Empaths are more than empathetic. Like an HSP–highly sensitive person–they’re highly attuned to stimuli and other people’s emotions and energy, often at a transpersonal or paranormal level. They may be codependent and end up in abusive relationships. Let’s first consider some definitions. An HSP has a rich inner life and…

Anxiety is common at the beginning of a relationship, but relationship anxiety can continue for the long term. It refers to intense worry, fear, doubt, and insecurity about a relationship and is associated with interpersonal dependency and interpersonal avoidance. Insecurity about ourselves, our boundaries, and our self-esteem can cause relationship…

Healthy boundaries are essential in recovery from codependency. They both build and reflect self-esteem. Learning to have healthy boundaries is an essential aspect of individuating and becoming an individual and autonomous person. Boundaries are learned in childhood. Some dysfunctional families are enmeshed and your individuality and boundaries are ignored or…

A breakup with a narcissist might not end the relationship. Many narcissists are in long-term relationships and don’t want it to end. They’re codependent and become dependent on their partner. They may try to lure you back with “hoovering.” Even ending a shorter relationship that they didn’t initiate will be…

When we first met, I told my husband I was very adaptable. I didn’t realize the price of being a chameleon until I started recovery and my journey of individuation. By then I was dead inside. I’d spent years adapting to abuse and belittling that I’d absorbed. …

Most of these signs stem from three things, which are core symptoms of codependency: Shame and low self-esteem 2. Lack of boundaries 3. Lack of communication skills Shame Due to dysfunctional parenting and/or childhood trauma, when we receive or infer shameful messages about who we are, it can shape our whole…

A recent New York Times article entitled “Codependency Is a Toxic Myth in Addiction Recovery” that touted CRAFT addiction treatment attacked the codependency movement.[1] I was angry because the author misunderstood codependency recovery and how it has helped millions of people. The following is my response: The article does not…

Although we’re powerless over an addict’s ultimate behavior, we can create circumstances that influence them to get addiction treatment. …