Boundaries and communication are two of the most critical components of healthy relationships, yet they are also among the most misunderstood. Many people struggle with setting clear personal boundaries, while others find it difficult to communicate their needs effectively. To clarify some of the most common concerns, we've gathered insights from therapists to answer frequently asked questions about boundaries and...
Are You an Empath, an HSP, or Codependent? Why It Matters If you often find yourself emotionally drained by other people’s moods, feeling responsible for fixing their distress, or struggling to separate your own emotions from those around you, you may have been told you’re an HSP (Highly Sensitive Person), an empath, or codependent. While these terms are often used...
Many adults struggling with codependency find themselves over-functioning in relationships, prioritizing others’ needs over their own, and struggling with low self-worth. They often feel an intense responsibility to keep others happy while neglecting their own emotional needs. While these behaviors may seem like personality traits or habits, they are often rooted in early childhood experiences—specifically in unmet emotional needs, family...
Many people who struggle with codependency find themselves in relationships where they overextend, over-accommodate, and put others’ needs before their own. They may feel obligated to forgive endlessly, avoid conflict, and always “take the high road.” While kindness and compassion are essential in relationships, when these values are used to suppress real emotions or avoid necessary boundaries, they can become...
Many people struggling with codependency find themselves feeling anxious, overburdened, and emotionally drained by their relationships. They take on more than their fair share of responsibility, constantly trying to manage how others feel, anticipate needs, and prevent conflict. What many don’t realize is that perfectionism often plays a central role in this pattern—fueling an endless cycle of self-sacrifice, guilt, and...
Many people who find themselves in difficult or unhealthy relationships ask the same question: Am I experiencing codependency, or am I trapped in a trauma bond? While these two patterns share similarities—both involve attachment to relationships that may be harmful—there are key distinctions between them that are essential for understanding your experiences and healing effectively. Codependency and trauma bonding often...
Many People in San Francisco Struggle with Codependency in Disguise San Francisco is a city known for its innovation, ambition, and self-sufficiency. The tech industry, entrepreneurial culture, and high cost of living encourage people to be hyper-independent—to solve their own problems, push through challenges alone, and avoid relying on others. But what if this fierce independence is actually a sign...
Many people associate winter with depression. If you've heard of Seasonal Affective Disorder, you've probably associated it with winter, for example. Some people experience Reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder, which occurs during the summer months. Less common, but still an issue for some people, is spring depression. This is recurring depression that people experience during the springtime months. If you have...
Do you struggle with putting others’ needs before your own? Feel emotionally drained in relationships? Struggle to set boundaries without guilt? If so, you may be experiencing codependency—a pattern of over-reliance on others for validation, approval, or emotional stability. This can make relationships feel one-sided, exhausting, and emotionally overwhelming. At our San Francisco-based therapy practice, we specialize in helping individuals...
Spring is such an interesting time of year. It's obviously associated with new beginnings, growth, and renewal. As a result, it can be symbolic of hope, optimism, and resilience. Therefore, the arrival of spring can bring a sense of relief and a break from the darkness and cold of winter. This can be can be particularly beneficial for those who...