Codependency Counselling Vancouver
Therapy for Codependency and Relationship Patterns
When your self-worth is tied to taking care of others or keeping the peace, it can be easy to lose sight of who you are. Maybe you find yourself over-extending, saying yes when you want to say no, or feeling responsible for other people’s emotions. You may look like you have it all together—but inside you’re tired, stretched thin, and disconnected from your own needs.
Get matched with an ARC therapist who will help you build healthy boundaries, strengthen self-trust, and foster a more empowering relationship with yourself.
Are you stuck in a cycle of over-functioning or people-pleasing?
Many people struggling with codependency have learned to prioritize others at the expense of themselves. You might feel valuable only when you’re helping, fixing, or giving. But over time, this can lead to resentment, burnout, or losing sight of who you are outside of your relationships.
Here are some signs of codependent patterns:
- Difficulty saying no, even when you’re overwhelmed
- Feeling responsible for other people’s emotions or decisions
- Low self-esteem or fear of rejection
- Seeking validation through being needed or helpful
- Staying in one-sided, toxic, or unfulfilling relationships
- Trouble identifying your own wants, needs, or boundaries
- Anxiety or guilt when putting yourself first
- Defining your worth by how much you give or sacrifice
How codependency therapy can help
Healing from codependency is about learning to value yourself—not just for what you do for others, but for who you are. Therapy can help you untangle deeply rooted patterns, build emotional independence, and begin to show up in your life with more confidence, self-worth, and autonomy.
Your ARC therapist will help you:
- Recognize and shift unhelpful relationship dynamics
- Reconnect with your own needs, feelings, and boundaries
- Learn how to say no without guilt or fear
- Build self-worth that isn’t dependent on others’ approval
- Let go of the need to fix, rescue, or over-function
- Create more balanced, reciprocal, and healthy relationships
Let’s work through codependency together
You don’t have to keep living in patterns of self-sacrifice, guilt, or emotional enmeshment. Therapy can help you reclaim your voice, your values, and your relationship with yourself.
At ARC, our therapists provide compassionate, evidence-based care to support you in breaking free from codependent patterns and creating a life that feels truly your own. Reach out today and take the first step.
Meet Our Vancouver Therapists
Tianna Bobariu
Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)
Amenda Kumar
Registered Social Worker (RSW)
Kristen Rattray
Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)
Kiana Maeda
Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)
Jack Wong
Registered Social Worker (RSW)
Danielle Simpson
Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)
Elise Millett
Registered Social Worker (RSW)
Lilian Wang
Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)
Getting The Help You Need is Easy
Reach Out
Fill out our easy contact form. All we need is your basic info, and a few words about what brings you to therapy.
Free Consultation
We’ll reach out to schedule your complimentary consultation. We’ll discuss your goals, questions, and make sure we’re the right fit.
Start Therapy
Feeling ready? We’ll book your first session and create a personalized plan to help you live the life you deserve.
Our Step-by-Step Process to Codependency Therapy
Creating Safety
We'll start by building a supportive, judgment-free space. Early sessions focus on exploring how codependency shows up in your relationships, family history, and sense of self. There’s no blame—just understanding and care.
Exploring Patterns
Together, we’ll unpack the beliefs and behaviors that have shaped your relationship habits. We’ll look at where they came from, how they’ve served you, and where they might be limiting you now.
Building Boundaries
You’ll learn how to identify your own needs and practice setting boundaries with clarity and kindness. This includes letting go of guilt and developing language to advocate for yourself effectively.
Strengthening Self-Worth
As therapy progresses, we’ll work to shift how you see yourself—beyond how useful or needed you are to others. You’ll begin to build a sense of value and identity that’s rooted in authenticity, not approval.
Practicing New Dynamics
We’ll explore how to show up in relationships differently—with honesty, confidence, and reciprocity. This includes navigating discomfort, holding your limits, and allowing others to take responsibility for their own lives.
Moving Towards Emotional Freedom
In later stages, we'll focus on long-term change: sustaining your growth, nurturing self-trust, and living from a place of agency—not obligation. You’ll begin to experience relationships that are more nourishing, respectful, and real.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I struggle with codependency?
If your sense of identity or self-worth is tied closely to others’ needs, emotions, or approval—codependency may be at play. You might constantly prioritize others, feel guilty setting boundaries, or feel lost when you’re not helping. Therapy can help you better understand these patterns and gently begin to shift them.
Is codependency the same as being caring or kind?
Not at all. Being caring is a beautiful and important quality. Codependency begins when caring for others consistently comes at the expense of your own well-being. Over time, you might find yourself overextending, rescuing, or losing touch with your own needs and identity. These patterns often develop early in life, as a way to stay safe or connected. Therapy can help you understand where those habits come from—and how to continue showing up for others without abandoning yourself.
Will codependency therapy mean I have to cut people out of my life?
Not necessarily. Codependency therapy isn’t about burning bridges—it’s about creating healthier, more balanced relationships. That might mean shifting roles, setting new boundaries, or letting go when needed. But any changes will happen on your terms and at your pace.
How long does codependency therapy take?
It depends on your goals and the complexity of your patterns. Many clients begin noticing subtle shifts—like feeling less guilt or more clarity—within the first few sessions. The patterns of codependency are usually deeply rooted, so longer-lasting change typically happens over months of consistent work. That said, every step you take—no matter how small—can create meaningful change. You don’t have to have it all figured out to start feeling better.
What types of therapy do you use for codependency?
At ARC, we understand that codependency often has deep roots in early attachment experiences. That’s why we use a combination of evidence-based therapies that not only address current patterns, but also help you understand where those patterns may have come from.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): CBT helps you identify and challenge unhelpful beliefs—like “I’m only valuable when I’m helping” or “It’s selfish to put myself first.” You’ll learn to reframe these thoughts and build healthier ways of relating to yourself and others.
Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT): EFT allows you to process and express emotions you may have learned to suppress, especially in relationships where your feelings didn’t feel safe or welcome. This approach helps you reconnect with your emotional needs and build deeper self-trust.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): ACT helps you recognize difficult thoughts or feelings without getting stuck in them. You’ll learn how to take meaningful action based on your values—rather than guilt, fear, or the need for approval.
Together, these approaches support you in building awareness, setting boundaries, and creating relationships that are grounded in mutual respect—not self-sacrifice.
What causes codependency?
Codependency often stems from early life experiences—especially in families where emotional needs were dismissed, unpredictable, or overshadowed by a parent’s struggles. If you had to take care of others before learning how to care for yourself, or felt unsafe expressing your own needs, it can shape how you relate in adulthood. Childhood environments marked by addiction, mental illness, or emotional neglect are common roots.
Understanding where these patterns come from is an important part of healing—but therapy doesn’t stop there. With support, you can begin to respond to yourself with more compassion, rewrite the beliefs that no longer serve you, and build relationships that feel more balanced and rewarding.
Can codependency therapy help me develop healthier relationships?
Absolutely. Therapy can assist you in recognizing and altering codependent patterns, establishing healthy boundaries, and building a stronger sense of self. By understanding the roots of your behaviors, you can learn to engage in relationships that are more balanced and fulfilling.
Is codependency therapy covered by insurance?
Yes. Most extended health plans cover counselling with a Registered Clinical Counsellor. We’ll provide a receipt that you can submit for reimbursement—most clients are reimbursed within a few days. Please check your benefits plan for RCC or RSW coverage.
How will I fit appointments into my busy schedule?
We understand that life is hectic—that’s why we offer flexible evening and weekend appointments, as well as online therapy options you can attend from home. Whether you prefer a consistent weekly time or need a bit more flexibility, we’ll work with you to find a schedule that supports your goals and respects your time.
What if I feel ashamed or embarassed to talk about codependency?
That’s completely normal. Many people feel guilt or shame about their patterns—but therapy is a safe space to be human. We offer a free 30-minute consultation so you can meet your therapist, ask questions, and see if it feels like the right fit—no pressure, no judgment.
A Message of Support from Our Director
Hi, I’m Kelsey, the Clinical Director here at ARC. I want to start by saying something that doesn’t get said enough – it’s okay to need support.
If you’re reading this, you might be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply not yourself. At ARC, we understand how deeply personal it is to reach out for help. That’s why we’re so intentional about the care we offer. Every therapist on our team is here because they lead with heart, they know their stuff, and they truly care about helping people feel better.
We also know that feeling safe in therapy means feeling seen and respected. That’s why we’re committed to creating an inclusive space – one that honours your identity, your culture, and your lived experience.
My role is to make sure your experience here is thoughtful, safe, and meaningful – from your very first point of contact to the support you receive in therapy. If you’re unsure about where to start, I encourage you to reach out for a free consultation. I’ll personally take the time to read your request and match you with one of the therapists on our team.
You’ve already taken the first step by being here. When you’re feeling ready, take the next step by reaching out – and we’ll walk the rest of the way together.
Take the next step towards feeling better today
Location
470 Granville St, #922
Vancouver, BC, V6C 1V5
Our Hours
Mon – Fri: 09:00 – 21:30
Sat – Sun: 09:00 – 20:30