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Gina and Julie are thrilled to be joined by Jeff Guenther, LPC to talk about codependency! Do you wonder if you or your partner might be needy or codependent? Tune in to learn about what codependency really means.

This episode covers:

• What does codependence really mean?
• The difference between having needs, neediness and codependency.
• The ways codependency can be similar to anxious attachment.

• The patterns from childhood or other relationships that can influence our level of dependence in relationship.
• Ways we can destigmatize being codependent – you might be the glue in your relationship.
• Ways to know when your codependence might become a problem.
• How to explore your own level of independence, interdependence or independence in relationship.

Memorable quote:

The Swoon Attachment Episode

Book - Attached

Website for Attached

Resources Shared in This Episode

Eight Dates, John and Julie Gottman

Intimacy Worksheet

Action Steps from the Podcast

Tools to explore when you feel anxious -

What behind the feeling ? Do you need to feel closer? Do you need reassurance?

If you are feeling super anxious or spun up and need to help yourself, what will you do?

Your limbic system is hijacking your brain and we need to get you into your frontal lobe– try doing hard math problems, do a puzzle, play a game you have to think about or get into your body (make a fist and then release, again).

Some questions to explore -

What does codependency mean in my relationship history or my current relationship?

What do I mean by the term “codependent” - what are the observable behaviors?

What is interdependence vs independence or autonomy vs connection or enmeshment vs differentiation

And go see a therapist– you can find one on therapyden.com

Your Swoon hosts

Gina Senarighi, MS, MA, CPC is a sexuality counselor and communication consultant specializing in healthy boundaries, passionate relationships, jealousy, and infidelity. She supports non-traditional couples all over the world as a retreat leader and certified relationship coach.
Connect with Gina

Julie Jeske, LPC is a sex and relationship counselor. She has a private practice where she helps clients increase intimacy, ignite passion and deepen their connection to themselves and others. Julie especially loves to help women discover who they are sexually. Through counseling, online classes, or in-person retreats; her clients learn how to talk about their sexual and relationship desires, and explore ways to make them a reality.
Connect with Julie

Jeff Guenther is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Portland, OR.
Website