Codependecy
Codependency and substance abuse, addiction, and alcoholism go hand in hand. Watching a loved one struggle with addiction or alcoholism is one of the hardest positions to be in. Often times we want to help our loved ones, however, we may not realize that our attempts to help are enabling the disease of addiction.
Characteristics of codependency include feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or overly responsible for another person's well-being. People who are involved in a codependent relationship often feel overly guilty, anxious about what to do, and helpless that their efforts are not working.
Codependent relationships are not limited to only relationships that involve addiction or alcoholism. Patterns of codependency are also present in relationships where mental illness and any family dysfunction is present
Erika has worked for many years with family members, parents and individuals who have have characteristics of codependency present in their relationships. She assists her clients in building healthier, more consistent boundaries, in their relationships. Erika helps her clients understand the importance of self-care and work through unrealistic feelings of responsibility that are common in codependent relationships.