The Lifeworks Group, Inc.

By: Brian Murray, LMHC, NCC Codependency is a word that was born out of the addiction field of therapy. It’s a description that is used for a person who is involved with a person who has substance abuse problems. The codependent has an addiction as well. They are addicted to love. There are many traits and characteristics of a codependent that can be sub-categorized under the big 3 discussed here. These are the fixer, the controller and the apathetic. In addiction they may also be accused of being an enabler or a rescuer. Codependents provide resources to the addicted person hoping they will get love in return. And hope is the key word, they hold out for the hope of getting love if they just prove how wonderful they are to the addicted person. This creates a double bind in the relationship, henceforth, the codependent and the dependent. Usually it takes years before the codependent realizes they will never get the love they seek. Or, the codependent notices a behavioral reinforceme...

  By: Brian Murray, LMHC    Is it possible to treat narcissism? It really depends on the counselor you ask. Some say yes while many are likely to say no. There are a lot of counselors out there who feel this condition is next to impossible to treat. Treating narcissism is a very difficult and time-consuming effort on behalf of the therapist, even for the most qualified. Treatment can be equally frustrating for the client. Most narcissistic clients end up feeling defeated through lack of change and quit prematurely usually within the first 1-6 months. This is partly due to high expectation due to the general condition of narcissism and perhaps a therapist who is not used to treating narcissism. Treating narcissism requires a therapist who is experienced and has equipped themselves to take on these personality types. Self-reflection and forming internal resolutions with the client are very common in counseling, however, these same processes have led to the narcissist bu...