Codependency refers to a relationship in which one party has excessive emotional or psychological reliance on the other. Cited often in terms of addiction (a codependent relationship between an addict and their enabling partner, parent, friend, etc.), codependency also pops up frequently in relationships in which someone is struggling with mental or physical illness. More broadly, codependency applies to those of us that are driven to “fix” what’s wrong with the people in our lives. Do you feel like you a have a faulty “picker” in relationships? You might have codependent tendencies.

In this way, the concept of codependency resonates with many of us in one way or another. Using personal, relatable stories, Beattie describes codependency as the very common issue that it is, and allows the reader to identify themselves with the concept without feeling pathologized or judged.

The book encourages us to re-evaluate how we treat ourselves in our relationships to others, and gently encourages the idea that boundary-setting is not selfish, but a marker of health, self-care, and self-respect. Beattie stresses the importance of self-compassion again and again, and asks obvious but important questions (like, “Have I observed myself to be an approval-seeker, losing myself in the process?”) that gently urge the reader’s consideration of new choices. Throughout, the book compels the reader to prioritize their own wants and needs in their relationships with others, and walks through the emotional steps necessary to meet that elusive end goal.

It should be noted that Beattie references God, as well as Al-Anon and the 12 steps, in the book (rather frequently). If you are comfortable with references to God and the 12 steps, or don’t mind looking past them, I recommend the read. If that seems off-putting to you, then this is not your book.

If you are interested, you can buy Beattie’s book here.

faq's

Useful Information

Some frequently asked questions and useful answers.

What is online therapy?

Online therapy works in the same way as in-office therapy, but is done online, similar to a Skype or FaceTime conversation. Clients are able to have sessions from home, work, or any other convenient location. We meet with clients using a HIPAA-compliant secure platform.

What are the advantages of online therapy?

Online therapy allows you to work with us from the comfort of home, or any private location of your choosing. For some, the screen provides an added layer of comfort that makes the challenging work of being vulnerable in therapy a little easier.

Online therapy also creates the unique opportunity for you to work with us without the constraints of proximity! The practice was born in Keene, New Hampshire, but has since grown to service clients anywhere in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Vermont, New Jersey, Florida, and New Hampshire.

Who benefits from online therapy?

Online therapy is a great option for clients that travel for work, for college students that go home during the summertime and do not want a break in their sessions, and for anyone with a challenging or inconsistent day-to-day schedule. It is an excellent choice for clients seeking a therapist with a particular specialty that they are unable to find support for locally. Some of our clients report that online therapy makes the vulnerability element of therapy a bit less intimidating.

Is online therapy for everybody?

No. For some clients with more complex symptoms or safety concerns, having a local therapist that is readily available is important in case of crisis or the need for a higher level of care. Online therapy is also a challenge for clients that do not have access to a private, quiet space to be “in session” for the hour, or for those that do not have adequate internet connectivity.

Why don’t you accept insurance?

There are several reasons why we don’t accept insurance. The most important are:

Confidentiality. Insurance companies require that your information be shared with them in order to pay for services. We prefer that clients’ information is kept as confidential as possible.

The pressure to diagnose. Insurance companies require that clients are given a mental health diagnosis in order to pay for therapy. We have found that many clients benefit from therapy, but do not meet criteria for a diagnosis. Not using insurance allows clients to access therapy without being given a mental health diagnosis.

Flexibility and freedom. Insurance companies dictate the length and number of sessions they will authorize, as well as when a client is no longer eligible for the benefits of therapy. Because we do not work with insurance panels, you and we can collaborate to determine your individual needs regarding session length, frequency of sessions, and when to terminate therapy.

While we do not accept insurance, many clients choose to submit receipts to their insurance companies to receive reimbursement via out-of-network benefits. We are happy to provide these receipts for you! Please check with your insurance company for details on your benefits.

testimonials

Feedback

Read some of our latest testimonials to see why others put their trust in us.

"Dana’s warm, empathetic approach allows people to break down walls. She has a way of creating a safe space that gives people permission to share openly. Her clients have often searched long and hard for a therapist to connect with, and are grateful to have found her."

"Kasey was compassionate, empathetic and supportive of the clients we served in our work together. She demonstrated excellent professional boundaries, and was a natural in making her clients feel comfortable and safe to open up and express themselves.”

“Kasey has been there for me through hardships that I could not have trusted with anyone else. Kasey is warm and empathetic, she has been a cheerleader for my successes, has listened to me when I needed an ear, and has given me sage advice when I needed it most. I would refer my clients to Kasey without hesitation.”

"Sky approaches every client with respect and openness. She takes an integrated approach to the therapeutic interventions she applies. When you work with Skyler you invest in your emotional health."

“Dana is a highly skilled and compassionate therapist. Her curiosity and dedication to continual growth and learning make her stand out. I couldn’t endorse her more as a clinician.”

Sky exudes professionalism in every aspect of her job from working with patients, staff and advocating on behalf of her clients. She develops strong rapport with her clients and their families which allows for most effective client care while maintaining professional boundaries.

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