Therapy for “People Pleasers” and Co-Dependency
While some therapy has become hyper individualistic in its responses due to the political climate we’re in, this doesn’t mean that some people don’t struggle with excessive dependence, people pleasing, or co-dependency.
If the information below sounds relatable, I implore you to reach out. A relational container can help you work out some of these issues. ERP (exposure and response prevention) can help with some of these issues as well as psychodynamic therapy, which can explore what has led to these current defenses over-staying their welcome, or feeling excessive.
The “fawn” response is recently in conversation with the other survival responses you’ve heard of (flight, flee, and freeze)
Accommodating other people can be a normal response, but what happens when it becomes your go-to and you begin neglecting your own needs?
Built up resentment from people-pleasing can cause an erosion of self or massive burn-out.. Sure, it can help you form relationships to cater to other’s needs- but what happens when you slowly realize your own needs and self esteem have eroded in the expense of winning others over?
What if people-pleasing when done in excess becomes manipulative?
Having community is good and incredibly necessary for survival. But have you noticed that you struggle to go to events, trips, by yourself? Do you feel as though you need someone else to validate your opinion to move forward with important decisions? How else do you feel co-dependency has altered your own behaviors?
Are you beginning to feel trapped?
