Breaking Free of the Co-Dependency Trap [Paperback]

Barry K. Weinhold Ph.D. (Author), Janae B. Weinhold Ph.D. (Author), John Bradshaw (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 25, 2006

The authors' unique, step-by-step approach to treating co-dependency has successfully helped many people overcome the devastating effects of this culturally ingrained societal problem and shows how to bring control back to an individual's life.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Breaking Free of the Co-dependency Trap is a welcome addition to the literature on co-dependency. The Weinholds are expert clinicians. Their offering is crucial for establishing the legitimacy of co-dependency as a true life-threatening clinical entity. . . . The greatest sense of hope in this book results from the precise and practical tools for recovery that the Weinholds present us.” — from the foreword by John Bradshaw, author of Healing the Shame That Binds You “Breaking Free of the Co-dependency Trap is written with clarity, caring, and a strong vision of realistic and healthy alternatives. It is a tremendously important tool for personal as well as social transformation. I recommend it highly.” — Riane Eisler, author of The Chalice and the Blade --This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

From the Inside Flap

"Breaking Free of the Co-dependency Trap is a welcome addition to the literature on co-dependency. The Weinholds are expert clinicians. Their offering is crucial for establishing the legitimacy of co-dependency as a true life-threatening clinical entity. . . The greatest sense of hope in this book results from the precise and practical tools for recovery that the Weinholds present us.”
— from the foreword by John Bradshaw, author of Healing the Shame That Binds You

“Breaking Free of the Co-dependency Trap is written with clarity, caring, and a strong vision of realistic and healthy alternatives. It is a tremendously important tool for personal as well as social transformation. I recommend it highly.”
— Riane Eisler, author of The Chalice and the Blade

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 245 pages
• Publisher: New World Library (July 25, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0913299499
• ISBN-13: 978-0913299494
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #525,132 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

40 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Use your co-dependent relationship to grow, May 9, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Breaking Free of the Co-Dependency Trap (Paperback)

This book has a lot of hands on tests, techniques etc. Its main message is that you CAN use a codependent relationship to grow out of your co-dependency.

The downside of this message is that if the reader doesn't do the hard work required and risk leaving the relationship, it can be used to justify prolonging a disfunctional relationship.

A co-dependent person feels they desperately need their significant other -- even if that other is abusive or emotionally unavailable. Even though the relationship may be unrewarding or even dangerous, the co-depenent will feel that they can't survive without the other.

The book describes the factors that produce these feelings and paints an attractive picture of life without the desperate need for another person.

With a sound grounding in current psychological thinking, it points out that without resolving the issues that result in this feeling of dependency, the co-dependent is doomed to continue repeating the same pattern with every relationship.

The hopeful message is that one can work out one's "stuck" position using the current co-dependent relationship. The book gives techniques that really work for this. The result is more independence, a more solid sense of integrity or self and a better relationship.

My only concern is that co-dependents in a dangerously violent relationship may not take steps to protect their physical safety during this process -- it is seductive to to co-dependent to hear that they CAN find happiness in their relationship and it isn't always going to work.

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars practical, applicable, better than Beattie, June 22, 2006

By 

Amy M. (Washington, DC.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Breaking Free of the Co-Dependency Trap (Paperback)

I have read through some of Melody Beattie's books, and I was thankful to finally find "Breaking Free"! I'm analytical and like all things practical. Most other books on codependency seemed little more than a diagnosis of the problem; they largely failed to provide practical suggestions for how one can begin a journey to break out of patterns of codependency. (For example, Beattie speaks on a general level and never walks people through ways to grow and change. Her books seem fatalistic with the idea that once an codependent, always a codependent.)

I highly recommend this book because every chapter gives practical ways to work through different layers of the codependency problem. They provide suggestions for individuals, for therapy, for groups, and for couples.

Futhermore, after reading each chapter, I was able to start working through this issue little by little, learning to make small steps towards a healthier existence.

My husband and I are conscious of our need to grow out of patterns of codependency - this made it possible for me to achieve very helpful breakthroughs using the individual and relationship/partner suggestions. I imagine that the therapy and group suggestions are equally helpful for people using these resources.

One Note: The authors have unique personal views that some readers may disagree with. For example, they hold that Codependency is an society-wide problem and non-violence can resolve all of these problems. The author's personal belief and experience led them to the belief that 'breaking free from codependency' is most quickly achieved through a committed relationship where both are open to growing in this area. This may not be the reality for many readers.

Ultimately, the book focuses on practical ideas and it is not necessary to agree entirely with these peripheral ideas. I don't keep most books once I have read them, but this book was so helpful that I consider it a critical "Reference" book to me.

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Engineer's Perspective, August 7, 2001

By 

RF Engineer "capeg" (Cape Girardeau, Missouri) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Breaking Free of the Co-Dependency Trap (Hardcover)

This book redefines the term co-dependency. It is an unfortunate confusion which will cause some readers to find the book objectionable. In reference to another reviewer, if anyone uses this as their only source of resolution in a troubled marriage I think I would have a clue as to why their marriage is troubled. This book predates the Weinholds most complete work, "Conflict Resolution". I have read all of their books, and have studied with them. Their philosophy is not a spiritual vortex of ungrounded ether. It is a solid philosophy that takes into account the convergence of psychology, religion, and physical science. I recommend it only to open minded readers who are willing to stretch their limits. For those who are interested in "real growth" I recommend their book, "Conflict Resolution".