Are You In A codependent Relationship?

Many families handle difficulties using codependency, but this is not a sign of a healthy relationship. Check out this article…

10 Signs You’re In A Codependent Relationship, Per Relationship Experts

By Mara Santilli and Jessica Migala

10 Signs You’re In A Codependent Relationship, Per Relationship Experts

Do you only fight about one thing?

By Mara Santilli and Jessica MigalaPublished: Mar 1, 2022

 If you’ve ever been in a relationship, you’ll know that they often require walking a delicate line between meeting your partner’s needs while also advocating for your own. Finding this balance can be incredibly rewarding, and is typically what makes relationships worthwhile in the long run.

Sometimes, though, the dynamic between you and your partner’s needs can become off kilter in the relationship, which can manifest itself in an issue called codependence.

Codependent relationships exist in a variety of different partnerships (between siblings, parents, coworkers, friends), but when we’re talking romantic relationships, it's often on another level.

“In a codependent relationship, you tend to rely on the other person for happiness and approval," says Dale Atkins, PhD, co-author of The Kindness Advantage, and New York-based psychologist. "You become so wrapped up in them, you lose yourself. Your needs are determined by your partner."

Generally speaking, codependence means that there’s an imbalance in the relationship, where one person tends to be giving much more than the other, explains Janet Brito, PhD, a clinical psychologist and sex therapist in Honolulu. You can also look at codependence like this: It’s one partner’s actions being characterized by taking or demanding a lot from their S.O.

It’s definitely a dysfunctional place to be in. “One person is doing the loving and caring in the relationship, and the other is taking, taking, taking and not giving back,” says Atkins.

If this is starting to sound familiar to you, read ahead for a deep dive into what a codependent relationship really looks like.

What is codependency?

Technically, codependency means that someone is so intricately woven into you that you cannot honor your own feelings and needs, Skyler explains. It’s when you are essentially sacrificing yourself to play a part in the bigger system of your relationship, Skyler says. It typically results in the provider-heavy person harboring feelings of resentment, emptiness, and sadness, Brito adds.

That said, codependent relationships are a nuanced issue, and the word is used a bit too loosely on the internet and social media. In short, codependency is not to be confused with interdependence, explains Jenni Skyler, PhD, a certified sex therapist, sexologist, and director of The Intimacy Institute.

Interdependence is when you maintain autonomy over your feelings, choices, and behaviors, but you also offer and receive healthy support from your romantic partner and a whole network of people. “Humans are a social species,” Skyler explains. “Interdependence is key to our survival,” she notes. Basically, we need other people to stay alive. Needing others doesn’t mean you’re codependent, per se.

So, what exactly is a codependent relationship?

As mentioned, a codependent relationship can manifest itself in a variety of ways. While codependence looks different in every relationship, you might feel like you’re becoming an (unnecessary) provider if you’re often picking up after your partner’s toxic habits, Skyler says.

These bad behaviors can range from something as small as not picking up after themselves or being unable to make a decision on their own, to ones that are more menacing like causing trouble when they drink too much or being irresponsible with money. Regardless, as their caretaker, they will depend on you to pick up the pieces for them and guide them in the right direction, Brito explains.

Conversely, if you are the dependent person in the relationship, you might find yourself feeling lost and helpless without your partner—consciously or unconsciously. Perhaps they are your only source of companionship or friendship, and they’re the one you go to when there’s any kind of inconvenience in your life.

How do codependent relationships happen?

Usually, codependent relationships don't just happen out of nowhere and often are a projection of past relationships you've had, especially with family members.

"Codependency usually develops from parent-child relations that influence the child to put their parents' or family's needs before their own, says Sanam Hafeez, PsyD, a neuropsychologist and faculty member at Columbia University.

Sometimes, people who are more inclined to slide into a codependent relationship have had a toxic relationship with a parent or family member. This doesn't necessarily mean that one party had an intention of controlling the other person, but it can happen especially if a parent has been ill, has struggled with substance abuse, or has been emotionally unstable, explains Hafeez.

Codependency can also happen when a person is a such a devoted caregiver for someone else that they neglect their own needs. While caregiving can inherently be a beautiful, unselfish act, it can turn unhealthy. "It is imperative to understand that a relationship wrapped in the need for another person, and the need to be needed, is not healthy," Hafeez says.

People might also have personality traits that make them more inclined to develop a codependent relationship with another person. For example, if you are always apologizing, leading every text and email with "sorry!," even for mundane things, it could be a sign of a codependent trait, says Hafeez. "This can signal a need to know that people are not mad at you," she says.

Along with that, if you have trouble expressing exactly what you want in a relationship (this can be something as simple as where you want to pick up dinner, or a bigger decision like where you want to move with your partner), it can be problematic in the long run. Codependent relationships thrive on one person "going along with" the other person's wishes and adapting to that person's, and that will can weigh on you over time, says Hafeez.


Some specific symptoms of a codependent relationship:

1. You take too much responsibility for your partner.

Of course, in any relationship, you want to care for your partner. But taking on too much responsibility for their well-being is another sign of codependency. “In order to feel in control and ‘okay,’ you look to manage and take care of your partner’s behavior,” says Jane Greer, PhD, author of What About Me? Stop Selfishness From Ruining Your Relationship, and New York-based relationship expert. One example is that when your partner's drinking, you’ll always be the one reminding them not to drink (if it creates problems for them) or cleaning up any issues they may get themselves into, Greer says.

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2. You gravitate toward people who need you.

You may tend to date people who need help. It’s all in an effort to take responsibility for people and rescue them, notes Atkins. This is why codependent people are often attracted to those who have addictions, like drinking or gambling. You may also put yourself in peril to help them, via taking on gambling debt, dipping into your savings to support them, or getting into a car with them when you know they’re a reckless driver.

3. You never get your way.

Let’s say you feel like staying in, but your partner wants to go out and hit the bars. In a healthy relationship, you might reach a compromise—you'll stay in tonight, but make plans to go out tomorrow. In a codependent relationship, your partner might cut you down ("God, you're so boring, this is why you have no friends"), causing you to cave ("Fine, we'll go out, it doesn't matter anyway"). While it seems like a minor problem, it may be one of the many examples of how your needs aren’t acknowledged or valued.

This content is imported from Giphy. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

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4. They’ve told you you’re a “nag”.

If you feel like you always have to keep close tabs on your partner and tell them what not to do, you may be codependent, says Greer. Try taking a step back and letting them make their own decisions. How does that feel? Impossible because you know they’ll mess up?

5. You'd describe your partner as “immature.”

If your partner is resisting being a responsible adult and you’re taking care of them—paying the bills while they avoid getting a job, for instance—your relationship may be codependent. The key tip-off: If you bring up the problem (why aren’t you sending out more resumes?), you get barked at, says Atkins. You may also find yourself making excuses for his or her behavior to your friends.

6. You only fight about one thing.

While this sounds like it’d be a good thing—you’re in relative harmony except for when “xyz” comes up—it’s another sign of codependency. You may find yourself saying things like “he/she/our relationship is perfect except for when they…” If you’re always angry at certain behaviors and your arguments center around one fight or issue in particular (and tend to blow up), it may be time to reevaluate your relationship and what it’s doing for you, says Greer.

7. You do things for them they should do on their own.

"This is one of the easiest ways to fall into a codependent relationship," says Hafeez. It goes back to the idea of needing to feel needed, which often stems from relationships in your childhood. While it can be sweet to treat your partner with breakfast in bed one morning, it's important not to make a habit out of doing simple things, like waking the person up or cleaning up their messes, on a continual basis. "Treating your partner like a child creates a toxic codependent relationship," Hafeez adds.

8. You talk about your partner's issues more than your own.

When your world begins to revolve around your partner's unhappiness at work, family drama, or financial troubles, it's unhealthy for you. "Your life is almost like a reflection of theirs, so their problems, worries, and anxieties are your primary importance," says Hafeez. If you and your partner's conversations always center on what's going on with them, and never on anything you're dealing with, you could be in a codependent relationship.

Likewise, if you find yourself only telling your friends about your partner (and not just when the two of you are going through a rough patch—that's totally normal, and even healthy, to discuss with friends, Hafeez says) and not updating them on your own life, it's likely that there's some codependency going on. "It might be a sign that you feel like you don't exist away from your partner," Hafeez says.

9. You struggle to identify your own emotions.

If you find yourself checking in with your partner to gauge exactly how you feel about a situation, it can signal a codependent relationship. It's great to be on the same page as your partner emotionally, but this can go too far. "Because your feelings and thoughts are so unified with little to no boundaries, it can be challenging to identify where yours end and theirs begins," says Hafeez.

It's a problem if you're giving so much of yourself that you forget to check in on your own feelings. This can often continue for a long time before you realize that you aren't in touch with your own emotions.

10. You check in with your partner before doing anything.

Communication is key when making important life decisions, but some choices (like your career, for example) are meant for you alone. Of course, certain things will have an effect on the relationship, but other things won't, so you're free to fly solo. "You're giving someone a lot of power by continually checking with your partner before you do anything," says Hafeez. "Someone who is checking in at all times, asking if things are okay, is someone who doubts their power in the relationship," she adds. Your relationship is likely codependent if you can't seem to shake that habit.

How to stop being codependent:

The sooner you notice the signs of a codependent relationship, the easier it will be to work through them, says Hafeez. And if you recognize that *you're* the codependent partner, you'll need to do some work on yourself. Hafeez recommends:

  • Doing some activities by yourself, like going to the beach or to the movies

  • Thinking about all the things that bring you joy, independent of your partner

  • Prioritizing self-care

  • Reflecting on any trauma you've experienced

  • Speaking with a therapist

As a couple, you can work through codependency, but it will take a lot of communication and honesty from both parties about what's been going on in the relationship. "Establish boundaries with the other person, and don't be guided by guilt," says Hafeez. If communicating about this topic is challenging, attending therapy together may help. There's also a 12-step group called Codependents Anonymous, similar to Alcoholics Anonymous, which can help people break out of their codependent habits, Hafeez points out.

If you do want to try addressing the issue yourself first though, try this. Initiate a candid conversation about your observations—not accusations. You don't want to push them even further away because they're not living up to your standards or you're trying to guilt them into being closer to you.

To do that, you can try phrasing it this way: I've noticed I'm usually the one to reach out and make plans for us. I'm just wondering if that's because I'm more interested in planning activities, or if it's because you're just someone who appreciates when the other person initiates. This gives you a chance to learn why they're behaving the way they do, and they'll be more likely to tell you the truth when they don't feel attacked.

If their answer is that they just really enjoy the ease and comfort of having you initiate and plan dates, you can say something like: That's great to know! I'd love it if you could be active in making plans for us, too. It would be really enjoyable for me to see what you come up with. But if their answer confirms what you were worried about—that they're completely reliant on you for a social life—you get to decide if that's good enough for you.

If the codependent relationship has gone on for too long though, it may be beyond repairing. It'll be more complicated if you have a family together, because the decision will affect your children, but it depends on you and your partner's willingness to build a healthier relationship. "If you don't have children together, you should leave when there is no cooperation or commitment from the other person to change," says Hafeez.

Changing goes both ways, even if you're the one that's codependent. "Your partner needs to be prepared to work through this with you and address how their past may have fed into this dynamic," Hafeez adds.

You can't force someone to take a step forward, but you can decide to take a step back. It's completely your choice and it may depend on how strong of a connection you feel with this person, but at the end of the day, it's very difficult to feel stable in a codependent relationship. The power is yours to make the next move.

Mara Santilli

Mara is a freelance writer and editor specializing in culture, politics, wellness, and the intersection between them, whose print and digital work has appeared in Marie Claire, Women’s Health, Cosmopolitan, Airbnb Mag, Prevention, and more. She’s a Fordham University graduate who also has a degree in Italian Studies, so naturally she’s always daydreaming about

 #codependency #healthyloverelationships

Understanding The Personalities Of Those You Love…

Check out the personality tests below to better understand your significant others. Cal and I did it and it really helped us relate better with one another. Our communication increased by at least 100%.  Check it out from my book Your Treasured Marriage (see the book tab for more info):

“At some point we had taken Gary Smalley and Dr. John Trent’s Personality Inventory, which is based on characteristics demonstrated by four different animals: Lions, Otters, Golden Retrievers, and Beavers.1

 Cal scored predominately in the Otter classification. Otters tend to be fun-loving, entertainers, enthusiastic motivators, creative, verbal, relaxed by being with people, and they love to talk. My main personality related to the Lion, which exhibits leadership qualities.

 Lions are take-charge, visionary, sometimes intimidating people. Not surprisingly, too much of this quality can create a problem in personal relationships, like marriage. Duh! As you will soon see, that was me every time I turned around—causing relationship issues.

 In any event, with Cal feeling so frustrated and depressed, we sat down to talk. Our kids were almost grown, so accepting and acknowledging my leadership qualities (above), my choleric personality (described in the next chapter), and my oldest child family position, we decided I was ready to work full-time again. I encouraged Cal to expand our fundraising company and start doing professional emceeing, thus acknowledging his Otter-type personality, his youngest child need for attention, and his desire to be the center of attention. He loved being in front of audiences and he was good at it.”

The 23 Best Personality Tests In Ranking Order (2024 Update) Written by Heather Harper

 1. Truity Truity.com

2. HIGH5 Test High5test.com

 3. DiSC DiscProfile.com

 4. 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire OpenPsychometrics.org

  5. HEXACO Model of Personality Structure Personality Inventory  Hexaco.org

 6. Revised NEO Personality Inventory Acer.edu.au

 7. Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Myersbriggs.org

8. Eysenck Personality Similarminds.com

 9. Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory PearsonClinical.com

 10. The Birkman Method Birkman.com

 11. Values and Motives Inventory PsyTech.com

 12. Hogan Assessments HoganAssessments.com

13. Californian Psychological Inventory Psychometrics.com

14. Personality Assessment Inventory SigmaAssessmentSystems.com

 15. Personality and Preference Inventory  Psionline.com

16. Keirsey Temperament Sorter Verywellmind.com

17. Personality Test for Kids - will help you uncover the best way to reach, understand and motivate your child in school and life https://knowandlove.com/quiz-landing

 #personality #relationships

Is your love relationship hurting?

 From my book Your Treasured Marriage (Click on books tab for more info):

 “I prayed for forgiveness and help to release those behaviors and my desire to control, so I could yield to Cal regardless of my circumstances. As I apologized to Cal, my desire to control lessened.”

 Maybe you can also consider this:

 Mastering The Art Of Forgiveness: Day 1 • Devotional
https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/15597/day/1?segment=0

 #forgiveness #love

“More Tips for Foundations of Love: Pre-Engagement Dating”

Are You Ready for Your Valentine’s Day?

Here are some important tips to consider.

Do you know what God has to say about dating and marriage, so you can build a firm relationship foundation?

  • (Genesis 2) tells us that God had a design for marriage from the beginning.

  • God also says, “Be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28)

  • Have you ever thought about how being in a relationship could make you fruitful as a Christian or just become a distraction?

  • Have you thought about how you are currently being fruitful and how you might continue to be fruitful while in a relationship?

 Learn more at a 1 hour Mini-Workshop with solutions for Pre-Engagement Dating concerns.

“Foundations of Love: Pre-Engagement Dating”

 Monday, February 5, 2024 6:00PM (PST) 7:00PM (CST) 8:00PM (EST) on Zoom

 (Register for the wait list today. Offer expires noon 2/4/2024)

https://www.jeannegormick.com/loss-survivor-tribe

Have a Happy New Year!

#dating #valentinesday #romance

“More Tips for Foundations of Love: Pre-Engagement Dating”

 Are You Ready for Your Valentine’s Day?

 Here are some important things to consider.  Do you know how to plan to date in a way that honors and glorifies God.

 Some Tips

  •  Consider setting clear boundaries ASAP in the relationship.

  • Don’t compromise if you are looking for a man or woman who knows that sex is a sacred act to be enjoyed only in marriage – a man or woman who appreciates your high standards. You are looking for a godly mate who respects him or herself.

  • Everyone guard your heart. Open communication in this area is very important.

Learn more at a 1 hour Mini-Workshop with solutions for Pre-Engagement Dating concerns.

“Foundations of Love: Pre-Engagement Dating”

Monday, February 5, 2024 6:00PM (PST) 7:00PM (CST) 8:00PM (EST) on Zoom

 (Register for the wait list today. Offer expires noon 2/4/2024)

https://www.jeannegormick.com/loss-survivor-tribe

Have a Happy New Year! #dating #valentinesday #romance

Focus on Intimacy

Discovering non-sexual ways to reignite love and starting to re-date each other again can eliminate intimacy buzz killers and improve sexual communication.

Learn more at a 1 hour Mini-Workshop with solutions for the Engagement or Marriage Season of your relationship.

"Foundations of Marriage: Building a Faith-Centered Relationship"

Tuesday, 2/6/24 6:00PM (PST) 7:00PM (CST) 8:00PM (EST) on Zoom

Register on link below for the wait list today – Offer ends at noon 2/7/24

https://www.jeannegormick.com/loss-survivor-tribe

Have a Great 2024! #marriage #love

Helpful Communication Hack

Did you know that discovering how you each communicate during conflict is extremely helpful.

  • Is it out of anger or disappointment? 

  •  How do you react – walk out the door or yell?

  •  How does each reaction make you feel?

 Learn more at a 1 hour Mini-Workshop with solutions for the Engagement or Marriage Season of your relationship.

"Foundations of Marriage: Building a Faith-Centered Relationship"

Tuesday, 2/6/24 6:00PM (PST) 7:00PM (CST) 8:00PM (EST) on Zoom

Register on link below for the wait list today – Offer ends at noon 2/7/24

https://www.jeannegormick.com/loss-survivor-tribe

Have a Great 2024!

#marriage #love

“Tips for Foundations of Love: Pre-Engagement Dating”

Are You Ready for Your Valentine’s Day?

This 1 hour, faith based mini-workshop will help…

Here are some important tips to consider.

  • Beware of wanting to change an unbeliever. Don’t go in thinking you can change him or her. (You can only change yourself. Only God can change others.)

  •  Give the relationship lots of time to develop

  • Practice self-care. Honor yourself.

 Learn more with solutions for Pre-Engagement Dating concerns.

“Foundations of Love: Pre-Engagement Dating”

Monday, February 5, 2024 6:00PM (PST) 7:00PM (CST) 8:00PM (EST) on Zoom

 (Register for the wait list today. Offer expires noon 2/4/2024)

https://www.jeannegormick.com/loss-survivor-tribe

Have a Happy New Year!

#dating #valentinesday #romance

Do You Know Everything You Should Be Discussing Before or during Your Marriage?

Hack to get you started:

What Do You Find Difficult to Talk to Your Significant Other About?

(From a sample of workshop handouts)


Learn more at a 1 hour Mini-Workshop with solutions for the Engagement & Marriage Seasons of your relationship.

"Foundations of Marriage: Building a Faith-Centered Relationship"

Tuesday, 2/6/24 6:00PM (PST) 7:00PM (CST) 8:00PM (EST) on Zoom

Register on link below for the wait list today – Offer ends at noon 2/5/2024

https://www.jeannegormick.com/loss-survivor-tribe

Tips for Handling the Needs of Aging Loved Ones

Tip #5:

Coping Mechanisms

to preserve family relationships (AND Marriages!)

Discuss with siblings and/or adult children for responsibility assignments

1. Pace Yourself

2. Set Priorities

3. Ask for and Accept Help

4. Take Time to Rejuvenate

a. (Self –Help, so you can remain there for those in need)

5. Lower Your Expectations

 Secure help, so you can maintain as normal a relationship with your spouse (and family) as possible. 

 I have created a 1 hour Mini-Workshop with additional solutions for Aging Loved Ones concerns

 “Triple Decker Sandwich Issues: Coping with Aging Parents (or Spouse)”

Monday, January 8, 2024 6:00PM (PST) 7:00PM (CST) 8:00PM (EST) on Zoom

(WAIT LIST DEADLINE 1/8/24 noon)

https://www.jeannegormick.com/loss-survivor-tribe

  

Tips for Handling the Needs of Aging Loved Ones

Tip #4:

Have You Ever Looked for Lost Family Money?

In settling our parent’s estate, we found lost money – My bro and I found over $20,000 in unclaimed funds. That was soo cool in the middle of all the stress we were under.

Search for unclaimed money from your state’s unclaimed property office. If you (or your loved ones) have lived in other states, check their unclaimed property offices, too. (This is a Sample of the handouts from the mini-workshop below)

 I have created a 1 hour Mini-Workshop with additional solutions for Aging Loved Ones concerns

 “Triple Decker Sandwich Issues: Coping with Aging Parents (or Spouse)”

 January Dates:

Wednesday, January 3, 2024 6:00PM PST (7:00PM CST & 8:00PM EST) on Zoom

 Friday January 5, 2024 6:00PM (PST) 7:00PM (CST) 8:00PM (EST) on Zoom

 Monday, January 8, 2024 6:00PM (PST) 7:00PM (CST) 8:00PM (EST) on Zoom

 Tuesday, January 9, 2024 6:00PM (PST) 7:00PM (CST) 8:00PM (EST) on Zoom

 (Register for the wait list today) https://www.jeannegormick.com/loss-survivor-tribe

 

 

Tips for Handling the Needs of Aging Loved Ones

Tip #3:

Have you clarified final health decisions with aging parents, your siblings,spouse, etc?

 1. Advanced Care Planning (ACP) is an essential part of family care planning. Though you might be asked if these documents are in place when a health emergency occurs, discussing these things earlier is critical.

 a. As a young, healthy person you probably want to be resuscitated, but if you have a chronic illness, you may just want to let things happen.

 2. Start your discussions early. Don’t wait until a crisis occurs. If you wait until your parents are in the midst of a health or financial crisis there may be fewer choices available to them or you may have to make decision quickly. Being proactive can also help to prevent some of the conflict and stress that occurs in families when a parent’s health starts to deteriorate and everyone is scrambling to find a quick resolution. Helpful for avoiding marital stress too.

Check out Five Wishes Form https://www.fivewishes.org/for-myself to help with this. (Sample of the handouts from this mini-workshop)

I have created a 1 hour Mini-Workshop with additional solutions for Aging Loved Ones concerns

 “Triple Decker Sandwich Issues: Coping with Aging Parents (or Spouse)”

 January Dates:

 Wednesday, January 3, 2024 6:00PM PST (7:00PM CST & 8:00PM EST) on Zoom

 Friday January 5, 2024 6:00PM (PST) 7:00PM (CST) 8:00PM (EST) on Zoom

Monday, January 8, 2024 6:00PM (PST) 7:00PM (CST) 8:00PM (EST) on Zoom

Tuesday, January 9, 2024 6:00PM (PST) 7:00PM (CST) 8:00PM (EST) on Zoom

 (Register for the wait list today)

https://www.jeannegormick.com/loss-survivor-tribe

Tips for Handling the Needs of Aging Loved Ones

Tip #2:

have all these important legal documents properly in place for yourselves and your Aging Loved Ones?

 1. Find a Mobile Notary (to make signing easy for older adults)

2. Here’s a list to get you started…

 a. Power of Attorney – must be set well in advance - You won’t be able to easily create one once a person is deemed not to have ‘sufficient mental capacity’

 b. Decide need for a will or trust?

 c. Get a healthcare proxy

 d. Discuss loved ones wishes for life-sustaining treatments and end of life choices

          Do Not Resuscitate (DNR)

         Hospice

         Funeral

         Burial Plans

        Body Part Donations

         Other

e. Family member roles:

                Who will be the executor of the estate?

                Who will manage finances?

                Who will care for Mom & Dad (Aging Spouse, etc.?)

    Consider family member’s personalities in assigning roles (i.e., the emotional one versus practical one) until a professional can be hired, as needed.

I have created a 1 hour Mini-Workshop with additional solutions for Aging Loved Ones concerns

 “Triple Decker Sandwich Issues: Coping with Aging Parents (or Spouse)”

 Available January Dates:

 Wednesday, January 3, 2024 6:00PM (PST) 7:00PM CST & 8:00PM (EST) on Zoom

 Friday January 5, 2024 6:00PM (PST) 7:00PM (CST) 8:00PM (EST) on Zoom

 Monday, January 8, 2024 6:00PM (PST) 7:00PM (CST) 8:00PM (EST) on Zoom

 Tuesday, January 9, 2024 6:00PM (PST) 7:00PM (CST) 8:00PM (EST) on Zoom

 (Register for the wait list today)

https://www.jeannegormick.com/loss-survivor-tribe

Tips for Handling the Needs of Aging Loved Ones

Are you concerned about your Aging Loved Ones?

 Did you notice issues of aging coming to the surface around the Thanksgiving table? (Memory issues, driving concerns, falling, etc.)  

Tip #1

If you’re caring for a loved one or have concerns, you will have your hands full.  But answers are available!

The American Red Cross Family Caregiving Program consists of the following educational topics for caregivers.

This link will help…(Sample of the handouts from our mini-workshop, available in January, 2024)

 https://fmaaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/AmericanRedCrossFamilyCaregiving.pdf

I used to do workshops for the Red Cross on these topics and more:

  • Healthy Eating

  • Home Safety

  • Caregiving Skills

  • Body Mechanic

  • Personal Care

  • Caring for the Caregiver

  • Legal and Financial Issues

  • Dementia

  • Caregiving Resources

Now I have created a 1 hour Mini-Workshop with solutions for Aging Loved Ones concerns covering these topics and more…

 “Triple Decker Sandwich Issues: Coping with Aging Parents (or Spouse)”

 January Dates:

 Wednesday, January 3, 2024 6:00PM PST (7:00PM CST & 8:00PM EST) on Zoom

 Friday January 5, 2024 6:00PM (PST) 7:00PM (CST) 8:00PM (EST) on Zoom

 Monday, January 8, 2024 6:00PM (PST) 7:00PM (CST) 8:00PM (EST) on Zoom

 Tuesday, January 9, 2024 6:00PM (PST) 7:00PM (CST) 8:00PM (EST) on Zoom

 Register for the wait list today

Go to Relationship Workshops in Menu above or click here: https://www.jeannegormick.com/loss-survivor-tribe

This concise, 1 Hour mini-workshop helps with

  • Conflict Resolution Skills

  • Emotional Support

    Trust Building Tools

  • Enhanced Communication Tools

  • Handling Family & In-Law Conflicts

  • Overcoming Financial Stress

  • Creating Quality Time with Everyone

  • Enhanced Marriage Longevity & Commitment

  • Happiness & Fulfillment by Overcoming Challenges

  • Increased Life Balance Despite Difficult Times

  • And much more…

New Beginnings Following a Loss (Moving On) Mini-Workshop is Coming (Copy)

This workshop is designed to get you to a place of moving on after your loss through ideas and methods but only when you are ready.

Behavioral Objective – To consider new ways to move on after your loss, specifically after the loss of a person to death or a break-up (rather than losing a pet, a job, etc.) 

Workshop Take-Aways 

  • Learn how to slowly move in new directions 

  • Explore new purposes and a transformed life 

  • Learn how to identify and pursue new dreams 

  • How to involve new friends and possibly begin dating again

  (Important: I’m not a licensed therapist, but I have referrals if you need additional support.)

Explore new beginnings after a loss – Trial Phase (no charge) on this workshop coming soon. If you are in this stage of life, join the waiting list at https://www.jeannegormick.com/loss-survivor-tribe 

NOTE: A portion of all workshop income goes to Support Bridge of Hope. Please join us…Only you can make a difference in ending family homelessness. 

https://bridgeofhopeinc.org/

 

Grieving The Loss of Parents, a Sibling, a Spouse, a Child or a Relationship mini-workshop Coming (Copy)

            I spent the last years of my career in the field of hospice, but I also lost my husband of almost 50 years, Cal and later a boyfriend and a brother. For, thankfully, only a few years I suffered loss and experienced grief. 

Behavioral Objective – Learn about grief (from any loss) and obtain tools to move through the stages of grief 

Workshop Take-Aways

  • Learn how God is always faithful – even in death

  • Explore types of death 

  • Learn about the variety of losses 

  • Learn the 5 stages of grief and how to move on in healthy ways 

  • Learn ways to cope 

 (Important: I’m not a licensed therapist, but I have referrals if you need additional support.)

Explore loss, grief and moving through grieving – Trial Phase (no charge) on this workshop coming soon. If you are in this stage of your life, join the waiting list at https://www.jeannegormick.com/loss-survivor-tribe 

NOTE: A portion of all workshop income goes to Support Bridge of Hope. Please join us…Only you can make a difference in ending family homelessness. 

https://bridgeofhopeinc.org/

 

The Triple Decker Sandwich Generation Mini-Workshop is Coming (Copy)

This workshop will help you cope with responsiblities of aging loved ones, children, and sometimes, grandchilden that can affect a marriage unexpectedly. More information can be found here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2047287/13229615

 (Important: I’m not a licensed therapist, but I have referrals if you need additional support.)

 However, I’ve spent over 20 years of my career working with seniors and their adult children. This workshop is jam packed with solutions to help aging loved ones and their families survive this potentially difficult disruption in their marriage. 

Behavioral Objective – Learn how to prepare ahead for issues with your aging loved ones and red flags to watch for. You will receive tools to cope and maintain peace and balance in your marriage (or love relationship). 

Workshop Take-Aways  

  • Learn how to get all necessary documents in place 

  • Learn how to get support 

  • Explore positive outcomes during this time of life 

  • Learn how to discover red flags early 

  • Hacks to comfortably help seniors through their golden years 

  • Hacks to keep your marriage together during the chaos 

Explore the many issues of the sandwich generation – Trial Phase (no charge) on this workshop coming soon. If you are in or anticipate being in this stage of your love relationship, join the waiting list at https://www.jeannegormick.com/loss-survivor-tribe 

NOTE: A portion of all workshop iIncome goes to Support Bridge of Hope. Please join us…Only you can make a difference in ending family homelessness. 

https://bridgeofhopeinc.org/

The Empty Nest Syndrome Mini-Workshop is Coming (Copy)

 “My late husband, Cal and I met in high school. We were high school sweethearts who were married for almost 50 years.” Jeanne Gormick

(NOTE: Only 6% of marriages last 50 years. Ours beat the odds and you can too! “The average length of a marriage in the U.S. lasts 7-8 years.” Weinman & Associates 5/26/2022)

Marriages are failing and as marriages fail, society crumbles! This workshop is part of the faith-based Seasons of Relationship & Marriage Mini-Workshops presented by a real woman who is dedicated to making marriages work.  

Jeanne knows marriage is a roller coaster of ups and downs. She brings her life experiences (and solutions) to help you improve your dating life so you can eventually have a treasured, successful marriage.  

This workshop focuses on reinforcing your marriage relationship, as the kids begin to leave the nest. 

Behavioral Objective – To learn about the grief caused by children moving on and growing up to live their own adult lives and how to cope as a couple without the kids. 

Workshop Take-Aways 

  • Explore three stages: grief, relief, then joy

  • Learn to plan ahead  

  • Ideas to help you enjoy and appreciate your spouse 

  • Creative ways to fill your time 

 (Important: I’m not a licensed therapist, but I have referrals if you need additional support.)

Explore the empty nest syndrome – Trial Phase (no charge) on this workshop coming soon. If you are in this stage of your marriage, join the waiting list at https://www.jeannegormick.com/loss-survivor-tribe

 

NOTE: A portion of all workshop income goes to Support Bridge of Hope. Please join us…Only you can make a difference in ending family homelessness.

 

https://bridgeofhopeinc.org/