Changing old patterns
As parents, we often set out with the best intentions—to love unconditionally, to protect, and to guide our children through life’s complexities. However, even with the most loving motives, we may unconsciously pass on emotional patterns we inherited ourselves. One such pattern is codependency, a dynamic where self-worth becomes tied to meeting others’ needs, often …
Continue reading “Parenting Without Passing on Codependent Patterns”
If you’ve spent much of your life putting others’ needs before your own, saying “yes” when you really meant “no,” or feeling responsible for the emotions and actions of those around you—know that you’re not alone. Many people navigating codependency struggle with setting healthy boundaries. And even when they start to say “no” or speak …
Continue reading “Setting Boundaries Without Guilt: A Guide for Recovering Codependents”
Relationships are meant to be a source of support, joy, and mutual growth. But what happens when the line between caring and controlling gets blurry? Codependency often masquerades as love or devotion, but it can erode both partners’ sense of self. In contrast, healthy relationships are rooted in respect, autonomy, and balance. Here, I’ll explore …
Are You Confusing Codependency with Love? At the beginning of a relationship, it’s easy to mistake emotional intensity for genuine connection, or constant reassurance for affection. But what if those overwhelming feelings aren’t love at all—what if they’re symptoms of codependency and a deep-seated fear of abandonment? Why Codependency Feels Like Love—But Isn’t 1. Emotional …
Do you often find yourself obsessing over someone new? Are your thoughts constantly consumed by the idea of them noticing you or returning your affection? If so, you may not be in love—you might be experiencing limerence. Though limerence and love can feel similar at first, they are fundamentally different emotional experiences. Understanding the difference …
Continue reading “Limerence vs. Love: How to Tell the Difference and Why It Matters”
When we hear the word “addict,” we often picture someone in a dark alley with a needle in their arm. But the truth is, addiction comes in many forms—and most of us are hooked on something, whether it’s food, work, exercise, social media, shopping, or a person! At its core, addiction is about losing control. …
According to most psychological estimates, around 90-95% of our mental activity is considered subconscious, meaning only a small percentage (5-10%) is consciously accessible. Most of our daily decisions, habits, feelings, emotions and behaviours are driven by our subconscious mind. The subconscious stores a vast amount of information, including memories, beliefs, and learned patterns. Which is …
Continue reading “How Is Your Attachment Style Affecting Your Relationship?”
If you grew up in a home with a parent who misused alcohol, drugs, or who suffered from codependency themselves, you’re probably familiar with the feeling of never knowing what to expect from one day to the next. When one or both parents struggle with addiction, the home environment is unpredictable. Arguments, inconsistency, unreliability, …
Continue reading “Adult Children Of Addicts or Codependents – The Laundry List”
Typically when we think of addiction, we think of alcohol, drugs, sex, or gambling. Although not yet an official diagnosis, a more common, yet far less known form of addiction is an addiction to people. Research from 2016 suggested feelings of intense romantic love activate regions of the brain’s “reward system” — the same regions …
You may have a mother wound if you were invalidated or made to feel that your weren’t important. If your feelings were ‘wrong’ or you were blamed for things you didn’t do. By your mother. If you weren’t allowed to ever express or explore negative emotions, this may result in chronic low self-esteem. Do you …