Review:
What do people mean when they say "codependent?" What is "codependence" and how does it affect relationships, both with others and with one’s self? Melodie Beattie, in her book, Codependent No More, provides answers to these questions and illuminates relationship issues that many people may be unaware. Counselors and clients alike can benefit from reading this book as it opens doors to discussing relationships, how deeply impacted we are by the relationships we maintain, and how we influence them, both healthfully and not so healthfully. Beattie provides very straight-forward definitions, checklists to identify specifically where the reader may be struggling, and recommended exercises for the reader at the end of each chapter. Beattie describes what codependency "looks like" and how it affects people through vivid stories and personal reflections. Further, she provides down-to-earth guidance in how to improve one’s relationships, how to deal with anger and other difficult emotions, how to practice self-care, and so much more.

Although the book is written from the point of view of a recovering alcoholic, the definitions, principals, and recommendations Beattie provides can be useful to anyone that has codependency issues. I really like this book because it made me pause to think about relationships in my life and evaluate where I might have some codependent concerns. The same can be true for our clients. Used as bibliotherapy, I have seen lights go on for several of my clients; the insight they gain is truly valuable to them and the counseling process.