If you’ve ever found yourself canceling your own plans to help a friend, feeling guilty for saying no, or obsessing over someone else’s problems while ignoring your own, you may have wondered: Am I codependent… or just incredibly thoughtful?
The line between healthy support and codependency can be blurry—especially when you’ve been praised for being the “reliable one” or taught that your worth is tied to how much you give. At Core Therapy, we help clients across California untangle this very question through therapy that centers on self-worth, emotional insight, and boundaries in relationships.
You don’t have to lose yourself to support others—let us help you build healthy boundaries. Contact Core Therapy today.
What Is Codependency, Really?
Codependency is more than just being nice. It often involves an unhealthy reliance on others for a sense of purpose, identity, or emotional regulation. People with codependent patterns may:
- Put others’ needs ahead of their own to a damaging extent
- Feel responsible for other people’s emotions or outcomes
- Struggle to express needs, set boundaries, or receive support
- Define their value by how “useful” they are to others
Often rooted in childhood dynamics, trauma, or long-term relationship patterns, codependency is a coping mechanism that can become emotionally exhausting over time. Codependent behavior is a learned behavior that can affect both mental and physical health, often leading to burnout, low self-esteem, and difficulty maintaining relationships.
Signs You Might Be More Than Just Helpful
It’s great to be generous and empathetic. But if your helpfulness comes at the cost of your well-being or sense of self, it may be time to examine the pattern. Ask yourself:
- Do I feel anxious or guilty when I set boundaries?
- Do I take on other people’s problems as my own?
- Do I feel resentful when I give too much but don’t receive support?
- Do I have trouble identifying what I need or want?
- Do I base my worth on being needed?
These are common traits of codependent individuals. If you’re nodding yes to most of these, you’re not alone—and there’s nothing wrong with you. These are learned behaviors, and therapy can help you unlearn what no longer serves you.
Boundaries Aren’t Walls—They’re Bridges
At Core Therapy, one of the first things we work on in codependency therapy is redefining what boundaries actually mean. Contrary to popular belief, setting boundaries doesn’t make you selfish or cold. In fact, boundaries:
- Protect your energy, time, and emotional health
- Create space for mutual respect in relationships
- Help you identify and advocate for your own needs
- Prevent burnout and resentment
Learning to set healthy boundaries takes practice, especially if you’ve spent years prioritizing others. But the reward is worth it: healthier relationships, stronger self-worth, and more emotional freedom. In therapy for codependency, we explore how codependent tendencies impact your relationships and help you build skills for healthy communication and assertiveness.
From People-Pleasing to Personal Power
Codependency therapy isn’t about becoming less kind—it’s about becoming more you. Therapy can help you:
- Recognize codependent behaviors and their root causes
- Build a stronger connection to your own feelings and values
- Practice setting and keeping healthy boundaries
- Reclaim your identity outside of your caretaking role
- Learn to give and receive in balanced, respectful ways
With support from a licensed codependency counselor or mental health professional, you can develop positive self-talk, increase your self-awareness, and rebuild your self-worth from the inside out. Group therapy and support groups can also play a vital role in the codependency recovery process, especially when co-occurring disorders are present.
California-Based Support That Meets You Where You Are
Whether you’re dealing with a codependent relationship in your family, romantic partnership, or friendship, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Core Therapy offers online therapy sessions throughout California, with a team of mental health professionals who specialize in treating codependency, setting boundaries, and fostering self-care strategies.
Through individualized treatment options like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and family therapy, we help clients address codependency issues while supporting their overall well-being—mentally, emotionally, and physically. We believe that everyone deserves a mutually satisfying relationship built on respect and authenticity.
Still Not Sure? That’s Okay.
If you’re unsure whether your supportiveness is healthy or harmful, that’s a sign it’s worth exploring. Therapy isn’t about labeling you—it’s about helping you live in alignment with your needs, values, and emotional well-being.
You don’t have to shrink yourself to support others. You can be helpful and whole.
If your relationships leave you drained, it’s time to explore healing with a therapist who understands. Reach out to Core Therapy today.