Codependence, How to Identify and Heal

Course Description

This audio course will look at codependency and its impact on different areas in life. Codependency can be defined as an attachment to people who seem to need or want emotional caretaking. 

The characteristics of codependence can include (but are not decisive nor limited to): overdoing in caretaking, feeling responsible for regulating the emotions of others, difficulty in setting boundaries, encouraging others to rely on the codependent person, feeling rejected when criticized, and experiencing guilt when not there for others.

Codependent individuals tend to be drawn into relationships that are in need of help or that require some kind of ‘saving’. The codependent person seemingly has assigned themselves the task to help others—hence the heroic element that Craig Chalquist talks about in this course.

We will look at the personal, mythic, archetypal, and family systems perspectives while exploring how the dynamic plays out in everyday situations. The course is aimed to assist you in developing satisfactory relationships, in which you meet the other in strength and as an equal.

Craig Chalquist has also taught the highly-rated course on Narcissism here on Jung Platform. Codependents often have narcissists in their lives and narcissists have codependents in their lives, as you will find out in this course.

Lecture Preview

This course is ideal if

• You want to learn about the dynamics of codependency and increase your understanding of it.
• You are tired of needing to be needed.
• You wonder why you labor over loved ones or causes that never advance or heal.
• You want to learn to listen to the message in the symptoms of codependency.
• You want to move toward healing.
• You want to improve your relationships by learning about the shadow side of codependency.
• You want to recognize the signs of codependency in romantic and familial relationships, friendships, and choices of workplace.

Course Overview

Class 1: Psychological Dynamics of Codependency

In class 1, we will explore what codependency is. Codependency often results from a diminished sense of self, where one’s self-worth becomes entangled with another’s approval. 

A person struggling with codependency may lose sight of their true self, becoming overly reliant on others for validation. Developing a strong sense of self is crucial for overcoming codependency and fostering healthier relationships.

We will also explore what its psychological dynamics look like.  How does it show up in our daily lives?  Chalquist guides us to identify what tends to reveal itself in people with codependency.

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Class 2: Codependency and Archetypes

By examining codependent behavior through the lens of archetypes, you can gain insights into your personal myth and life narratives. This perspective encourages a richer exploration of the self and the inner archetypal world that shapes one’s experiences. In the second class, we will look at the archetypal level of codependency.

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Class 3: Codependency in Folklore

Folklore offers insight into these unconscious dynamics, helping individuals understand and integrate their own inner conflicts. This approach provides a richer understanding of codependency, moving beyond surface behaviors to address underlying psychological patterns. This class will look at some folklore (featuring characters that seem to exemplify codependence) and what we can learn from them.

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Class 4: Codependent Systems: Family, Workplace, and Community

Next, we will consider complex social systems such as the family, workplace, and the community. This class addresses questions like: How does codependence arise in families and what purpose does it serve? How do parts of a system interact with each other and how do they evolve? 

The root of codependent tendencies can often be traced back to early relational dynamics and attachment styles. These early experiences shape how individuals form and maintain relationships throughout their lives. 

For instance, a family therapist might observe that a codependent individual often exhibits behaviors reflective of their early attachment issues—where boundaries were blurred and selfhood was undermined. These dynamics, when replicated in adulthood, contribute to unhealthy relationships marked by imbalances in power and emotional control.

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Class 5: Heeding the Deep Call Inside the Symptom

What are the symptoms of codependency telling us? What can be done about this? How can we heal from codependency? These questions will be examined in this last class.

The process of healing codependency involves more than just breaking free from unhealthy relationships; it requires a profound personal transformation. This journey often includes revisiting and redefining one’s attachment style and developing a deeper understanding of self.

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Bonus class 

In a video recorded Q&A class, participants were invited to share  their learnings, and engage in a conversation on codependence and ask questions around applying the course learnings.

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By the end of this course you will

• Recognize the dynamics of codependent relationships.
• Be able to move from codependency to interdependence.
• Show up differently and deal differently with codependent relationships.
• Have more satisfying relationships as you are able to apply course learnings in your personal and professional life.