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Understanding CoDependency and the Drama Trauma Triangle | Counseling and Social Work Skills

Navigating through life’s complexities, we often encounter scenarios that challenge our sense of self and our understanding of love, responsibility, and self-worth. These challenges can manifest in patterns of behavior that seem to loop endlessly, pulling us into cycles that are hard to break. One such pattern, deeply rooted in the experiences of many, is the cycle of codependency, which intertwines with the drama or trauma triangle. This cycle is not just a habit but a deeply ingrained response to past traumas, particularly those of abandonment, leading individuals through a continuous loop of rescuing, persecuting, and feeling victimized.

What Two Things do Codependency, BPD, and cPTSD Have in Common? | Counseling and Social Work CEUs

Understanding the intricate web of codependency, Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD), and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) can be quite a challenge. These conditions, often rooted in deep-seated trauma and attachment issues, manifest in ways that can profoundly affect individuals’ lives and relationships. At their core, these disorders share commonalities that stem from environments characterized by neglect, abuse, or dysfunction, shaping how individuals view themselves and interact with the world around them.

CBT Counseling Tools for Addressing Trauma | Counseling and Social Work CEUs

Trauma is any event that overwhelms your ability to cope, altering your perception of safety and empowerment. This can include events such as losing a loved one, a job, or experiencing a breakup. Trauma not only impacts mental health but can also lead to physical health problems. The trauma experience often involves grief, as it causes a loss of a sense of safety and empowerment, which may need to be grieved if it permanently alters your worldview.