logo
episode-header-image
Feb 2025
1h 9m

432: What is High-Functioning Codependen...

Robert Duff, Ph.D.
About this episode

In this episode of The Hardcore Self Help Podcast, I sit down with the incredible psychotherapist and author, Terri Cole, to discuss high-functioning codependency, boundaries, and how we can break free from people-pleasing tendencies. Terri shares her own journey from working in the entertainment industry to becoming a therapist and how her personal struggles with boundaries led her to specialize in this area. We dive deep into the traits of high-functioning codependency, where it comes from, and actionable steps you can take to create healthier relationships and reclaim your inner peace.

What We Cover in This Episode:

  • Terri’s journey from talent agent to psychotherapist

  • Recognizing high-functioning codependency in yourself

  • How childhood and societal expectations shape codependency

  • The role of self-awareness and therapy in breaking codependency patterns

  • Practical tools for overcoming codependent tendencies

  • The importance of setting boundaries and learning to say no

  • How to conduct a resentment inventory and why it’s helpful

  • Addressing difficult family dynamics around social and political issues

  • How Terri’s book, Too Much, can help you break free from codependency

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to Terri Cole and her background
01:00 – How Terri transitioned from talent agent to psychotherapist
16:00 – Recognizing high-functioning codependency
25:00 – Childhood & societal influences on codependency
30:00 – The importance of self-awareness and therapy
39:00 – Practical tools for overcoming codependency
42:00 – Navigating difficult family dynamics
49:00 – Setting boundaries and learning to say no
52:00 – Conducting a resentment inventory
58:00 – How Too Much can help you break free

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Me:

If you found this episode helpful, please consider sharing it with someone who might benefit. And as always, take care of yourself!

Up next
Yesterday
Dr. Andrea Martinez Talks Gangs, Loss, Depression, and Learning Discernment.
Friends, welcome back to the Hardcore Self Help Podcast. This is my first interview back after a bit of a journey. I thought there was no better way to kick off this next phase of the podcast than by introducing you to a friend and brilliant human that I met in the interim. Dr. A ... Show More
1h 15m
Oct 1
The Podcast is Coming Back.
Episode Summary: In this deeply personal solo episode, Dr. Duff returns to the mic after a hiatus to share what’s been going on behind the scenes with The Hardcore Self Help Podcast. He opens up about an almost-acquisition of the show by a larger mental health organization—a deal ... Show More
19m 6s
May 2025
What's Up With The Podcast?
In this quick episode, I share what has been going on with the podcast and why I haven't been uploading. The truth is, that I am taking a step back from the show. I explain why and what comes next. Part of the episode is me reading off a post that I wrote, which you can read belo ... Show More
15m 30s
Recommended Episodes
Jul 2024
Guided Meditation - The Container Method - for Processing Trauma, PTSD and Intense Emotions
Do you want to learn How to Process Emotions and improve your Mental Health? Sign up for a Therapy in a Nutshell Membership, you'll get access to all of Emma’s courses, workbooks, and a Live Q and A with 100’s of exclusive videos: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership ... Show More
6m 43s
Sep 19
Expand Your Perspective & Improve Your Mental Health With a Simple Therapy Tool
Tired of trying to think your way out of overthinking?Let me show you what actually works—in less than 30 minutes.Get immediate access to a free class now.Sometimes we get stuck in one way of seeing things—and it makes life feel smaller and harder than it needs to be. In this epi ... Show More
7m 58s
Sep 5
How To Stop Ruminating About Old Relationships & Attachments and Let Go With A Therapy Technique
Tired of trying to think your way out of overthinking?Let me show you what actually works—in less than 30 minutes.Get immediate access to a free class now.Why do old loves still haunt us...sometimes decades later?That late-night dorm call, the heartbreak, the chaos… your brain re ... Show More
8m 55s
Jul 2024
The Container Method for Processing Trauma, PTSD and Intense Emotions
Do you want to learn How to Process Emotions and improve your Mental Health? Sign up for a Therapy in a Nutshell Membership, you'll get access to all of Emma’s courses, workbooks, and a Live Q and A with 100’s of exclusive videos: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership ... Show More
16m 32s
Sep 2022
using the narrative therapy framework to get to the root cause of your suffering
Have you ever wondered why so many mental health treatments seem to scratch the surface but don’t quite reach the root of what’s going on? For those who resonate with mental health disorder labels, the journey often begins and ends with skills-based therapies like DBT or CBT. Whi ... Show More
1h 8m
Jul 2021
21/30 Mindfulness for Anxiety: A Beginner‘s Guide: How to Process Emotions
Ready to change your life? Buy the full, ad-free Emotion Processing course now for only $147: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/emotion-processing?utm_campaign=Jul%2016,%202021&utm_medium=Description&utm_source=podcast Practicing mindfulness can help you shift your perspecti ... Show More
16m 34s
Feb 2025
Lasting Treatments for Anxiety vs. Coping Skills - Is THIS why Therapy isn't working?
Learn the skills to Regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership Have you tried a bunch of stuff to manage anxiety and depression, but you’re still struggling? This might be why: Some strategies that work great for the short term, ... Show More
16m 8s
Jul 28
3 Magic Words to Cure Distractions With Somatic Experiencing Basics and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Busy Empaths
Tired of trying to think your way out of overthinking?Let me show you what actually works—in less than 30 minutes.Get immediate access to a free class now.Ever get completely derailed by a random email, a stray thought, or “just one quick thing”?In this bite-sized episode, Rebecc ... Show More
6m 59s
Aug 1
Get Out of The Funk Before It Gets Worse With This Simple Therapy Tool: Help for Overwhelm, Overthinking and Burnout
Tired of trying to think your way out of overthinking?Let me show you what actually works—in less than 30 minutes.Get immediate access to a free class now.Feeling stuck in a FUNK in one or more areas of life? If you’re caught in a cycle of overthinking, emotional overwhelm, and z ... Show More
17m 35s
Oct 2024
186. The Power of Ketamine-Assisted Therapy with Mollie Volinsky
In this eye-opening episode, Alison and special guest Mollie Volinsky, explore the transformative potential of ketamine-assisted therapy for anxiety, depression, and overall mental health. Mollie, a skilled ketamine-assisted psychotherapy provider, shares her expertise and insigh ... Show More
48m 46s