Codependency
When we are in a healthy relationship, there is an exchange that creates balance. If this balance becomes upset by factors outside of our control then it can leave us feeling trapped and helpless – never knowing what to do or how feel about any given situation.
We may discover that we no longer know what we feel or want, we can only imagine what the other person feels or wants.
When we make others our point of reference instead of maintaining that point of reference in ourselves, we have entered into codependency.
How is it that we, who are very much in control of ourselves, can feel so out of control?
We begin to feel trapped and responsible to care for others in a way that leaves us feeling there is no one to care for us and nothing left over for our needs.
Being in relationship with an abusive or addicted person can leave one feeling absolutely out of control and unable to determine where one’s edges begin and end. Life becomes a blur of attempts to predict, manage, and sidestep the behaviors of another so that our life is not swallowed up in theirs. But the very prevention and managing we are attempting has already obliterated our selfhood.
There is nothing noble about becoming blurred or absorbed by another human being. Breaking the shackles of codependency frees a person to become who they truly can be, allowing them to live and powerfully love the people in their world.
Published Author
Check out my book on the mind-body connection available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Therapy Dog
Henry is my certified therapy dog and partner in practice, he is available to do sessions with me if desired.
Serious Illness
I have a unique skillset to help patients and their families through critical illness and end-of-life decisions. Durring these times, it can be so beneficial to have someone to talk to.
About Denise
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
In her 30 years working as a registered nurse (RN) within the intensive care unit (ICU), Denise Schonwald cared for patients who were very ill and often in critical condition. She saw her patients and their families struggling with stress, anxiety, guilt, and fear. She, too, was affected by this challenging environment. In order to help her client’s cope, as well as herself, Denise learned various techniques to support mental and emotional well-being. Her success in striking a balance in treating the whole person led her to her calling as a spiritually based licensed mental health counselor and mental intuitive (LMHC). By integrating mental health and physical health into a cohesive treatment plan, Denise provides a holistic approach to her patients. These synergistic treatment methodologies support client healing more effectively than traditional counseling.
Denise has expertise in helping clients through a variety of mental and emotional struggles, including anxiety, depression, panic, marital problems, adolescent behavior issues, family issues, childhood trauma, and more. To assist in her method, she draws upon some rather unconventional sources, including Max, a certified therapy dog, who practiced with her until his passing in June of 2020. Henry, his spirited successor, is now her partner in practice. Additional sources of inspiration include physical activity and various forms of meditation, which help relieve stress and provide mental clarity. Denise personally enjoys competitive tennis and yoga, balancing the physical exercise with meditation, Reiki, and aromatherapy to help integrate physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Understanding the connection between the mind, body, and spirit, Denise helps clients to explore each avenue in to achieve optimum level of health and wellness.
In additional to working with individuals and families, Denise also supports the wider community through speaking engagements and lectures nationwide. Consider having her speak at your next event and contact her office today.
Conditions We Treat
- ADHD
- Anger Management
- Bipolar Disorder
- Borderline Personality
- Child or Adolescent
- Chronic Impulsivity
- Codependency
- Coping Skills
- Divorce
- Domestic Abuse
- Domestic Violence
- Eating Disorders
- Emotional Disturbance
- Family Conflict
- Grief
- Infidelity
- Internet Addiction
- Marital and Premarital
- Men’s Issues
- Narcissistic Personality
- Obesity
- Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
- Oppositional Defiance
- Parenting
- Peer Relationships
- Racial Identity
- Relationship Issues
- School Issues
- Self Esteem
- Self-Harming
- Sleep or Insomnia
- Spirituality
- Testing and Evaluation
- Transgender
- Trauma and PTSD
- Video Game Addiction
- Weight Loss
- Women’s Issues
Contact Me
If you have a question or would like to book an appointment,
please contact Denise via phone or email.
For emergencies call 911 or visit your nearest hospital
