Customer Reviews

The Seven Jewels of Codependency

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Anyone believing that codependency is a burden should read this uplifting guide. The authors' patience and support for showing that the same personality traits that are used in hurtful behavior are the ones that can be transformed into beneficial ones shine throughout the book. Step by step they lead through the process of transforming "thorns" into "jewels".
One of my major "thorns" was to feel guilty and ashamed at not performing as I "should" and was thus a victim of outer circumstances and influences. I let my feelings be controlled by others. The exercise given in the book of defining the meaning of my codependency helped me clarify that I gave my energy into trying to control the world around me. What a major awakening it was to actually not only be okay in living and expressing what is important for me, but that this is also the best for everyone around me!
I enjoyed the simplicity yet thoroughness of the material which makes it easy to understand and follow through with the concepts, at times a painful but rewarding process.
The tools listed in the book have helped me to apply the exercises in my daily life and the results I am getting are well worth the effort. A workshop given based on the book has expanded my view on life and I am grateful to the authors for this experience. The biggest gift is the feeling of the life force carrying me right along.

Here I am in my mid fifties and I've just learned about who I am and why I do things. This book has been a great help in teaching me why. It's simple to read, but has so much to say. I've bought a few extras for my siblings and my adult children. We are all touched by the codependent personalities. I have learned to love the right way and sometimes that means letting go. Take the time to read this if you are an "enabler." You will be pleasantly surprised that you can turn all those traits into something wonderful for you and for your family. Take an informed risk, learn from your mistakes and become a healthy individual. Your life will reward you! Isn't it about time?

As a psychotherapist I find this book a real jewel for recognizing and overcoming habits that no longer serve us. Drs Willard and Gibertini, uniquely in this litrature, recognize the strenghts of co-dependent traits and build change plans targeted on precisely what really doesn't work in our lives now.
My clients also have found great benefit in the accompanying journal so behaviors can be better identified, thus moving from idea to action now.

Shows how knowing our codependency can allow the positive use of the very characteristics we have. Excellent and unique!