loading

For your convenience, we also offer video or telephone sessions. Call Dr. Randy Katz at (416) 515-2649 Ext. 228 for more details.

416-515-2649 Contact Us
Psychological Clinic |   99 and 101 Dupont St. Toronto, ON M5R 1V4
Child & Adolescents Clinic | 107 Dupont St. Toronto, ON M5R 1V4 Phone: 416-515-2649
The Clinic on Dupont Toronto

Codependency Treatment Toronto

Codependency is the tendency to obsessively think about others to the point that one’s own needs and wants get relegated to the background. People who exhibit codependency often make decisions that benefit others and not themselves, and thus can feel resentful, taken for granted, and not appreciated. When the behaviour is unchecked for a long period of time, people report feeling like they are “out of control” or “emotional wrecks,” as their moods often fluctuate. Those who have sought medical or psychological treatment in the past are sometimes misdiagnosed with depression, anxiety, or a personality disorder. Codependency is learned behaviour that usually stems from growing up in a dysfunctional family system. Through the use of cognitive-behavioural therapy and other evidence-based modalities, our clinicians can help those who struggle with codepedency to develop the insight and skills they need to cultivate balanced lives.

Are you looking for help with codependecy? Our Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) professionals are here for you. Call us at (416) 515-2649 to speak with one of our psychologists.

phobias treatment toronto
Amy Kaiser Clinic on Dupont

AMY KAISER, Supervised Practice, Ph.D.

Stress, Depression, Women’s Issues, Interpersonal Conflict, Sexuality and Sexual identity, Health Psychology

Read More
RICHARD BLOCH psychologist

RICHARD BLOCH, M.C., RP

Stress, Anxiety Disorders, Depression, and Anger

Read More
Robin Foster headshot

ROBIN FOSTER, Ph.D., C.Psych.

Depression, Suicidality, Anxiety, Psychosis, Interpersonal Issues

Read More

CODEPENDENCY TREATMENT IN TORONTO

What is codependency?

Codependency is a pattern of behaviour in which one person enables the dysfunction of another. Codependents may enable someone’s irresponsibility, immaturity, abusiveness, addiction, or any number of other dysfunctional behaviors. Codependent relationships are typically one-sided with the codependent being all self-sacrificing to the detriment of his or her own well-being.

At The Clinic on Dupont, our experienced multi-disciplinary team provides evidence-based codependency counselling so clients can change unhealthy relationship patterns. Through therapy, they learn to thrive on their own and develop relationships built on healthy boundaries and mutual give and take.

How do codependent relationships develop?

When a person is unable to function on their own, they often, consciously or subconsciously, seek someone who can fulfill their needs. When this dysfunctional person meets a vulnerable person with a powerful need to be loved or needed, the two may become enmeshed in a codependent relationship. In romantic relationships, this is often referred to as love or relationship addiction.

How does codependency affect people's lives?

Codependency has a profound impact on codependents. Whether you’re codependent on a romantic partner, parent, friend, or co-worker, such a relationship is extremely unhealthy. It often results in stress, anxiety, and further erosion of self-esteem. It can also sabotage your interests, career aspirations, outside relationships, and joy. Because codependents cannot stand up for themselves or their own needs and may even distrust their judgment, they’re also vulnerable to abuse.

What are the signs and symptoms of codependency?

If you have difficulty making decisions or communicating in a relationship, fear abandonment, feel overly responsible for others, have poor boundaries, try to control others, obsess over the feelings or thoughts of another, these may all be signs of codependency. Denial of your feelings and needs or an intense fear of being judged, rejected, or alone, are also indicators.

What are the causes of codependency?

Codependency can result from childhood trauma or growing up in a dysfunctional family in which a child experiences neglect, abuse, chaos, manipulation, or unrealistic expectations. Codependency can also be passed on from one generation to the next as a learned behaviour. If you’ve been in an abusive relationship as an adult, it can also trigger codependency.

Any of these experiences can result in an unhealthy attachment style. This can lead you to attach to others too quickly and feel unable to leave a relationship regardless of the harm it causes you.

How is codependency diagnosed?

Codependency isn’t a disorder but rather, a relationship dynamic. Our experienced codependency counsellors will evaluate your childhood experiences, family history, and past and current relationships to determine if you might be codependent.

What methods are used in codependency therapy?

Multiple forms of psychotherapy may be used in codependency therapy. These include, but are not limited to family or relationship therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy.

Through codependency therapy, you’ll uncover the trauma or life experiences that may have resulted in your codependency. If you have a substance addiction, this is also an essential part of codependency treatment to improve your chances for a full recovery.

At The Clinic on Dupont, our codependency counselling is based on an individualized approach. Our therapists, who provide codependency treatment in Toronto, use proven therapeutical methods to ensure our clients receive the most optimal treatment.

How long does codependency treatment take?

Your codependency treatment in Toronto at our results-oriented clinic may take several weeks to several months. Many variables can affect the speed of your recovery, such as the specific cause of your codependency and whether there’s any substance abuse, among other factors. For some people, codependency recovery is a lifelong journey.

Through codependency counselling, our experienced psychotherapists will help you develop insight, skills, and confidence so you can break free from codependency and develop healthier relationships.

Can children be codependent?

Despite dependency being a normal part of childhood, it’s during this period when codependency often develops. Kids may learn codependent behaviors from their parents’ relationship or behaviours in a child may emerge from other family dynamics and parental practices.

What are the symptoms of codependency in kids?

Codependent kids exhibit many signs similar to those in adults. These include a lack of trust, low self-esteem, excessive worry, anxiety, people pleasing, anger problems, self-blame, and trouble making decisions. If your child exhibits some of these signs, our experienced codependency counsellors can assess and help your child overcome these patterns.