Have you ever felt the need to “fix” everyone else’s problems or put others’ needs ahead of your own? I’m proud to welcome back psychotherapist and relationship expert Terri Cole, who shares insights from her book, Too Much: A Guide to Breaking the Cycle of High-Functioning Codependency. Terri reveals what high-functioning codependency (HFC) looks like—chronic overgiving, advice-giving, and prioritizing others at your expense—and explores the emotional and relational costs. She explains how these behaviors often stem from childhood adaptations and offers practical strategies to shift from problem-solving to holding space, set boundaries, and prioritize your own feelings. If you’re ready to stop overgiving and reclaim your emotional freedom, tune in now!
(00:00:00) Introductions
(00:04:20) What is High Functioning Codependency?
(00:14:21) Uncovering Signs of a HFC & The Root of Codependency
(00:25:51) The Real Cost of Codependency & Stopping the Cycle
(00:33:01) The Key to Healing Loneliness & Holding Space
(00:41:04) How to Change Codependent Patterns & Prioritize Yourself
Click here for full show notes
Guest Info:
• Website: terricole.com
• Instagram: @terricole
• Podcast: Terri Cole Show
• Read: Too Much by Terri Cole
Resources:
• Start a conversation in your The Big Silence merch: thebigsilence.com/collections/shop-all
• Read: The Big Silence: A Daughter's Memoir of Mental Illness and Healing
• Follow Karena Dawn on Instagram: @karenadawn
• Follow The Big Silence on Instagram: @The.Big.Silence
• Subscribe: The Big Silence YouTube Channel
• Therapy For All: Resources for those in need
• Thank you to our partners! Go to thebigsilence.com/partners for special offers for our listeners
Donate to The Big Silence thebigsilence.com/donate to be a part of the movement to break the silence and make noise with us!
“The Big Silence” theme song written and performed by James Nicholas Kinney.
Producer, Bobby Goldstein.
The Big Silence is produced by Crate Media.
Mentioned in this episode:
Pique Life | Get up to 20% off Pique's Radiant Skin Duo plus a free starter kit with link piquelife.com/tbs.
The Big Silence Merch | Visit thebigsilence.com/merch to shop The Big Silence apparel, and start a conversation with us! All of your purchase goes to support mental health resources.