Episode 50: From Self-Sacrifice to Self-Care — Understanding Codependency in Motherhood with Marissa Esquibel, LMFT

Ever feel like you’re losing yourself in the demands of motherhood? Join Kayla Nettleton and guest Marissa Esquivel, a licensed marriage and family therapist and host of The Code of the Debbie podcast, for an honest conversation on balancing self-care with the challenges of being a mom. Marissa shares her journey as a new mom, revealing how codependency can subtly impact every aspect of our lives—from our well-being to our closest relationships. She offers insights on the origins of codependency, often rooted in our upbringing, and explains how we unintentionally recreate self-sacrificing patterns that leave us feeling resentful and unfulfilled.

This episode provides practical tips on setting healthy boundaries, reducing resentment, and creating a family dynamic that supports everyone, including you. Marissa discusses how something as simple as rediscovering an old hobby—like watching a favorite reality TV show—can help us reconnect with ourselves. Her approach to maintaining individuality reminds us that even small moments of autonomy make a big difference in our well-being.

Kayla and Marissa also dive into the importance of self-awareness, especially when breaking cycles of codependency, and offer strategies for taking back control in ways that benefit both you and your family. Marissa shares her own experiences in setting boundaries and voicing needs in her marriage—encouraging moms to embrace communication as a tool for lasting change.

Whether you're looking to improve your relationships, connect with your pre-motherhood self, or simply find practical ways to prioritize self-care, this episode is filled with relatable reflections and actionable advice for thriving as a mom while staying true to yourself.

Helpful Links:

Website: www.therapywithmarissa.com
Codependummy Podcast Website: www.codependummy.com

Social Media Handles

@therapywithmarissa

About the Podcast Host
Kayla Nettleton is a licensed therapist based in TX, business owner, mom of 3 kids and coach for therapists who want support and guidance in their journey in creating an aligned business model so that they can live the freedom based life they've always dreamed of without sacrificing their own needs.

In her private practice as a therapist Kayla specialize in helping women overcome anxiety, perfectionism and people pleasing tendencies so that they can lead a more fulfilled and authentically aligned life

Find Kayla on IG
@kaylanettleton_lcsw
@themodernmomsroadmaptobalance

Email: kayla@kaylanettleton.com

TX Residents can Schedule a Free 20 minute therapy consultation here.

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