CO-DEPENDENCY PROGRAMMES
Co-dependency refers to a psychological construct involving an unhealthy relationship that people might share with those closest to them.
It was originally thought to involve families who had a member with substance use disorder but has since grown to include other types of dysfunctional relationships.
At Oasis we view co-dependency from a Schema Therapy perspective, and thus it being an expression of the schemata and a mode of being in a relationship.
The expression (behaviours) and schemata (maladaptive beliefs) predominating in each client is as unique as their fingerprint, but most sufferers will focus on the behaviours and not the underlying beliefs or will present as contemplative around their illness: they say they’re co-dependent, but this has served as an excuse or red herring preventing them from dealing with the underlying issues.
As with substance abuse or eating disorders, the ‘using’ or acting out behaviours’ can be viewed as symptoms of an underlying problem, and as long as the underlying problem remains unaffected, then despite any abstinence, the symptom will return.
Most people who suffer with mental illness have maladaptive coping mechanisms in their relationships, so unless a person comes in particularly to treat their ‘co-dependency’ it is often challenging for a community to not be manipulated by their behaviours. Psycho-education, Transactional Psychology and Interpersonal Group Therapy help tremendously with creating awareness and the motivation to change.
Such behaviours are ingrained and many who struggle with their dependency issues may bang their heads against the wall, wondering why they keep setting themselves up in destructive relationships. Many have erroneously concluded that this is ‘just how I am’. The passage of treatment for one’s dependency issues shows our clients to re-establish connection and compassion towards themselves.