5.0 out of 5 stars Great comprehensive book

R.D. · May 4, 2025

(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } I enjoyed this book and it's thorough explanation and treatment options. Some parts were unrelated to codependency specifically but seemed useful still.

5.0 out of 5 stars Good book

A. · April 6, 2025

I like this book it gives insight to my issues but my therapist would rather have me work without it. That being said I liked the book and it seems helpful.

5.0 out of 5 stars Life changing! 10 ⭐'s - Stop saving other people! It's time to save yourself!

t. · April 16, 2023

This book is amazingly thorough and provides so many insights! I read the whole book and am now reading it a second time! There is an abundance of useful exercises to help you connect with your inner child and to build your self-esteem. The book goes beyond general self-help tips like how to deal with anxiety and depression. Darlene Lancer gets into specific issues of shame, guilt, denial, people-pleasing, and low self-esteem. I felt like I was reading the story of my life in the pages of this book, as well as a roadmap to help me walk myself out of the self-destructive behaviors that have informed my life so far. I think the best way to get the most out of this book is to also attend Co-Dependents Anonymous meetings via Zoom as well as to find a good therapist or spiritual director to give you the support and companionship needed so know that you are not alone in your recovery. Stop saving other people! It's time to save yourself!

4.0 out of 5 stars Becoming a Master of Intent

M.C. · June 2, 2015

I'm a self-help junkie. I was raised by a single dysfunctional mother. I realize now- 38 yrs. later how I was raised has impacted me socially. I only thought I was useful if I was doing something for somebody else, and in the process, I lost my sense of self. I would have bought any addition of this book really, I just happened on this edition. I think the "dummie" series is effective on any subject that is difficult to grasp. Concepts of myself that need to change are difficult for me to see, but this book makes it easier. As other reviewers have said, change isn't overnight, but with education comes an opportunity for change. I used this book in conjuntion with other lectures on Youtube: Ross Rosenberg, and Oprah's life class when she talks about balancing her success and boundaries to help others. Also, I have participated in Zen meditation which helps me see how mindfulness can help set the stage for seeing my errors objectively so that I can correct them and let them go. I think for just about anyone (myself included), the learning process is a combination of things. I'm gald I got this book. I'm better off for having read it!

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, thorough, and insightful overview of codependency and the problems that it causes in relationships.

A.A. · July 16, 2015

I bought the book Codependency for Dummies because I'm starting a new career as a counselor and "codependency" comes up a lot. I was uncomfortable not having a clear working definition of what it means to be codependent. It makes it difficult to develop a recovery strategy that brings awareness to existing habits that reinforce codependency while also supporting the cultivation of more healthy relationships. I'm *SO* pleased that I picked Codependency for Dummies as it is a comprehensive overview of codependency. It's well-written and straightforward and clear. I now feel that I have what I was missing--a clear idea of what codependency is.The book covers a wide range of topics such as family traits and family dynamics in codependent families compared to those of more healthy families. Also, how a codependent person might act in various situations, what causes codependency, pitfalls that may come up during early recovery, ideas about enjoyable activities to add to your life, and exercises to work through the difficult emotions that come up in recover.The Dummies format makes it accessible and also perfect as a night-table book or as a reference. At the same time, I was very pleasantly surprised at the its depth and thoroughness.. One last thing, I would strongly recommend this book to every addict and alcoholic, In my experience, an addict / alcoholic struggles with the same issues of codependency, and subsequently use drugs or drink to manage the painful feelings that arise out of codependent relationships.

5.0 out of 5 stars Insightful

A.C. · August 10, 2024

This book was so helpful (along with counseling) for navigating my Codependency.recommend it it's a good read.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book!

E.C. · August 12, 2019

I originally got this book after looking into my mother's behavior towards me.I found the term narcissist and that led me to the term codependency.I started doing research on codependency and found many similarities that resonated in my behavior.Because of this, I decided I needed more information on codependency and bought this book!I am very glad I did!It has tons of information on how codependecy works, the types of behavior patterns and most importantly, resources on how to help overcome it.That is how I found out about CoDA.I have been going there for seven months now and it has helped me tremendously!I can't thank Darlene Lancer enough for making an easily read and available resouce for those suffering from codependency!I find more and more examples of codependent behavior in people around me including famous people.I know this issue is an underlying problem for a lot of people, so shedding light on it is the first step to their recovery!

5.0 out of 5 stars Get.This.Book.

D.H. · March 5, 2020

First of all, this is a serious book. Not dull or dry. It helps to have some awareness and not be completely in denial. It’s organized and everything you need for recovery. It’s hard! The subject and reality is hard. So reading it can tear at your heart, mind and soul. And it’s worth it. I felt before I got this book that codependency and grasping its totality was too much. Too huge. That my brain couldn’t take it all in. This book is organized so we don’t have to do that part. It’s already done. I’m so grateful to this author who directly addresses this subject on the deep level it deserves. No sugar coated dumb downed material here. All said and done though you still have to do the work. The book is here but the author can’t do your work for you. It’s hard stuff. I’ll still use Alanon and the tools and continue to seek God’s help. This book will be a tremendous help in my life.

Life-changing

K.C. · January 7, 2021

(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } I sleep better, I fend for myself better, and I feel healthier in feneral. Definitely worth the read, accompanied with other support material (I recommend Jordan Peterson's work) and professional help.

Excellent Read and Resource

P. · July 31, 2024

Codependency is real; this book has helped me understand some of my behaviors and my people-pleasing tendencies.

Simple, insightful and helpful

N.M. · March 30, 2018

A book to understand yourself and people around you. Written in a easy to understand language. It opened up lots of insights in understanding self. It's definitely a must read.

Klar, strukturiert und lebensverändernd

D. · July 20, 2015

Ein hervorragend gutes Buch! Klar gegliedert im Aufbau, mit wertvollen Ratschlägen wie man sich selbst besser verstehen kann und was man nun mit diesem Wissen tun kann. Übersichtliche Tabellen und Checklisten sind sehr hilfreich. Sehr einfühlsam und doch sachlich - kein blabla. Die Autorin weiß wovon sie spricht und differenziert die vielen verschiedenen Formen von Co-Abhängigkeit sehr anschaulich. Enorm empfehlenswert für alle, die mutig ihr Leben reflektieren und ändern wollen. Wer sich mit Hilfe dieses Buches auf den Weg macht kann innerer Freiheit finden.In English:An excellent book! Clearly structured and with valuable advice on how to better understand yourself and what you can do now with this knowledge. The well-arranged tables and checklists are very helpful. Insightful and touching, yet to the point - no unnecessary verbiage. The author knows what she is talking about and vividly differentiates the many different forms of co-dependency. Recommended for everyone who wants to boldly reflect and change their lives. Anyone who is using this book can be found on the path of inner freedom.

The single best book on codependency out there!

M. · August 8, 2016

I cannot emphasize enough how grateful I am to have come across this book and how grateful I am to Darlene Lancer for having shared her knowledge, wisdom and compassion with readers like me. I feel like this is the book that I've needed so much at difficult times to make sense of what was going on in my most important relationships. Darlene writes with a profound sense of understanding, illuminating clarity and plenty of compassion. The focus of this book is very much on a recovery from co-dependency. There are plenty of practical tips and exercises. Darlene's book has given me hope that recovery is possible and has provided a structured, step-by-step solution, which was exactly what I have been looking for. This book offers life-changing insights. I cannot recommend it highly enough.