This 3.0-hour self-study module reviews patterns in unhealthy relationships with themes of codependency and offers practical interventions to help clients.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:
- Define codependency and distinguish it from related diagnoses such as Dependent Personality Disorder.
- Explore the psychological and behavioral patterns that contribute to unhealthy relational dynamics.
- Apply clinical tools and screening measures to assess codependency and emotional dependency in clients.
- Evaluate and compare treatment models including traditional codependency frameworks and the Prodependence approach.
- Develop effective clinical strategies for boundary-setting, assertive communication, and resilience-building in codependent clients.
Syllabus:
Objective #1: Foundations of Codependency and Emotional Dependency
- Definitions of codependency and Dependent Personality Disorder
- Core behaviors: rescuing, enabling, self-neglect, fear of abandonment
- The downward cycle of dependency and identity loss
- Roles in relationships and the Karpman Drama Triangle
Objective #2: Assessment and Diagnostic Tools
- Use of standardized screeners and questionnaires (e.g., DPQ 2000)
- Differentiating emotional dependency from healthy interdependence
- Exploring relationship styles and identity formation
- Use of narrative and chain analysis to understand relationship events
Objective #3: Addiction and Codependency Intersections
- How addiction reinforces codependent behaviors in family systems
- Dysfunctional caregiving and boundary violations
- Trauma, approval-seeking, and low self-worth in codependent individuals
- Discussion of dual suffering and emotional contagion within addicted families
Objective #4: Treatment Approaches and Clinical Interventions
- Traditional codependency treatment models and their limitations
- Prodependence model: reframing relational support as strength-based
- Therapy goals: building self-awareness, autonomy, and secure attachments
- Group treatment models and relational skill development
- Strategies: process comments, Socratic questioning, assertiveness training
Objective #5: Deepening Clinical Insight Through Discussion and Reflection
- Discussion prompts exploring control vs. caring, love vs. attachment
- Relationship “contracts,” exclusivity, and managing conflict
- Differentiating stale vs. stable partnerships
- Reframing codependent behavior through cultural and personal lenses
Objective #6: Ethics, Empathy, and Cultural Considerations
- When helping becomes harmful: clinical signs of over-functioning
- Understanding codependency through compassion rather than judgment
- Ethical responsibilities in working with families affected by addiction
- Supporting clients in grieving idealized relationships and rebuilding self-trust
Social workers completing this course receive 3 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 3 Clinical continuing education training.
Instructor: Leo DeBroeck, MS, LMHC, CMHS, MHP, CBT+
Recording Date: 9/01/2024
CEUS On-Demand, LLC, provider #2274, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/7/2026 - 08/6/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 3hrs Clinical continuing education credits.
CEUs On-Demand, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7091. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CEUs On-Demand, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
System Requirements: Firefox, Chrome, Brave, Safari, Edge on any modern operating system (Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS). A desktop browser is recommended. We do not provide support resources for issues encountered using a mobile device.
Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com