In this deeply honest conversation, therapist and host, Malisa Hepner, sits down with Dr. Sarah Michaud, Clinical Psychologist, to explore the layered reality of codependency—how it quietly shapes our relationships, parenting, and sense of self. Together, they unpack the connection between codependency and addiction, the subtle ways control and caretaking can mask deeper wounds, and what it actually looks like to begin healing. This episode offers grounded insight and practical tools to help you build self-awareness, untangle relational patterns, and move toward healthier, more connected ways of living.

When you notice the urge to fix, manage, or emotionally carry someone else—pause and gently turn your attention inward. Ask yourself: "What am I feeling right now that I'm trying to avoid?" Then name it without judgment. This simple shift—from focusing on them to reconnecting with yourself—is where the cycle of codependency begins to loosen and real healing starts to take root.

* Emotionally Unavailable is produced 100% in-house. No team, just me and my love for yapping and helping others. If this show has ever helped you in any way, here is your chance to help it keep going strong. Subscribe to the patreon, grab some merch or get a workbook! I appreciate you all.

Subscribe to Emotionally Unavailable's Patreon!

$5 - Early Ad free episodes + Occasional other goodies!
$10 - Benefits listed above and access to growing voice library support for spiraling/overthinking (along with workbooks and practices)
$30 - Deeper work and group spaces

https://patreon.com/Emotionallyunavailablepodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

Want to be a guest on Emotionally Unavailable? Send Malisa Hepner a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1739504718415772259d92bc1

https://linktr.ee/Mdhepner

Dr. Sarah's links: Website, Youtube

Codependency, Addiction & Recovery: Breaking Patterns in Parenting and Relationships