I lead two "Discovering Normal" groups, one on Wednesdays (6:00-7:30 p.m.) and one on Thursdays (7:15-8:45 p.m.). A Saturday morning group will be forming soon. These groups are for women who grew up in families where the emphasis was on meeting the parents' needs rather than on meeting the children's needs, often because of the parents' alcoholism and/or chronic mental or physical illness. Each group meets in 12-week sessions, accepting new members in the first week of a new session.  

The Wednesday group will be open to new members on September 15th; the Thursday group will be open to new members on September 16th.  Please click here if you are interested in joining one of these groups.

So what does it mean to be codependent, anyway?

It may mean that you are in a significant relationship with an alcoholic or addict. Then again, you can be codependent without having an addicted or alcoholic significant other.  Because relationships are so important to us, a lot of women have at least some codependent behaviors.

If you find yourself constantly trying to control your spouse, you are probably codependent.  If you spend your time trying to make your spouse happy because your happiness depends upon his, you are probably codependent.

You probably try to live by the "Golden Rule"--you treat others as you would like to be treated. Unfortunately, you have found that many people take advantage of this, taking what they can get from you and giving little, if anything, in return. You most likely have difficulty saying no to requests.

Perhaps your spouse is an addict or alcoholic who has gotten into recovery. You had assumed that things would get better when he or she stopped drinking, but they have not. You are still depressed, angry, possibly anxious. Maybe someone has suggested that you go to Al-Anon or Codependents Anonymous, and you are feeling resentful of this. Why should you have to be in recovery when you're not the alcoholic? Your partner is the one who needs therapy, right? Why are people saying that you need counseling, too?

Your feelings are valid, but unless you can deal with them in a healthy way, they will continue to interfere with your quality of life. You don't have to just accept depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem as your lot in life. Please click here to make an appointment.

You can also contact me, call me at 443-458-4221, or email me at jennifer@beallpastoralcounseling.com.

 

 

645 Baltimore-Annapolis Blvd.
Suite 107
Severna Park, MD 21146

Phone: 443-458-4221
Toll-free: 877-426-9272
Fax: 443-458-0422

info@beallpastoralcounseling.com