#16 Breaking Free from Co-dependency - Understanding and Overcoming Relationship Addiction#16 Breaking Free from Co-dependency - Understanding and Overcoming Relationship Addiction
The Trauma Recovery School
Bonita Ackerman du Preez explores co-dependency and its ties to trauma, offering practical tools for breaking free and building healthier relationships.
7:35•30 Jan 2025
Breaking Free from Co-dependency: Overcoming Relationship Addiction
Episode Overview
- Recognise the signs of co-dependency in your relationships.
- Understand the link between trauma and co-dependency.
- Learn to set and enforce healthy boundaries.
- Prioritise self-care to improve self-esteem.
- Develop healthier relationships by addressing unresolved pain.
“Co-dependency can lead to chronic stress, burnout, anxiety and depression as you continually sacrifice your needs for other people”
Have you ever felt like you're constantly giving in your relationships, yet never quite getting what you need in return? In this episode of The Trauma Recovery School, Bonita Ackerman du Preez dives into the complexities of co-dependency and how it can impact those recovering from trauma. Co-dependency is a behavioural pattern where individuals prioritise others to their own detriment, often stemming from past trauma.
Bonita explains that trauma survivors might develop a heightened fear of abandonment, leading them to overcompensate in relationships and neglect their own needs. This can result in chronic stress, burnout, anxiety, and depression as they continually sacrifice their wellbeing for others. Bonita shares personal anecdotes and professional insights on recognising these patterns and offers practical tools for breaking free from co-dependency. She emphasises the importance of understanding one's self-esteem, setting boundaries, and prioritising self-care.
By doing so, individuals can begin to develop healthier relationships and address their unresolved pain. This episode is a must-listen for anyone struggling with co-dependency or looking to support someone who is. Bonita's compassionate and knowledgeable approach provides both understanding and hope for those seeking to reclaim their sense of self-worth.

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