SHAIR 196: Recovering from Codependency with Natalie Feinblatt

SHAIR 196: Recovering from Codependency with Natalie Feinblatt

How do people find strength in their journey to sobriety? This conversation between host Omar Pinto and Dr Natalie Feinblatt shines a light on a less talked-about issue in recovery: codependency. Natalie, a licensed clinical psychologist from Los Angeles, shares her long-term recovery from codependency and how it grew out of a deeply dysfunctional family system.

She explains how she first ended up in an AA meeting, even though she wasn’t an alcoholic, and felt, as she puts it, that *“this is how church was supposed to feel.”* That sense of connection pulled her towards 12-step recovery and, eventually, into Codependents Anonymous and Al-Anon.

You’ll hear how living with her parents while trying to heal from codependency almost derailed her, why moving out became a crucial act of self-care, and how she came to see boundaries as a basic human right rather than something to feel guilty about. Natalie talks candidly about perfectionism, overachieving her way through university, and the relief of realising she doesn’t have to constantly prove herself to be worthy.

She also breaks down her daily recovery routine: meetings when she can, a “spiritual daily action plan” of prayer and meditation, and simple outreach texts to keep isolation at bay. Her take on higher power is relaxed and practical, treating prayer as “talking to God” and meditation as “listening to God,” without the heavy formality that put her off organised religion.

Perhaps the heart of the episode is Natalie’s emphasis on willingness: *“If you’re not willing yet, are you at least willing to be willing one day?”* It’s a gentle, realistic invitation for anyone who feels stuck or sceptical. If codependency, perfectionism, or family dysfunction ring any bells for you, this conversation might be exactly the nudge you’ve been waiting for—where could a bit more willingness take you next?