The Hardcore Self Help Podcast with Duff the Psych

432: What is High-Functioning Codependency? Terri Cole

Feb 28, 2025

Terri Cole, a licensed psychotherapist and boundary expert, shares her journey from talent agent to therapist, motivated by her own struggles with codependency. She defines high-functioning codependency and discusses its roots in childhood and societal expectations. Terri offers practical tools for recognizing and breaking free from these patterns, emphasizing the importance of boundaries and self-awareness. The conversation also addresses the complexities of family dynamics amidst political discord, providing strategies for maintaining harmony.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Books

Transcript

Episode notes

INSIGHT

High-Functioning Codependency Definition

High-functioning codependency is over-investing in others' lives.
This negatively impacts your own inner peace.

ANECDOTE

From Talent Agent to Therapist

Terri Cole's career path was unconventional, from a talent agent to a psychotherapist.
Her focus shifted from negotiating contracts for celebrities to prioritizing their mental well-being.

INSIGHT

Early Self-Awareness

Early therapy and quitting drinking young fostered self-awareness for Terri Cole.
These experiences shaped her understanding of personal transformation.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

In this episode of The Hardcore Self Help Podcast, I sit down with the incredible psychotherapist and author, Terri Cole, to discuss high-functioning codependency, boundaries, and how we can break free from people-pleasing tendencies. Terri shares her own journey from working in the entertainment industry to becoming a therapist and how her personal struggles with boundaries led her to specialize in this area. We dive deep into the traits of high-functioning codependency, where it comes from, and actionable steps you can take to create healthier relationships and reclaim your inner peace.

What We Cover in This Episode:

Terri’s journey from talent agent to psychotherapist
Recognizing high-functioning codependency in yourself
How childhood and societal expectations shape codependency
The role of self-awareness and therapy in breaking codependency patterns
Practical tools for overcoming codependent tendencies
The importance of setting boundaries and learning to say no
How to conduct a resentment inventory and why it’s helpful
Addressing difficult family dynamics around social and political issues
How Terri’s book, Too Much, can help you break free from codependency

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to Terri Cole and her background 01:00 – How Terri transitioned from talent agent to psychotherapist 16:00 – Recognizing high-functioning codependency 25:00 – Childhood & societal influences on codependency 30:00 – The importance of self-awareness and therapy 39:00 – Practical tools for overcoming codependency 42:00 – Navigating difficult family dynamics 49:00 – Setting boundaries and learning to say no 52:00 – Conducting a resentment inventory 58:00 – How Too Much can help you break free

Resources Mentioned:

Too Much by Terri Cole: https://www.terricole.com
High-Functioning Codependency Toolkit: https://www.terricole.com/HFC
Mastermind program (Flourish): https://www.terricole.com/flourish
Terri’s membership community: https://www.terricole.com/TCM
The Terri Cole Show Podcast: https://www.terricole.com/podcast

Connect with Me:

Email: duffthepsych@gmail.com
Website: https://www.duffthepsych.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@duffthepsych
Instagram: https://instagram.com/duffthepsych

If you found this episode helpful, please consider sharing it with someone who might benefit. And as always, take care of yourself!