#279 – Co-Crazy Freedom From Relationships With Dr. Sarah Michaud

VeronicaValli

In this episode, Dr. Sarah Michaud, a clinical psychologist specializing in addiction and codependency, shares her personal story of recovery from codependency and addiction. She discusses the challenges of navigating codependency in relationships, the fear of expressing one’s true self, and the importance of setting boundaries. Dr. Sarah Michaud and Veronica Valli discuss codependency, addiction, and recovery. They explore the themes of taking responsibility for one’s life, the importance of self-compassion, and the role of fear in codependent behaviors. Listen to the episode now: Follow Us for FREE: Apple Podcasts | Android | Spotify | RSS Watch to the episode now: about this episode

“Codependency is about our own inability of tolerating what’s happening when someone else is having feelings.” Dr. Sarah Michaud, a clinical psychologist specializing in addiction and codependency, shares her personal story of recovery from codependency and addiction. She discusses the challenges of navigating codependency in relationships, the fear of expressing one’s true self, and the importance of setting boundaries. Dr. Michaud emphasizes that codependency is not just limited to relationships with addicts, but can be present in any relationship where one’s behaviors, thoughts, and feelings are driven by fear of others’ reactions. She also highlights the need for individuals to save themselves and prioritize their own well-being. Dr. Sarah Michaud and Veronica Valli discuss codependency, addiction, and recovery. They explore the themes of taking responsibility for one’s life, the importance of self-compassion, and the role of fear in codependent behaviors. They also touch on the principles of existential psychotherapy and the power of choosing one’s response to life’s challenges. The conversation emphasizes the need for self-awareness, self-care, and the ability to speak up for oneself as key tools in codependency recovery. In today’s conversation they talk about:

Codependency is the inability to be one’s authentic self, as behaviors, thoughts, and feelings are driven by fear of others’ reactions.
Codependency can be present in any relationship, not just those with addicts.
Setting boundaries and prioritizing one’s own well-being is crucial in recovery from codependency.
Codependency often stems from past experiences and triggers, and it is important to work through these underlying issues.
Saving oneself and focusing on personal growth is essential, as one cannot save others from their own struggles. Taking responsibility for one’s life is crucial in codependency recovery.
Self-compassion is a missing piece in many people’s recovery journeys.
Fear plays a significant role in codependent behaviors and needs to be addressed.
Existential psychotherapy focuses on the experience of being human and taking responsibility for one’s choices.

Self-awareness, self-care, and the ability to speak up for oneself are essential tools in codependency recovery.

About Dr. Sarah Michaud

Dr. Sarah Michaud is a clinical psychologist who has worked in the field of addiction, recovery, and codependency for over thirty years. She began her career at a well-known psychiatric hospital outside of Boston and helped create the rehab program for a new residential center. Having achieved her own sobriety from alcohol and cocaine since 1984, Sarah brings her experience, education, and expertise to working with people and groups who struggle with difficult relationships and addiction. She is known for her sense of humor and direct approach to treatment. Dr. Sarah Michaud is the author of the book CoCrazy: One Psychologist’s Recovery from Codependency and Addiction Memoir and Manual to Freedom. Her latest adventure is co-hosting the YouTube channel Leaving CrazyTown with her friend Finn, a sober transgender attorney. They discuss serious and difficult topics with a sense of humor. She believes sobriety is about living your best life, finding peace, and experiencing joy. Finding freedom from addiction and codependent relationships allows you to find that joy.