Page f.
Louanne
letter on
dependency group
DID GOMEE3ODY
CALL ME?
Ask Louanne
by Dr. Louanne Barton
Personnal Couselor
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your own hands.
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when
%MANE
NIMAL
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14'1.11Sif'l 111111 Self Y 11\1' St Tlll t'
11N111111k 11,1111\ \ Ild 11,1111' 011
The Collegian
Dear Readers,
I would like to share a letter with you from a student who
does not wish to remain anonymous. I thought it was a good
letter.
A co-dependent support group has been formed and will begin meeting on
Thursday, March 21 from 5:00-6:30 p.m. in the Erie Hall, downstairs
classroom.
Those that attended Ann Smith's lecture "Preventing the Inevitable" are
probably now aware of what co-dependency is. For those unable to attend, I
will attempt to describe what it is, its results, and what can be done.
Co-dependency is a very real, and often debilitating, condition resulting
from growing up in a dysfunctional family. Perhaps our parents were
alcoholic, drug dependent, or suffering from other various forms of mental or
emotional maladaptations. Most often these parents were incapable of giving us
what we needed to grow on. They were unable to provide stability, approval,
unconditional love, or healthy modeling.
As a result of not having our needs me t as children, we grow up to be adults
without our needs met, and not a clue for finding healthy ways to get them met.
Thus, we may end up feeling as though we are a puzzle with a couple of pieces
missing. We look for anything or anyone to fill in the gaps, even temporarily.
Often in our search, we develop unhealthy over-dependencies on alcohol,
drugs, food, sex, or other people. Healthy, interpersonal relationships are not
only a struggle for us, but at times, seem impossible.
The picture I have painted may appear bleak and shaded with hopelessness,
but I assure you there is hope and help. And that is what this support group is
all about. It's people helping people through sharing and caring. We will
provide an atmosphere of safety, acceptance, and anonymity. Who is seen and
what is heard within the group, remains with the group.
Hope to see you Thursday.
For further information contact: Louanne Barton, Ph.D.
Counseling and Advising Center, at 898-6164 or James Campbell
at 455-4220.
Thursday, March 28, 1991
James Campbell
Louanne