This is a guide to understanding the origins of codependence and the path to recovery, tracing the illness back to childhood describing emotional, spiritual, intellectual, physical and sexual abuse. Because of these earlier experiences, codependent adults often lack the skills necessary to lead mature lives and have satisfying relationships. Recovery from codependence is achieved by reparenting oneself. Central to the author's concept is the idea of the "precious child" that needs healing within each adult. She creates a framework for identifying codependent behaviour and outlines an effective therapy for recovery.

Reviews

"Mellody is a true pioneer...she offers tried and effective ways to treat codependency. This is a splendid offering."--John Bradshaw, national director of Codependency TreatmentLife Plus Institute, author of Healing the Shame That Binds You and Bradshaw On: The Family.