Codependency is not an official mental health diagnosis. This term has fallen out of favor with many clinicians, who view it as an outdated construct that unfairly blames clients for the dysfunction they experience. However, numerous clients describe themselves as “empaths” “givers” “people-pleasers” or an “Enneagram 2” and badly want help changing a pattern of engaging in one-sided relationships that leave them feeling burned out, taken advantage of, and unappreciated.
Codependency is one of many lenses I use my practice, as it can be constructive for clients to have language that describes their lived experience. One definition of codependency is a relational style that confuses caretaking and sacrifice with loyalty and love. My hope is to comfort clients as they grieve the connections they’ve been unable to form, and empower individuals to move from self-abandonment into values-driven decision making.