love

Is codependent a dirty word?

Is codependent a dirty word?

I was recently invited to share my thoughts on codependency on fellow therapist Marissa Esqibel’s, podcast, “The Codependummy Podcast,” based on my experience as a clinician working with individuals and couples. And it got me thinking - rarely do I use the word “codependent” when working with clients because - like many terms in the mental health field - it’s become quite heavy with pre-existing stigma and negative connotation.

And yet one of my favorite things about our conversation was the opportunity to normalize the idea of codependency - explaining how it makes sense that people often enter relationships this way, and even share some personal experiences related to codependency of my own.

Seeing yourself as you actually are

Seeing yourself as you actually are

“Some people spend their whole lives in love with the idea of who a person could become, and fail to see who they are.” - Mark Groves

I think this actually goes two ways...So often when we date people for their "potential," we miss seeing and wholeheartedly loving who they are - inside and out - as they are. If we are not willing to do that, then we simply aren't in the right relationship in the first place.⁠