SGR 092: How to Know if You’re Codependent with Marlena Tillhon, MSc

Consider the following:

“I am more focused on changing my partner, than I am on changing myself.”

“If my partner is unhappy, I am incredibly uncomfortable and feel I need to fix or change their emotional state.

“I need to sacrifice my own happiness and/or well-being in order to ensure my partner is happy.”

If these statements rang true for you, you may have a tendency towards codependency. 

Codependency is a dynamic in relationships that lends itself to dissatisfaction, resentment, and having unmet needs. Once identified, you have an opportunity to shift it. You can work to:

• Become aware of what triggers codependent behavior for you

• Explore the ways codependence has tried to keep you “safe”

• Identify alternative behaviors, when these triggers arise, that are healthier and will serve you best

In this week’s episode, we’re talking with codependency expert, Marlena Tillhon, MSc. She’s sharing common traits of codependency in relationships, how codependency can create challenges in a partnership, and strategies for moving towards a healthier dynamic.

Listen: