What are the Different Types of Codependency Treatments?

There are quite a few different types of codependency treatments available. Codependency issues may stem from childhood neglect and/or abuse. Therapy is one of the most effective treatments because of the deep-rooted nature of the disorder. Support groups, workshops, and self-help books are also widely used and helpful types of codependency treatment.

Self-help books are a great first option for codependency treatments. They are widely available and discreet. This type of treatment is great for someone who is interested in learning more about codependency but not quite ready to commit to therapy or a support group. Self-help books are also a great source of homework to supplement other codependency treatments. Due to the nature of codependency, it may be very difficult for the person to follow through with self-help and other types of treatment may be needed.

Outpatient therapy is another common and effective type of codependency treatment. Therapy is often more expensive than other types of codependency treatments, but with the right therapist a lot more progress and growth can be achieved in a short amount of time. A therapist is trained to recognize codependent behavior and, more importantly, to help the patient recognize and alter those behaviors in order to develop healthy boundaries and relationships. Outpatient therapy can also be accessed relatively discreetly, and appointments can be made around the patient's schedule.

Inpatient therapy is a more intensive treatment program for codependency help. Inpatient codependency treatments typically last 30 days. This can be especially helpful for codependents whose relationships are too toxic to be able to facilitate any kind of healing or change. The inpatient facility provides a sort of safe haven in which people can take a break from their everyday distractions. It is designed to allow patients to give themselves the attention they need to recognize and correct the cognitive and emotional dysfunction at the root of their codependency issues.

Codependents Anonymous and Al-Anon are a couple of 12-step support groups that offer codependency treatments. The codependency advice dispensed at these groups is given by other recovering codependents, meaning that there are no professional therapists present at the meetings. Despite the lack of professional support, these groups have been around for many years and have helped a lot of people free themselves of codependent relationships and behaviors.

Another popular type of codependency treatments is workshops. These workshops can take the form of an inpatient retreat or an online workshop. In either case, they are usually led by a professional therapist with many years of experience helping people with codependency. These workshops generally last up to a week and are focused around codependency education.