Terri Cole, a psychotherapist and boundary expert, dives deep into high-functioning codependency, a phenomenon often seen in overachievers and people-pleasers. She unpacks how caring too much can strain relationships and mask underlying control issues. Terri shares personal stories from her journey and emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries. The conversation also touches on familial dynamics and the emotional toll of managing expectations, urging listeners to prioritize self-care and foster healthier connections.
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insights INSIGHT
Codependency Misconceptions
Codependency is often misunderstood and misrepresented in self-help.
It's not just about enabling alcoholics; it can manifest as overgiving and over-functioning, even in high-achieving individuals.
insights INSIGHT
High-Functioning Codependency
Traditional codependency definitions didn't resonate with Terry Cole's high-achieving clients.
She coined "high-functioning codependency" to describe over-investment in others' feelings and outcomes, at the expense of one's own peace.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Auto-Accommodating
Terry Cole describes an experience at a hair salon where her anxiety stemmed from feeling responsible for others' convenience.
This "auto-accommodating" tendency reflects a compulsion to fix perceived needs in one's environment.
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Terri Cole's "Boundary Boss" offers a practical guide to establishing and maintaining healthy personal and professional boundaries. The book explores the root causes of boundary issues, often stemming from societal expectations and ingrained patterns of people-pleasing. Cole provides actionable strategies and real-world scripts to help readers navigate challenging situations and communicate their needs effectively. The book emphasizes self-awareness, self-compassion, and the importance of prioritizing one's well-being. It empowers readers to take control of their lives and relationships by setting clear limits and speaking their truth.
What is the cost of caring too much for others? Always being the person to fix everyone's problems? Never needing anyone, but secretly loving that everyone else relies on you? Well, it turns out it can cost you and your relationships a lot, and may also be a sign of high functioning codependency. High functioning codependency is much more common amongst people who are overachieving, overgiving and who have few boundaries (even if they don't know it).
In today's episode, we are joined by the originator of this term. Terri Cole is a psychotherapist and boundary expert who has been investigating this phenomena for years in her high functioning and highly successful clients. She shares the traits, behaviours, costs and ways to improve your high functioning codependency. This was one of my favourite episodes to date, happy listening!