Codependency isn't just about being overly helpful. It's a complex pattern of behaviors and beliefs, including:

• Seeking validation and self-worth primarily through others' approval
• A tendency to become preoccupied with the problems of others, feeling responsible for solving them
• Difficulty recognizing and expressing your own emotions and needs
• Intense fear of being alone or disliked, leading to compromising behavior
• A distorted sense of responsibility, as if the well-being of others rests solely on your shoulders

The ripple effects on love

Codependency, at its core, is a desperate attempt to get unmet attachment needs fulfilled. Sadly, this pattern often backfires. Partners may feel suffocated by the intensity or drained by the constant need for reassurance.  For the codependent person, the cycle of unmet needs and fears deepens, leaving them feeling even more insecure and unlovable.

The path to secure connection

The good news is that healing is possible. By understanding your attachment style and the emotional roots of your codependency, you can begin to untangle these long-held patterns. Therapies like Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) offer a safe space to:

• Explore the early experiences that shaped your attachment style
• Process the vulnerable emotions driving codependent behaviors
• Develop the ability to self-soothe and regulate your emotions
• Learn to communicate your needs directly and authentically
• Build healthy boundaries that honor both yourself and your loved ones

A journey of self-rediscovery

Breaking free from codependency is about more than just changing relationship dynamics. It's about reclaiming your own wholeness. Imagine relationships where you feel cherished without needing to sacrifice yourself, where your voice is heard, and where love flows freely, not from a place of desperation. This kind of secure connection is within your reach.