Codependency for Dummies

Codependency For Dummies, 2^nd Edition is the most comprehensive book on the topic to date. Written in plain English and packed with sensitive, authoritative information, it describes the history, symptoms, causes, and relationship dynamics of codependency. The majority of the book is devoted to healing and lays out a clear plan for recovery with exercises, practical advice, and daily reminders to help you know, honor, protect, and express yourself. New to this edition are chapters on working the Twelve Steps to recover from codependency and how therapists/coaches/nurses are affected by codependency.

Codependence is primarily a learned behavior from our family of origin. Some cultures have it to a greater degree than others—some still see it as a normal way of living. Yet the costs of codependence can include distrust, faulty expectations, passive-aggressiveness, control, self-neglect, over-focus on others, manipulation, intimacy issues, and a slew of other harmful traits. Codependence causes serious pain and affects the majority of Americans—not just women and loved ones of addicts. Codependency For Dummies, 2^nd Edition offers authoritative and trusted guidance on ways to raise your self-esteem, detach and let go, set boundaries, recognize healthy vs. dysfunctional relationships, overcome guilt and resentment, and much more.

• Helps you break the pattern of conduct that keeps you in harmful relationships
• Provides trusted guidance to create healthy boundaries, coping skills, and expectations
• Offers advice for eliminating feelings of guilt, blame, and feeling overly responsible
• Explains the difference between care-giving and codependent care-taking

If you're trapped in the cycle of codependency and looking for help, Codependency For Dummies, 2^nd Edition offers trusted advice and a clear plan for recovery.

Darlene Lancer, JD, LMFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in relationships and codependency. Ms. Lancer has counseled individuals and couples for 28 years and coaches internationally. She's a sought-after speaker to professionals at national conferences and in the media.

Part I: Getting Started on Overcoming Codependency 5

Chapter 1: Codependency Hurts 7

Chapter 2: Somebody Please Tell Me What Codependency Is 29

Chapter 3: Symptoms of Codependency 39

Chapter 4: Crossing De-Nile to Recovery 71

Chapter 5: So, Are You Codependent? 81

Part II: Breakthrough to Recovery — Healing Yourself 89

Chapter 6: Getting Started in Recovery 91

Chapter 7: What Made You Codependent? 99

Chapter 8: Healing Your Wounds — Freeing Your Self 121

Chapter 9: Welcome to the Real You 139

Chapter 10: Building Self-Esteem and Self-Love 155

Chapter 11: Finding Pleasure 177

Part III: Healing Your Relationships with Others 187

Chapter 12: Letting Go and Nonattachment 189

Chapter 13: Speaking Up 211

Chapter 14: Relating to Your Family, Friends, and Lovers 229

Chapter 15: Making Relationships Work 243

Part IV: Moving On and Maintaining Recovery 261

Chapter 16: Following Your Bliss 263

Chapter 17: Where to Get Help 277

Chapter 18: Working the Twelve Steps 285

Chapter 19: Maintaining Recovery 303

Part V: The Part of Tens 315

Chapter 20: Ten Ways to Love Yourself 317

Chapter 21: Ten Daily Reminders 323

Index 329

The New copy of this book will include any supplemental materials advertised. Please check the title of the book to determine if it should include any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.

The Used, Rental and eBook copies of this book are not guaranteed to include any supplemental materials. Typically, only the book itself is included. This is true even if the title states it includes any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.