationships with ourselves too.
Letting go of judgement surrounding our feelings can also be beneficial when it comes to codependency recovery. Acknowledging where these feelings come from instead of judging them can help us start on the path towards healing and finding balance once again.
7. Develop Healthy Coping Mechanisms
Coping mechanisms are an important part of codependent recovery. They help us to manage our feelings and reactions to our environment. Developing healthy coping skills helps us to become more resilient and better able to handle stress and overwhelming emotions.
One type of healthy coping skill is learning how to relax. Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or mindfulness exercises, can help us to reduce stress and anxiety levels. We can also practice positive self-talk, which helps us to reframe the way we think about situations and talk ourselves through difficult emotions.
Another form of healthy coping is engaging in healthy activities, such as spending time outdoors or doing creative pursuits like drawing or writing. This kind of activity allows us to take a break from our thoughts and worries, while also providing an outlet for managing negative feelings or frustrations. We can also engage in physical exercise, which helps release endorphins that can improve our moods and give us more energy.
Learning how to cope with difficult emotions in a healthy way takes practice and patience, but it’s worth the effort in the long run for codependency recovery. It’s important that we take the time to develop new skills so that we can better manage our feelings when faced with challenging situations.
8. Find Support And Guidance
The eighth step in codependency recovery is to find support and guidance. This means seeking out a therapist or counsellor who can help you work through the issues that are related to your codependency. Roslyn offers a free codependency discovery call. In addition, another tip is to recognise that group sessions may help. Taking the time to build relationships with people who have gone through similar experiences, or who can offer an understanding and supportive ear can really help.
Finding support for codependency recovery doesn’t always have to come from a professional or someone else; it can also come from within. Taking the time to practice self-care, such as exercising, meditating, journaling, and participating in activities you enjoy can be hugely beneficial. This kind of self-reflection can create inner strength and resilience that will be necessary when facing difficult challenges during the recovery process.
It’s important to remember that no one is expected to do this alone. Surrounding yourself with understanding people, whether they’re friends or family members or professionals, can provide the support needed to stay on track with recovery goals and make progress toward a healthier lifestyle. Keeping a positive attitude despite setbacks will help keep you motivated and focused on your journey of healing.
9. Set Realistic Goals
As with any journey towards recovery, it’s important to set realistic goals. Without a clear and achievable direction, you may struggle to stay on track and progress in your codependency recovery. To stay motivated and focused, it’s essential to have a concrete plan that can be broken down into smaller, simpler steps.
Your goal should be made up of a series of objectives that are relevant to your own individual situation. Think about what it is you want to accomplish and find ways to measure success along the way. This could include things like attending a therapy session each week, making new friendships or avoiding situations where you feel obligated to please another person.
If you are struggling to set realistic goals reach out to Roslyn today.
Remember that the path towards healing from codependency isn’t always linear. Setbacks are normal and expected; don’t be too hard on yourself if you experience one. Reassess your goals as needed – if something isn’t working for you, make changes until you find what does work for you. With dedication and perseverance, anything is possible!
10. Maintain A Healthy Lifestyle
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is an important component of codependency recovery. This can help to create a balance between physical, mental, and emotional health. There are many ways to adopt healthier habits that can support you in your recovery journey.
One way to maintain a healthy lifestyle is through exercise. Exercise can reduce stress and improve self-esteem. It can also be a great way to increase energy levels throughout the day. To start, try going for a short walk each morning or joining an online workout class. Adding some form of physical activity into your daily routine can have positive impacts on your overall well-being.
In addition to exercise, consider incorporating healthier eating habits into your routine as well. Eating nutritious meals throughout the day helps to fuel your body with the necessary nutrients it needs for energy and clarity of thought. Make sure to include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and other nutrient-dense foods in your diet for optimal health benefits.
It’s also important to find time for self-care activities like meditation or journaling that provide moments of relaxation and reflection throughout the day. Setting aside time each day for yourself can help build resilience and promote feelings of peace and contentment even during challenging times in recovery.
These strategies are just some of the ways that you can prioritize physical, mental, and emotional health while recovering from codependency issues – so give them a try today!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does Codependency Recovery Take?
Recovering from codependency is an important step in many people’s lives. It’s a long process, and the length of time it takes varies depending on the individual. Generally speaking, though, it can take several months to many years to recover from codependency.
The exact amount of time required for recovery depends on a variety of factors. These include the severity of the codependent behaviour, any physical or mental health issues that need to be addressed, as well as how much effort the person is putting into their recovery. People who have experienced trauma may also require more time for recovery than those who haven’t had any such experiences. Additionally, those with strong support systems tend to progress faster in their healing than those without them.
The most important aspect of successful codependency recovery is developing healthy coping skills. This includes learning how to identify and express emotions, setting boundaries with others, and focusing on self-care activities such as meditation or journaling. Working with a therapist or counsellor (such as myself) can be invaluable in this process, as they can provide guidance and help individuals understand why they are struggling with codependent behaviours in the first place so they can work towards overcoming them.
Overall, recovering from codependency takes commitment and dedication but is ultimately worth it for many people who have been living under its influence for too long
How Do I Know If I’m Codependent?
Codependency recovery is a difficult process that requires dedication and commitment to lasting change. But before one can even begin this journey, it’s important to know if they are codependent in the first place. This can be tricky, as there is no easy answer to this question, and everyone experiences codependency differently.
Try Roslyn’s free Codependency Quiz today and discover if you need codependency recovery help.
In addition to taking the quiz, it is best to look for patterns of behaviour that may indicate codependency in your life.
For example, do you feel like you need someone else’s approval or validation before making decisions? Do you often find yourself sacrificing your own needs for those of others? These are just some of the signs that could mean you’re suffering from codependency.
It can also be helpful to reflect on how relationships play out in your life. Are you often in relationships where one person is overly controlling and another overly dependent? Do you feel like you have difficulty saying ‘no’ or expressing your own needs? If so, these could be red flags that indicate a codependent issue.
No matter which way you look at it, understanding whether or not we’re dealing with codependency is an important step in recovery – and it’s essential to take the time to identify any issues before beginning the healing process. Acknowledging these problems can create a strong foundation for personal growth and make sure we get the help we need along our journey towards healthy relationships and emotional well-being.
What Is The Best Way To Develop Healthy Boundaries?
When it comes to codependency recovery, developing healthy boundaries is essential. Healthy boundaries provide individuals with an understanding of the relationship between their feelings and behaviours. They also allow them to be in control of their own emotions, as well as respect other people’s feelings and decisions.
So, how does one develop healthy boundaries? The first step is to recognize when a boundary has been violated. This includes recognizing when someone is taking advantage of your generosity or when you feel taken for granted. It’s important to understand that you have the right to say no and set up limits.
In order to develop healthy boundaries, it is important that you identify what it is that makes you uncomfortable or unhappy in certain situations and then use these insights to create guidelines for yourself. For example, if you are feeling overwhelmed by someone constantly asking for favours, it may be helpful to set a limit on how often they can request something from you. Additionally, having an open dialogue with the person involved can help ensure that both parties are comfortable with the arrangement.
Learning how to communicate your needs and desires effectively can be a great way to safeguard your sense of self-worth. Asking for what you need directly instead of relying on passive-aggressive behaviour or manipulation will help foster healthy relationships where everyone feels respected and valued. Setting clear expectations around communication and interactions can also make sure that each person understands their role in the relationship.
How Can I Learn To Accept My Feelings?
Learning to accept our feelings can be a difficult process. It requires us to take an honest look at ourselves and to acknowledge and validate the emotions that arise within us. This can be scary and uncomfortable because it means we have to be vulnerable with ourselves. Having healthy boundaries is an important part of any healing journey, including codependency recovery.
The first step in learning to accept our feelings is becoming aware of what we’re feeling. This means being honest about how we’re feeling, not just brushing it off or pushing it away. We need to check in with ourselves regularly, allowing space for whatever thoughts or feelings arise without judgment or criticism.
Next, once we’ve become aware of what’s going on inside us, the next step is allowing ourselves to feel those feelings without resistance. This takes practice and patience but it’s possible if we give ourselves permission to do so. We can also create a safe and supportive environment for ourselves by turning inward instead of outward for validation, building self-confidence, and relying on our own inner wisdom as a source of strength.
There are various ways to learn how to accept our feelings while on the path towards codependency recovery. We can practice mindfulness techniques such as meditation or journaling which can help us gain insight into our emotions and better understand why they may arise in certain situations. We can also reach out for professional help from a qualified therapist, such as myself, who can provide support and guidance on your journey towards self-acceptance. Book a free discovery call today.
How Can I Find Support For Codependency Recovery?
When it comes to recovery from codependency, finding the right support is key. As someone who has been through this process, I know how important it can be to have people in your corner who understand what you’re going through. That’s why it’s important to know where you can turn for help and guidance.
The first place to look is within your community. Many times, there are local support groups or counsellors with experience in codependency recovery. These professionals can provide valuable insight into the process and help you take steps towards healing. Roslyn offers a free codependency discovery call, this is a great opportunity to find out if you can work together without any commitment. It might also be helpful to connect with other people in similar situations – they can offer empathy and understanding while also providing a sense of solidarity during difficult times.
Online resources can also be beneficial when learning about codependency recovery. There are numerous websites and blogs devoted to the topic, including mine!, that offer a wealth of knowledge on the subject as well as personal stories of others’ journeys. Reading up on the topic will not only give you an idea of what to expect but also provide tips on how to manage your feelings and emotions during this time.
No matter which path you choose, it’s important that you know that you don’t have to go through this alone. You may find solace in connecting with those around you or seeking out virtual support, but whatever route you take, remember that there is always hope for healing and growth ahead.
Roslyn has come to realise that codependency recovery is not something that happens overnight. It takes hard work, dedication, and a willingness to change. It may feel overwhelming at times, but with support and guidance, the process can become much easier.
The first step is to recognize and ask “Am I codependent ?” (take Roslyn’s Codependency Quiz to find out), and what needs to be addressed in order to move forward. Once you are aware of your own patterns, you need to learn how to develop healthy boundaries while also learning how to accept your feelings. This can take some time and practice but it’s important for one to be gentle with oneself during this process.
Finally, support is essential for codependency recovery. You may find it helpful to talk about experiences with a trusted friend or family member or seek out professional help from a therapist or counsellor who specialises in this area. Even a therapist needs a therapist! With patience and self-care, you can get through this journey of recovery and make positive changes in your life.
Roslyn Saunders is a codependency recovery coach with a mission to lead a global movement to raise awareness around the root cause of all addiction: codependency. Roslyn can be contacted directly on 0439 339 166 for one-to-one coaching to address codependency in all areas of life. Roslyn discusses this and other related topics in her book Recover from Codependency, which is available on Amazon. Other free resources are available here to provide support and scaffolding for people who struggle at these times.
If you’re struggling with Codependency Recovery don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
Roslyn can help you achieve your goals and make a real difference in your life.
Book a free codependency coaching call with Roslyn Saunders today.
