A Transpersonal Treatment
Framework for Understanding Codependence
Sharon Joy Ng, Ph.D. Professor of psychology
The Evolution Of
Addiction Treatment Conference Dec. 9, 2011
Foundation for understanding the nature of codependence
Treatment Framework
Multifaceted Approach
Inclusive Model
Empowerment
Model
Educational
Approach
Theoretical
Considerations
Reframe the Construct
Consciousness Evolution
“Trans” refers to “beyond”
“Personal” refers to that which is “individual”
Focuses on consciousness
evolution
Inclusive model • Integrative, holistic, emphasizes healing
Soul and spirit are considered in this approach • Unity or Cosmic Consciousness
Transpersonal Treatment Framework
Relationship of the personal to the transpersonal?
Relationship of Self to Spirit?
• Nature of This Relationship?
Concern w/Transcendent Aspects
of Individuality
No Boundary Consciousness
Blends Western & Eastern Approaches • Path of awakening
Addresses the levels of influence upon the psyche
• Perinatal Matrices (Grof)
• Biographical Realm
• Archetypal Realm (Jung,
Krippner) • New Biology
(Lipton) • Mindsight (Siegel) • Energy Medicine
(Feinstein) • Spectrum of Consciousness
(Wilber)
Personal Mythology
in Need of Revision
(Feinstein & Krippner’s Model)
1. Discover the thesis
2. Uncover the
antithesis
3. Synthesize the two myths
4. Refine the new
mythology
5. Weave the renewed mythology into daily
life
F Presence Centered Therapy
Family Influences
Societal Factors
History and Codependence
Discourse
Patriarchy and
Power
Codependence Profile
Spectrum of
Consciousness
Empowerment
Awaken Consciousness
Symptoms, Not Identity
Uncover, Discover
and Heal
Cultural Factors
Gender Considerations
Historical emergence in therapeutic settings
1970s
“Co” or partner of a substance abuser
• Identified “patient”
Self help industry
popularized the concept
Self –identified patients
Focus substance abuser (dependent on a substance) to
the partner
“co-dependent”
Relationship Addiction
Symptoms Of
Codependence
Difficulty Identifying/Expressing Feelings
Perfectionism
Difficulty Forming/Main-‐taining Close Relationships
Rigidity Attitudes & Behaviors
Over-‐responsibility
Need for Approval
Difficulty Making Decisions
Powerlessness
Shame/Low Self Esteem
BCI ( Beattie Codependency Checklist)
114 items
260 character-‐
istics
CAI (Codependency Assessment Inventory) Friel & Friel
Continuum Severity, Length, # of CoD
Symptoms
60 T/F items
FSC (Spann-‐Fischer Codependency Scale)
15 Items Assessing 4 Core Areas:
Expression of feelings
External focus
Purpose Through Relationships
Caretaking
Assessment of Codependence
ADF-‐C5 (Acquaintance Description Form) Wright & Wright
Intensity & Quality of Personal Relation-‐ships
Endogenous & Exogenous
CoD Characteris-‐
tics vs Relating
CdQ (Codependent Questionnaire) Glickhauf-‐Hughes & Bruss
Reduced Earlier CAI From 60 to 36 items
Consider Psychometric Measures of Parental Quality (Fisher & Crawford)
Emotional Support
Parental Involvement
Parenting Style Parental Control • (induction, coercion, love withdrawal
Assessment of Codependence
Patriarchy Influences Our
Understanding of Codependence
Hierarchical Standards and Conformity Addiction Prone
Society Characteristics and Behaviors Are Defined by Those in Power
Maleness Establishes Ideals
Layering Power inequities
Dominance & Ranking Subservience
Independence Preferred to
Interdependence
• Axis II -‐ Personality Disorder Gender Bias • Hysteria Dependent Histrionic Borderline
BIAS IN THE DSM
• “Too much” typically expected feminine behavior is dysfunctional GENDER ROLE
EXPECTATIONS
• Diverts attention away from social and political factors
• Iron Jawed Angels • Mona Lisa Smile
SOCIETAL FACTORS
Historical Context"• Secure
boundaries"• Male Defined "
Separation Model
• Relational problem but the “cause” is individual"
Context is Minimized
• Females fail to it is more than an individual problem"
• No strong female role models within relationships"
Victimizes the “Victim”
Dysfunctional Environment
Parentification
Triangulation Chaos Control
Numbing
Family Role
Self-‐Consciousness (Private and
Public)
Shame-‐proneness
Lower Self Esteem
Inter and Intra-‐
relationship Factors
Endogenous vs Exogenous
CoD
Attachment: Avoidant or Anxious-‐
Ambivalent
Learned Helplessness
PTSD
Arrested Ego-‐Development
• From “Within” Oneself!• Dysfunctional Family Environment!• Vulnerability to develop CoD!• Preference for Exploitative
Relationships!• Problematic Characteristics!
ENDOGENOUS
• From “Outside” Oneself!• Reactionary Role to Problematic
Relationship!• Reared in Stable, Supportive
Homes!• Healthy Interdependence!• Communal !
• Problematic Relating!
EXOGENOUS
Trauma
Nightmares
Flashbacks
Hypervigilence
Avoidance
Trust Hope! Age 0-‐1
Autonomy Will! Age 1-‐3
Initiative Purpose! Age 3-‐6
Industry Competence! Age 6-‐12
Identity Fidelity! Age 12-‐18
Erikson’s Early Ego Development
• Hierarchichal" " Layering of Power"• Establishes Normative Standards (masculinity is better)"
Patriarchy
• More restrictive for females " Minority Class
Religion/Ethnicity
• Haves and the Have Nots " Subservience = CoD "" " " "Behaviors"
• Reliance on Experts
Socioeconomic Conditions
• Expected female behaviors (Just not TOO much)"
Gender Roles
• Perpetuates stereotypes Exacerbates Feelings " " " " " of Powerlessness" ""
Mass Media
Archetypes
• Femininity • Emotional • Care taker • Nurturer • Mother • Wife • Daughter • Sister
Characteristics Associated with CoD are Expected
Female Roles
Stereotyped gender roles and
identification emerge from the
selection process of ancestors
Each gender was selected for their contributions to
survival of the unit
Evolutionary Psychology
What is Reality ?
Enfolded Reality and
Unfolded Reality
Consciousness is subjective
Language allows us to communicate
Words are symbolic
representations
Definitions & Interpretations are individual
Reality differs for all
“Meaning” is assigned
Transformation & Healing come from knowing ourselves rather than knowing “about” ourselves
Void, Emptiness
Loss of Being
Anxiety Arises Space Emerges
Allowing Wisdom to Emerge
Emotions Emerge
No Numbing
Implicit, Felt Meaning or Enfolded Reality
Can Emerge
“Drop the Ego” Must Be Formed Before It Can Be
Dropped
Consciousness changes our behavior from REACTION to RESPONSE
Loosen Neural Networks
BECOME THE OBSERVER
Open to Pain Without Stories
Felt emoJons
Wisdom emerges
• IDENTIFIES WITH THE MASKS (PERSONA)
• REPRESSES THE SHADOW
PERSONA LEVEL
• EGO • IDENTIFIES WITH THE MIND • SEPARATION OF BODY/MIND
EGO LEVEL
• “CENTAUR” BODY/MIND CONNECTED
• DISCONNECTED FROM THE ENVIRONMENT
TOTAL ORGANISM
• INTERCONNECTION WITH EVERYTHING UNITY CONSCIOUSNESS
WILBERʼS!SPECTRUM !OF !CONSCIOUSNESS!MODEL!
• SIMPLE COUNSELING • SUPPORTIVE THERAPY
PERSONA LEVEL
• PSYCHOANALYSIS • PSYCHODRAMA • TRANSACTIONAL ANALYSIS • COGNITIVE THERAPY • EGO PSYCHOLOGY
EGO LEVEL
• ROGERIAN THERAPY • GESTALT THERAPY • EXISTENTIAL ANALYSIS • HUMANISTIC PSYCHOLOGY
TOTAL ORGANISM
• EASTERN RELIGIONS • MEDITATION • YOGA • HOLOTROPIC BREATHWORK
UNITY CONSCIOUSNESS
THERAPIES !IN THE !SPECTRUM!OF !CONSCIOUSNESS!
To be fully responsive/aware to what is transpiring within the resonance between client and
therapist
“Heart…is a direct presence that allows a complete a<unement with reality…What shuts down the heart more than anything
is not le>ng ourselves have our own experiences but instead judging it,
criBcizing it, or trying to make it different from what it is…” Welwood, 2002, p. 163-‐164
YOU
Unconditional Presence
Allow Space: Wisdom Emerges
Heart
Attunement Mutual path of discovery
Condition of the Spirit is Primary
Beliefs Create Reality
Own Your
Buttons
Beginner’s
Mind
Openness Flexible
Consciousness
Personal Mythology
in Need of Revision
(Feinstein & Krippner’s Model)
1. Discover the thesis
2. Uncover the
antithesis
3. Synthesize the two myths
4. Refine the new
mythology
5. Weave the renewed mythology into daily
life
REFRAME CODEPENDENCE
Pathological behaviors represent the soul’s cry for attention
Not a condition to be rid of
Opportunity to awaken the heart
Deepen one’s connection to life
EMPOWERMENT
Reframe to a Relational Focus
Extent of CoD Relating
Group Therapy
Experiential Techniques • Psychodrama • Journalizing • Empty chair (Gestalt) • Active Imagination • Relaxation Techniques • Positive Affirmations
Holistic Recovery Aftercare • Intellectual Spiritual • Social Emotional • Occupational Physical
Personal Factors That
Enhance Empowerment
Assertiveness Recognize and Express Feelings
Nurture Self More Than Others
Scrutinize the Laws, Rules,
Norms, Values, Sanctions,
Prejudices that Limit
Empowerment
Self parenting!
Stop Over-functioning!
Stop Shame w/Self
Empathy!
Problem focused!
Decentralize Family of
Origin Trauma!
Build Self-Esteem Boundaries
• HERE & NOW • PLANE OF POSSIBILITIES
• HOLOTROPIC BREATHWORK
• ART THERAPY
• EFT • CHI KUNG • AIKIDO • EMDR
• MEDITATION
TRADITIONAL TECHNIQUES
ENERGY WORK
PERINATAL REALM
MINDFULNESS/MINDSIGHT
Clinicians and Clients Can Enroll to Learn
More Human Services 32: Relationship
Addiction/Codependence
(1 Unit)
Psychology Consciousness Series: Psych
30A, 30C & 30D (1 unit each)
Offered in a 6-week format
Taken for Credit/No Credit or
Grade