Codependency For Dummies - Softcover

The tools you need to break the patterns of codependency

Codependency is a learned behavior that can be passed down from generation to generation. Codependents have trouble accepting themselves, so they hide who they are to be accepted by someone else. Codependency For Dummies offers assistance in understanding the history, symptoms, causes, and relationship dynamics of codependency and lays out a clear plan for recovery with exercises, practical advice, and daily reminders to help you know, honor, protect, and express yourself.

• Are you codependent? — discover the typical symptoms of codependency and take a self-assessment questionnaire to determine if you're a codependent

• "De-Nile" isn't just a river — find out how you've denied someone else's behavior, your codependency, your feelings, and your needs — and how you can overcome it

• Find your voice and take action — get the tools you need to communicate assertively, set boundaries, bring positive experiences into your life, and cope with relapse

• Put the "I" in independence — put your new-found self-esteem into action by setting goals and pursuing your passions

• Don't go it alone — reach out for help and support with Twelve Step meetings, retreats, psychotherapy, hotlines, and shelters

Open the book and find:

• Characteristics of codependents

• The importance of making recovery your first priority

• Functional and dysfunctional family systems

• How your upbringing could have led you down the path to codependency

• What letting go and detachment entail

• Tips for learning to value yourself

• Childhood wounds that need to be healed

• Daily reminders

Learn to:

• Break the pattern of conduct that keeps you in harmful relationships

• Create healthy boundaries, coping skills, and expectations

• Eliminate feelings of guilt, blame, and responsibility

• Heal a dysfunctional relationship