Treatment strategies
Codependents may benefit from individual therapy that includes assertiveness training and learning communication skills (All about counseling, 2006).
Therapy for codependent individuals would focus on learning new strategies for coping with life stressors. Other suggestions include helping the client develop the following: personal goals and successes, personal care and stress relief, a greater awareness of one’s emotions, appropriate anger expression, and trusting oneself to make decisions (Beattie, 1992).
Codependency Anonymous is a support group clinicians may encourage codependent clients to attend (Beattie, 1992). Support groups provide individuals with the realization that they are not alone. Codependent clients may learn from other group members’ experiences coping strategies and solutions to life problems. Support groups offer a place to socialize, encouraging codependents to build additional relationships.
Conclusion
Codependent individuals are often in relationships with drug abusers and those who are chemically dependent. Clinicians who work with clientele who have substance abuse issues are likely to come into contact with codependent individuals. Codependent behaviors are identifiable and resources about this topic are readily available. Clinicians are likely to find that identifying and treating codependency are powerful and much needed skills.
References
DiClemente, C. (2006). Glossary of Alcohol-Related Terms. Retrieved June 18, 2007, from Health A to Z Web site: http://www.healthatoz.com/healthatoz/Atoz/common/standard/transform.jsp?requestURI=/healthatoz/Atoz/dc/caz/suba/alco/glossary.jsp.
Wikipedia: The free encyclopedia. (2006, February 13). Codependency. FL: Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. Retrieved May 15, 2007, from http://www.wikipedia.org.
Beattie, M. (1992). Codependent no more: How to stop controlling others and start caring for yourself. Center City, MN: Hazelden Foundation.
All about counseling, (2006). Codependency. Retrieved June 18, 2007, from All about counseling Web site: http://www.allaboutcounseling.com/codependency.htm