Codependency can be tricky to recognize because it often looks like love, generosity, or “just trying to help.” But when our giving turns into fixing, rescuing, controlling, or sacrificing ourselves to earn love and approval, it can quietly create tension in our marriage, parenting, co-parenting, and stepfamily relationships. In this episode, we’re joined by therapist Michelle Farris for a practical and hope-filled conversation about how codependency shows up in blended families and how to heal it. Michelle is a psychotherapist, codependency expert, and anger management specialist with a passion for helping people break free from toxic relationships. Her YouTube channel has over 3 million viewers, where she’s known for her practical tips and expertise. She’s written several ebooks and courses for creating relationships that work. Michelle helps us understand the difference between healthy care and over-functioning, why some parents struggle when their kids are hurting or moving between homes, and how our desire to protect or please can sometimes blur important relational boundaries. We also talk honestly about how codependency can impact the parenting partnership in a blended family. When a bio-parent feels caught between their child and spouse, the pressure can intensify. When a stepparent feels responsible for things they don't have authority over, resentment sets in. But there is a healthier way forward. Michelle shares how couples can take small steps toward clearer boundaries, stronger self-awareness, and more secure connection without becoming rigid, reactive, or disconnected. If you’ve ever felt responsible for keeping everyone okay, struggled to set limits with your kids or ex, or wondered why you feel resentful after “helping,” this conversation will give you language, clarity, and hope. You'll Discover: The difference between being kind and being codependent How codependency can show up with your children, with an ex, or inside your marriage How over-functioning, fixing, rescuing, controlling, and people-pleasing can create ongoing resentment and disable others How to identify your non-negotiable boundaries without becoming rigid or reactive Three key areas of codependency and how you can move toward relational health and wellnessResources from this Episode: To connect with Michelle Farris, CLICK HERE Michelle's free guide: 7 Steps to Healing One Sided RelationshipsRelationships That Work with Michelle Farris (YouTube)Episode 138. How Relational Dysfunction Plagued our Marriage and How We Finally Broke FreeReady for some extra support? We all need some extra support along the blending journey — we're here to help. You can connect with us for a free coaching call to see how we might help you experience more clarity, confidence and connection in your home. Schedule your free call here: https://calendly.com/mikeandkimcoaching/freesession You don't need to navigate blended family life alone. Join our supportive community where you'll connect directly with us and other couples just like you who are intentionally investing in healthy blending strategies. Click the link to find out how to join: https://learning.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/blendingtogether Subscribe or Follow the Show Are you subscribed or following the podcast yet? If not, we want to encourage you do that today so you don't miss a single episode. Click here to subscribe in Apple Podcasts Click here to follow on Spotify Leave a Review in Apple Podcasts If you’re feeling extra helpful, we would be so grateful if you left us a review over on Apple Podcasts too. Your review will help others find our podcast — plus they’re fun for us to read too! :-) Just click here to Review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and then select “Write a Review” — let us know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you, we really appreciate your feedback!
