Denial patterns

CODEPENDENTS OFTEN... IN RECOVERY...

Have difficulty identifying what they are feeling I am aware of my feelings and identify them, often in the
moment. I know the difference between my thoughts and
feelings.

Minimize, alter, or deny how they truly feel. I embrace my feelings; they are valid and important.

Perceive themselves as completely unselfish and dedicated to I know the difference between caring and care-taking. I
the well-being of others recognize that care-taking others is often motivated by a need to
benefit myself.

Lack empathy for the feelings and needs of others. I am able to feel compassion for another’s feelings and needs.

Label others with their negative traits. I acknowledge that I may own the negative traits I often perceive
in others.

Think they can take care of themselves without any help from I acknowledge that I sometimes need the help of others.
others.

Mask pain in various ways such as anger, humor, or isolation. I am aware of my painful feelings and express them
appropriately.

Express negativity or aggression in indirect and passive ways. I am able to express my feelings openly, directly, and calmly.
 Do not recognize the unavailability of those people to whom I pursue intimate relationships only with others who want, and
they are attracted. are able to engage in, healthy and loving relationships.

Low self-esteem Patterns

CODEPENDENTS OFTEN... IN RECOVERY...

Have difficulty making decisions. I trust my ability to make effective decisions.

Judge what they think, say, or do harshly, as never good enough. I accept myself as I am. I emphasize progress over perfection.

Are embarrassed to receive recognition, praise, or gifts. I feel appropriately worthy of the recognition, praise, or gifts I
receive.

Value others’ approval of their thinking, feelings, and behavior ove I value the opinions of those I trust, without needing to gain their
their own. approval. I have confidence in myself.

Do not perceive themselves as lovable or worthwhile persons. I recognize myself as being a lovable and valuable person.

Seek recognition and praise to overcome feeling less than. I seek my own approval first, and examine my motivations
carefully when I seek approval from others.
Have difficulty admitting a mistake. I continue to take my personal inventory, and when I am wrong,
promptly admit it.

Need to appear to be right in the eyes of others and may even lie I am honest with myself about my behaviors and motivations. I
to look good. feel secure enough to admit mistakes to myself and others, and
to hear their opinions without feeling threatened.

Are unable to identify or ask for what they need and want. I meet my own needs and wants when possible. I reach out for
help when it’s necessary and appropriate.

Perceive themselves as superior to others. I perceive myself as equal to others.

Look to others to provide their sense of safety. With the help of my Higher Power, I create safety in my life.

Have difficulty getting started, meeting deadlines, and completing I avoid procrastination by meeting my responsibilities in a timely
projects. manner.

Have trouble setting healthy priorities and boundaries. I am able to establish and uphold healthy priorities and
boundaries in my life.
Compliance patterns

CODEPENDENTS OFTEN... IN RECOVERY...

Are extremely loyal, remaining in harmful situations too long. I am committed to my safety and leave situations that feel
unsafe or are inconsistent with my goals.

Compromise their own values and integrity to avoid rejection or I am rooted in my own values, even if others don’t agree or
anger. become angry.

Put aside their own interests in order to do what others want. I consider my interests and feelings when asked to participate in
another’s plans.

Are hypervigilant regarding the feelings of others and take on I can separate my feelings from the feelings of others. I allow
those feelings. myself to experience my feelings and others to be responsible
for their feelings.

Are afraid to express their beliefs, opinions, and feelings when I respect my own opinions and feelings and express them
appropriately.
they differ from those of others.

Accept sexual attention when they want love. My sexuality is grounded in genuine intimacy and connection.
When I need to feel loved, I express my heart’s desires. I do not
settle for sex without love.
 Make decisions without regard to the consequences. I ask my Higher Power for guidance, and consider possible
consequences before I make decisions.

Give up their truth to gain the approval of others or to avoid I stand in my truth and maintain my integrity, whether others
change. approve or not, even if it means making difficult changes in my
life

Control patterns
CODEPENDENTS OFTEN... IN RECOVERY...

Believe people are incapable of taking care of themselves. I realize that, with rare exceptions, other adults are capable of
managing their own lives.

Attempt to convince others what to think, do, or feel. I accept the thoughts, choices, and feelings of others, even
though I may not be comfortable with them.

Freely offer advice and direction without being asked. I give advice only when asked.

Become resentful when others decline their help or reject their I am content to see others take care of themselves.
advice.

Lavish gifts and favors on those they want to influence. I carefully and honestly contemplate my motivations when
preparing to give a gift.

Use sexual attention to gain approval and acceptance. I embrace and celebrate my sexuality as evidence of my health
and wholeness. I do not use it to gain the approval of others.

Have to feel needed in order to have a relationship with others. I develop relationships with others based on equality, intimacy,
and balance.
 Demand that their needs be met by others. I find and use resources that meet my needs without making
demands on others. I ask for help when I need it, without
expectation.

Use charm and charisma to convince others of their capacity to I behave authentically with others, allowing my caring and
be caring and compassionate. compassionate qualities to emerge.

Use blame and shame to exploit others emotionally. I ask directly for what I want and need and trust the outcome to
my Higher Power. I do not try to manipulate outcomes with
blame or shame.

Refuse to cooperate, compromise, or negotiate. I cooperate, compromise, and negotiate with others in a way
that honors my integrity.

Adopt an attitude of indifference, helplessness, authority, or rage I treat others with respect and consideration, and trust my
to manipulate outcomes. Higher Power to meet my needs and desires.

Use recovery jargon in an attempt to control the behavior of I use my recovery for my own growth and not to manipulate or
others. control others.

Pretend to agree with others to get what they want. My communication with others is authentic and truthful.

Avoidance patterns

CODEPENDENTS OFTEN... IN RECOVERY...

Act in ways that invite others to reject, shame, or express anger I act in ways that encourage loving and healthy responses from
toward them. others.

Judge harshly what others think, say, or do. I keep an open mind and accept others as they are.
Avoid emotional, physical, or sexual intimacy as a way to I engage in emotional, physical, or sexual intimacy when it is
maintain distance. healthy and appropriate for me.

Allow addictions to people, places, and things to distract them I practice my recovery to develop healthy and fulfilling
from achieving intimacy in relationships. relationships.

Use indirect or evasive communication to avoid conflict or I use direct and straightforward communication to resolve
confrontation. conflicts and deal appropriately with confrontations.

Diminish their capacity to have healthy relationships by When I use the tools of recovery, I am able to develop and
declining to use the tools of recovery. maintain healthy relationships of my choosing.

Suppress their feelings or needs to avoid feeling vulnerable. I embrace my own vulnerability by trusting and honoring my
feelings and needs.

Pull people toward them, but when others get close, push them I welcome close relationships while maintaining healthy
away. boundaries.

Refuse to give up their self-will to avoid surrendering to a power I believe in and trust a power greater than myself. I willingly
greater than themselves. surrender my self-will to my Higher Power.

Believe displays of emotion are a sign of weakness. I honor my authentic emotions and share them when
appropriate.

Withhold expressions of appreciation. I freely engage in expressions of appreciation toward others.