Are you experiencing anxiety, insecurity, or distress when you're not with your partner? Do you find yourself feeling lost, anxious, or defined by your romantic relationship? At Wholesome Psychology, we offer specialized relationship dependence counseling tailored for individuals in Edmonton and St. Albert. Our compassionate therapists can help you build healthier boundaries, identify patterns, and regain your sense of self while supporting your journey toward fulfilling, secure relationships. If you’re struggling with codependency or attachment issues, support is available close to home.
What is Relationship Dependence?
Relationship dependence—sometimes referred to as relationship addiction or codependency—occurs when a person relies excessively on their romantic partner for emotional support, self-worth, and validation. This emotional reliance can lead to an imbalance where the dependent individual struggles to maintain a sense of identity and may have difficulty functioning independently.
Key signs of relationship dependence include:
- Constant anxiety over the status of the relationship
- Difficulties being alone or single
- Neglecting your own needs, interests, or friendships
- Staying in unhealthy or unfulfilling relationships out of fear of abandonment
- Feeling incomplete without your partner
- Requiring frequent reassurance from your partner
How Relationship Dependence Impacts Wellbeing
Relationship dependence can deeply affect your emotional health, daily life, and sense of self. It may undermine your confidence, foster ongoing anxiety, and contribute to patterns of unhealthy attachment. Over time, these dynamics can result in chronic stress, low self-esteem, resentment, and difficulties communicating your needs and setting boundaries.
If you live in Edmonton or St. Albert and recognize these patterns, seeking professional support can be a powerful step toward healing. You might also find our anxiety counseling or self-esteem counseling helpful for related concerns.
Our Approach to Relationship Dependence Counseling
At Wholesome Psychology, we understand that everyone has a unique relationship history influenced by past experiences, family dynamics, and personal beliefs. Our therapists use evidence-based, compassion-focused approaches to help you explore and heal the root causes of relationship dependence. We also offer support for attachment therapy and setting healthy boundaries.
In counseling for relationship dependence, we may help you to:
- Identify the patterns and beliefs driving relationship dependence
- Build self-awareness and foster a strong personal identity
- Strengthen self-worth and self-compassion, independent of relationship status
- Develop healthy boundaries with partners, friends, and family
- Process attachment experiences and understand your attachment style
- Reframe unhealthy behaviors and communication patterns
- Learn skills for emotional regulation, self-soothing, and resilience
Our goal is to walk alongside you—never to judge or label, but to support growth, empowerment, and healing. We work collaboratively to equip you with tools for lasting change and a healthier approach to relating with others. Explore more about our unique approach to therapy.
Who Can Benefit from Relationship Dependence Counseling?
Anyone who feels their relationship patterns are affecting their personal happiness, self-esteem, or ability to function independently can benefit from counseling. Relationship dependence can take many forms—whether you have a history of intense or enmeshed relationships, struggle with separation anxiety, or tend to lose yourself in your partner.
Our clients in Edmonton and St. Albert often seek support for:
- Difficulty ending unhealthy or unfulfilling relationships
- Anxiety around being alone or single
- Attention focused exclusively on a partner, neglecting other relationships and responsibilities
- Repeated patterns of codependency and people-pleasing
- Low self-worth or fears of abandonment
It’s never too early or too late to seek support. Whether you are currently in a relationship or processing a recent breakup, relationship dependence counseling can help you restore balance and develop healthier connections moving forward.
Why Choose Wholesome Psychology for Relationship Dependence Counseling?
- Local, Accessible Care: We proudly serve individuals in Edmonton and St. Albert, offering in-person and virtual counseling, including at our North Edmonton and St. Albert (Campbell Park) locations.
- Compassionate, Nonjudgmental Therapy: Our therapists respect your unique journey and provide a warm, nonjudgmental space.
- Expert, Evidence-Based Work: Our team utilizes modalities such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy, Attachment Theory, and Mindfulness-based approaches.
- Experienced Professionals: Meet our therapists to learn about our values and experience in supporting individuals with relational challenges.
- Focus on Empowerment: We empower you to make choices that align with your authentic self. Learn about our unique approach.
What to Expect in Your First Session
In your first counseling session, you’ll meet with a therapist specializing in relationship dynamics. Together, you’ll explore your history, your current relationship patterns, and your goals for therapy. We believe in setting collaborative, realistic goals tailored to your needs. Your therapist will work at your pace, and together you can decide which strategies and approaches are most supportive for you.
If you’re looking for a therapist in Edmonton or St. Albert who truly understands the complexities of relationship dependence, Wholesome Psychology is here for you. We also offer convenient online and virtual therapy options for flexibility and accessibility.
Additional Services at Wholesome Psychology
In addition to relationship dependence counseling, we offer a range of therapy services designed to support your emotional health and relationships:
Begin Your Journey Toward Healthier Relationships
If you’re ready to reclaim your independence and foster more balanced, fulfilling relationships, counseling can help. Contact us today to schedule your first appointment, or read about our team of therapists serving the Edmonton and St. Albert communities. We’re here to support your growth with respect, warmth, and evidence-based care. For more on what to expect, see our getting started guide.
