Codependency
What Is Codependency?
Codependency describes a pattern where a person’s self-worth and identity become tied to meeting the needs of others. This can lead to difficulty setting boundaries, saying no, or maintaining a sense of balance in relationships. Many people with codependent tendencies find themselves over-giving, feeling responsible for others’ emotions, or prioritizing others to the point of exhaustion.
At Botaitis Therapy Group, therapy helps clients understand the roots of these patterns and learn healthier ways to connect, care, and maintain self-respect in relationships.
How Does Codependency Affect Different Relationships?
Romantic Relationships: Codependency often shows up as people-pleasing, fear of abandonment, or difficulty communicating needs. Over time, it can create imbalance or resentment.
Family Relationships: Growing up in environments with addiction, emotional neglect, or inconsistent boundaries can make it difficult to separate your feelings from others. Therapy helps identify where these patterns began and how to change them.
Friendships and Work: Codependency can appear as overcommitment, guilt about rest, or constant caretaking. It may feel uncomfortable to prioritize your needs, even when overwhelmed.
How Does BTG Approach Therapy for Codependency?
Self-Awareness and Reflection: Therapy helps you identify the beliefs and experiences that shaped your need to over-function or seek validation through others.
Boundary and Communication Skills: We teach practical tools for expressing needs, setting limits, and maintaining emotional balance without guilt.
Healing Root Causes: Many codependent patterns stem from early attachment wounds, trauma, or family dynamics. Our therapists use evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and self-compassion work to address those origins.
Building Healthy Interdependence: The goal of therapy is not disconnection, but connection rooted in mutual respect, self-trust, and emotional independence.
FAQs About Therapy for Codependency
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If you often feel drained, anxious about others’ emotions, or struggle to say no, you may be experiencing codependent patterns. Therapy can help you recognize and shift these habits.
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Yes. The goal is to develop healthier ways of relating, not to end relationships. Therapy supports balance, communication, and mutual respect.
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No. Caring becomes codependent when it consistently happens at the expense of your own well-being. Therapy helps you learn the difference and restore balance.
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Yes. Many people with codependent patterns learned to prioritize others’ needs early in life. Therapy helps unpack these roots and create healthier behaviors moving forward.
Meet Our Therapists Who Specialize in Therapy for Codependency
Schedule a Consultation
If you’re ready to explore therapy for codependency, we’re here to help. Our therapists provide compassionate, evidence-based care in Santa Barbara and online across California. Call us at 805-636-9890 or schedule your consultation to take the first step in your journey.