In order to foster healthier thoughts and behaviors, it is important for therapists and clients to move beyond the concept of blame. Individuals learn to cope with life’s difficulties the best way that they can, given their circumstances. In this vein, Peled and Sacks (2008) offer a feminist critique that questions the validity of labeling women “codependent.” The codependent characteristics of caretaking and self-sacrifice are taught to women, especially in their roles as wives and mothers. They found that there is no empirical evidence showing that wives of alcoholics are different than wives of non-alcoholics in their caretaking and self-sacrifice. Feminists take issue with the assumption that codependency is pathological as it portrays
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However, women are often impacted by social and economic realities that make it difficult to leave. In typical codependency literature, addiction is considered a family illness with an addict and a codependent “rescuer” or “enabler” who is blamed for maintaining the dysfunctional behaviors in the family (Peled & Sacks, 2008). Newer perspectives (Cain, 2015; Terry & Leary, 2011; Felitti, et al., 1998) suggest that blaming people is not the best answer. We need a more compassionate, relational approach. Maisel and Raeburn (2008) said, “we are all would-be addicts, given the right circumstances of biology, psychology and social setting.” More pathways to develop the capacity to move beyond addiction, including caretaking, self-sacrifice and codependency to a healthy level of self-care are needed (Peled & Sacks, 2008).
Codependents Anonymous (CoDA) promotes a 12-step approach to recovering from codependency. Twelve-step programs, while helpful to some, do have several drawbacks. First, Dodes (2014) suggests that AA is only 5-10 percent successful. He says that we only hear the success stories. Also, if the person seeking help does not believe in a higher power outside of …show more content…
Motivational interviewing (MI) combined with the awareness of the stages of change model is appealing because it offers an opportunity to employ understanding and compassion, which can be more helpful than confrontation and blame. Accepting a client where they are can create a healing environment where clients can explore the things that they want to be different in their lives without judgment or pressure to conform to outside standards. In addition, the focus on client strengths and internal goals is empowering for clients (Miller & Rollnick, 2013). Horay (2006) describes an art therapy client who created a four-quadrant collage including pros of using drugs, cons of using drugs, pros of not using, and cons of not using. This was made over several sessions and inspired the client to collaboratively examine his own ambivalent feelings. Ultimately, the MI approach for clients in precontemplation and contemplation stages is aimed at exploring ambivalent feelings, strengthening defense mechanisms, and promoting client strengths (Miller & Rollnick, 2013). Compassionate self-care (Brach, 2003) and supportive relationships are ultimately needed. This is in sharp contrast to the 12-step model that uses confrontation and emphasizes
However, women are often impacted by social and economic realities that make it difficult to leave. In typical codependency literature, addiction is considered a family illness with an addict and a codependent “rescuer” or “enabler” who is blamed for maintaining the dysfunctional behaviors in the family (Peled & Sacks, 2008). Newer perspectives (Cain, 2015; Terry & Leary, 2011; Felitti, et al., 1998) suggest that blaming people is not the best answer. We need a more compassionate, relational approach. Maisel and Raeburn (2008) said, “we are all would-be addicts, given the right circumstances of biology, psychology and social setting.” More pathways to develop the capacity to move beyond addiction, including caretaking, self-sacrifice and codependency to a healthy level of self-care are needed (Peled & Sacks, 2008).
Codependents Anonymous (CoDA) promotes a 12-step approach to recovering from codependency. Twelve-step programs, while helpful to some, do have several drawbacks. First, Dodes (2014) suggests that AA is only 5-10 percent successful. He says that we only hear the success stories. Also, if the person seeking help does not believe in a higher power outside of …show more content…
Motivational interviewing (MI) combined with the awareness of the stages of change model is appealing because it offers an opportunity to employ understanding and compassion, which can be more helpful than confrontation and blame. Accepting a client where they are can create a healing environment where clients can explore the things that they want to be different in their lives without judgment or pressure to conform to outside standards. In addition, the focus on client strengths and internal goals is empowering for clients (Miller & Rollnick, 2013). Horay (2006) describes an art therapy client who created a four-quadrant collage including pros of using drugs, cons of using drugs, pros of not using, and cons of not using. This was made over several sessions and inspired the client to collaboratively examine his own ambivalent feelings. Ultimately, the MI approach for clients in precontemplation and contemplation stages is aimed at exploring ambivalent feelings, strengthening defense mechanisms, and promoting client strengths (Miller & Rollnick, 2013). Compassionate self-care (Brach, 2003) and supportive relationships are ultimately needed. This is in sharp contrast to the 12-step model that uses confrontation and emphasizes