Your trusted guide to value yourself and break the patterns of codependency Codependency For Dummies, 2nd 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, 2nd 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, 2nd Edition offers trusted advice and a clear plan for recovery.
Table of Contents:
Introduction 1 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
About the Author :
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.
