The Intersection of Empathy & Codependency: How Therapy for Empaths can Help
What is an Empath?
An empath is someone who possesses extraordinary sensitivity and attunement to the emotions and inner states of those around them. This awareness also makes it more likely that empaths spend time and energy in service of helping others. But, this sensitivity can lead to porous boundaries between self and others. This, in turn, can negatively affect mental and emotional health. In Therapy for Empaths in Los Angeles, CA, empaths can learn how this quality impacts their mental/emotional health and relationships.
Understanding Empathy and Codependency through Therapy for Empaths
There seems to be an interplay between one's proclivity for empathy and one's susceptibility to codependency. If codependency is an inability to tolerate discomfort in others and empaths are highly sensitive to the feelings of others, it makes intuitive sense that empaths may have to work harder to identify and set boundaries between themselves and others. Empaths may confuse the ability to attune to others with the responsibility to take care of others and help them manage their emotions. This is a crucial distinction.
This increased sensitivity to other people's discomfort can lead empaths to experience a heightened fear of hurting others or letting them down. If you are orienting to other people's states as favorable or unfavorable, this can be a very slippery slope into compulsive caretaking, avoiding necessary conflict, and other codependent behaviors.
The Struggle of Asking for Support as an Empath
When you are an empath, the people in your life might consciously or unconsciously treat you differently. You may be implicitly labeled as the helper or therapist in your friend group or family, and as a result, forget to ask for your own support or share your own troubles. This can lead to feeling isolated, overwhelmed, and burnt out. It is also common for empaths to become overwhelmed by consuming media about tragic world events and feel depressed or hopeless when exposed to this type of information persistently.
How Therapy for Empaths Can Help You Set Boundaries
Much of what is worked on in therapy for empaths surrounds formulating and implementing healthy boundaries. What this really means is identifying where you end and where other people begin. Not only are boundaries essential in keeping yourself emotionally safe, but your relationships will also become more balanced and less stressful.
There are many ways to achieve this goal and work on your anxiety in therapy. You might be guided by an HSP therapist, to explore your beliefs about and relationship to empathy. You may get to know the parts of you that took on a burden growing up. You may do somatic work to help orient you back to your body and your emotions.
Questions to ask yourself as an empath:
How do I distinguish between my emotions and the emotions of others?
What beliefs do I have about my responsibility to others? If I have the ability, does that obligate me to use it? How can I make that differentiation?
Where is there more room for stronger boundaries in my life?
What do stronger boundaries look like for me?
What thoughts, emotions, and sensations arise for me when someone is displaying a strong emotion?
Work with an HSP Therapist through Therapy for Empaths & HSPs in Los Angeles, CA Today!
If you're an empath struggling with feelings of codependency or overwhelmed by the emotional demands of others you are not alone. Therapy for Empaths in Los Angeles, CA can be a transformative step towards healing and reclaiming your emotional well-being. An HSP therapist specializing in working with empaths and HSPs at Therapy on Fig can help. We can provide you with the tools and support needed to set boundaries, practice self-care, and navigate relationships in a healthier way. Don't let empathy become a source of burnout and isolation—follow the steps below to start your journey towards a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Reach out to schedule a free consultation.
Speak with an experienced HSP therapist.
Free yourself of codependency and live a calmer life!
Other Therapy Services Offered at Therapy on Fig in Los Angeles, Highland Park, and throughout California
At Therapy on Fig, we offer a wide range of therapy services tailored to the unique needs of empaths and highly sensitive people (HSPs). In addition to Therapy for Empaths in Los Angeles, CA, we also provide Trauma Therapy and Grief and Loss Therapy. We also address related concerns such as anxiety, stress management, and relationship issues. Our goal is to empower you to embrace your sensitivity as a strength and embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing. Contact us today to begin your transformative path toward a life that is balanced and happier.
Learn more about our team by reaching out today!