Practicing Prodependence: The Clinical Alternative to Codependency Treatment

Dr Rob Weiss brings the lens of attachment to change the course of therapy for family members and partners facing their loved ones addiction. Dr Weiss gets it right as he clearly defines the limitations and concerns of the codependent label that can confuse normal reactions to the trauma experienced when addiction impacts relational bonds. Dr Weiss takes a strength based approach that involves empathy, understanding and validation to help in healing the trauma clients are experiencing without blaming them for the addicts actions. Dr Weiss’s work pairs well for those practicing EFT, AEDP, SE, IFS, EMDR, Hakomi and other experiential and attachment based models.

I wrote this book and the self-help version that accompanies it because it’s time to change the way we treat families and loved ones of addicts There is no excuse for us to judge (, confront or cause any loved one of an active addict to EVER believe that they are at fault for someone else’s addiction. There is no excuse for finding fault rather than celebrating those who choose to put their lives aside so someone they love heal. Giving up your time and energy to help a beloved person heal isn’t pathology, it’s health!

The language of codependency has been so hurtful to many loved ones of those struggling with addiction or mental health issues. Many who seek help are told by well-meaning professionals that they are part of the problem (codependent, enabling, enmeshed). They either take on the responsibility/blame and shame or often stop seeking professional help and support though they are in a crisis. Prodependence provides a different lens to help loved ones, one that promotes healthy boundaries and healthy attachments. Giving them a path forward and hope. This clinical guide helps professionals help their clients with workbook exercises to guide the process.

Weiss and Buck provide useful practical advice for therapists who find the codependence approach to working with loved ones of addicts to be blaming, shaming, and unhelpful. Prodependence was created to invite loved ones into the treatment process, rather than pathologizing them. This book discusses not only the basic concepts of this new methodology, but how to apply it in practice. There is even a built-in workbook that is perfect for group therapy.

This book was eye- opening and provided me a non-pathologizing way to look at my relationship with my partner. No more shaming myself for my decisions. I love the thoughtful and straightforward writing style as well as the compassionate approach.

This is an amazing perspective on working with people who are actively seeking to heal their relationships. Great information for clinicians as well as people struggling! Makes much more sense than other things I've read coming from different perspectives. This is an amazing read.