Codependency for Dummies, 2nd Edition

By: Darlene Lancer

Narrated by: Courtney Patterson

Codependency for Dummies, 2nd Edition is the most comprehensive book on the topic to date. Written in plain English and packed with sensitive, authoritative information, it describes the history, symptoms, causes, and relationship dynamics of codependency. The majority of the book is devoted to healing and lays out a clear plan for recovery with exercises, practical advice, and daily reminders to help you know, honor, protect, and express yourself. New to this edition are chapters on working the 12 Steps to recover from codependency and how therapists/coaches/nurses are affected by codependency.

Codependence is primarily a learned behavior from our family of origin. Some cultures have it to a greater degree than others-some still see it as a normal way of living. Yet the costs of codependence can include distrust, faulty expectations, passive-aggressiveness, control, self-neglect, over-focus on others, manipulation, intimacy issues, and a slew of other harmful traits. Codependence causes serious pain and affects the majority of Americans-not just women and loved ones of addicts. Codependency for Dummies, 2nd Edition offers authoritative and trusted guidance on ways to raise your self-esteem, detach and let go, set boundaries, recognize healthy vs. dysfunctional relationships, overcome guilt and resentment, and much more.

©2015 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (P)2019 Tantor

Best overall book on this subject!

Darlene Lancer is a fantastic expert on the subject of healthy relationships. This book is a Bible for codependency which I believe few truly understand and thus would be better described as wanting a relationship to work while learning to be 100%, authentically you. Cannot recommend this book enough.

I wish the reader would not have done a “sing song” voice for each “remember” section in the book, but I was reading a hard copy while listening so eventually could let it go.

Great content, hearing “REMEMBER!” cringed me out BADLY

Very informative and made me understand how codependency functions in relationships. Helps you figure out if it’s present and even better, what to do about it.

What an eye opener!

I never really knew how complexed being co dependent could be.
This book will be a constant reference for me as I take one day at a time!

extremely healing and helpful. i feel codependent.

lots of resources and clarity. saved my soul and life. resources galore. i highly recommend for those who are codependent, enmeshed, love addicted, and struggle with self love.

Awesome

Great book very informative but the l high pitched “remember!” Is really obnoxious and could have lived without that part it took away from me focusing on what she was saying

Eye opening!

I had no idea how codependent I have been all my life. I will reread and relisten to this book again and again.

Very eye opening.

Lots of great info in this book a must listen! Highly recommended for anyone interested in learning.

Great practical material

I have read many books on this and diverse psychological topics for my work with people and self growth. I found this very practical. Although I am not a big fan of 12 step programs much of the information was useful relative to 12 step even for people not involved with them. However you could easily skip all that stuff and benefit greatly from it.

Helpful insights

Good overview, helpful exercises and suggestions. The reading was good except the way she said “REMEMBER” drove me a little crazy.

Great book, but too much mention of 12 step

This book has a plethora of valuable information, but it demonstrates an outdated understanding of addiction. Addiction is not the cause of dysfunctional families, so please don’t further scapegoat and stigmatize drug addicts and alcoholics. Dysfunctional families and poor parenting are what cause addiction, to put it more accurately.