Codependency and Our Addicted Loved Ones

written by Monica Giuffre, UHV Supervised Practicum Student

           

Codependency is already an intricate issue, but it becomes even more complex when it involves an addicted loved one. Codependency, according to Melody Beattie, resembles grief in regards to the feelings and emotions, such as guilt, obsessions over what went astray, denial, bargaining, controlling, sadness, and anger. Further, it is a type of dysfunctional helping relationship and we start to lose our identities once we are wrapped in the vicious cycle. Addiction, on the other hand, is a disease that incorporates denial and the loss of control. We become invested in our addicted loved ones while our self-love dissipates. The good news is that ...

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The Benefits of Creativity for Those Who Self-Harm

by Haylee Furlow, SHSU Counseling Intern Student

Hope & Harmony Therapy, LLC

           For children and adults alike, creativity can be a great way to express one’s emotions. When we don’t know the right words, we can get our feelings out through our art. Those who self-harm often do so because they feel they cannot express themselves adequately or even at all. Whether they already engage in some creative practice or not, establishing or expanding creative habits can help to express the emotions that may be the cause behind self-harm.

            Multiple articles have lobbied the benefits of creative arts for people struggling with self-harm. In “The Use of Visual Arts Activities in Counseling Clients Who Engage in Nonsuicidal Self-Injury”, research ...

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Vulnerability: Strength or Weakness?

Written by Debbie Martin M.Ed., MA, LPC, LMFT 

Vulnerability is something we all struggle with most of our lives. It seems like there is a learning curve deciding when it is appropriate to show our vulnerable side and when it is not. Of course, never showing our weaknesses is easier and protects us from everything--even love.

That's right! When we put up our shields to hide our vulnerabilities, we lose opportunity to connect with others. Feeling connected to others is not only a human need, it is also a necessary component for love to blossom.

Our life experiences with emotional pain and hurt can cause us to put up walls so tall that connection with others is almost impossible. We forget how to be vulnerable. We forget how to handle our painful feelings. We become stuck in constant figh ...

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