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Emotional dependence

Emotional dependence is a psychological condition characterized by excessive and dysfunctional attachment to another person, whose presence is experienced as indispensable despite ongoing conflict, dissatisfaction, and emotional distress.

People who come to us to begin a treatment program for emotional dependence often find it difficult to step away from the relationship, even when they recognize that the dynamic is unhealthy and no longer supportive of their well-being. Family members, friends, and partners also turn to us to receive psychological support so they can best support their loved ones in their recovery journey from emotional dependence.

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Begin your journey with us — we have supported many people along the way

If the problem concerns you directly, book an introductory meeting. If the problem concerns a loved one, book a family consultation.

Book your introductory meeting
Book a family consultation

How to recognize emotional dependence

If you believe that you or a loved one may be experiencing emotional dependence, it is important to recognize the signs in order to address it mindfully.
Key signs:
  • Intense fear of loneliness and constant need for reassurance;
  • Difficulty establishing healthy boundaries within relationships;
  • A tendency to tolerate harmful behaviors in order to avoid losing a loved one;
  • Feeling empty or anxious when away from their partner.
Long-term risks:
  • Low self-esteem and loss of sense of self;
  • Social isolation, depression and anxiety;
  • Difficulty building emotionally healthy relationships.

The treatment program for emotional dependence

Introductory meeting

For the treatment of emotional dependence, at IEuD we offer a personalized, evidence-based treatment program designed around you. Your first contact with us takes place through an introductory meeting, an essential moment to understand your situation. During this meeting, one of our professionals will work with you to assess whether treatment program of care may be appropriate, in a spirit of full transparency, with thirty minutes dedicated to listening and sharing information that will be useful for the next steps.

Introductory meeting
Family counseling
Assessment and diagnosis

Following the introductory meeting, the IEuD treatment pathway includes an assessment and diagnosis phase structured across 3 interviews with 3 different professionals, each of whom will work with you to gather information about your personal history, lived experiences, and health status, within their respective areas of expertise.

You will therefore meet with a psychiatric rehabilitation therapist (TERP), a psychotherapist, and a psychiatrist. The meeting with our psychiatric rehabilitation therapist (TERP) is essential for gathering information about your history of use and how the substance or behavior has become part of your life. The psychiatrist will be responsible for assessing your health status in relation to substance use and establishing a diagnosis. The psychotherapist will help you explore your lived experiences as you perceive them to be connected to your current experience of addiction.

Feedback meeting

At the conclusion of the three sessions, a date will be scheduled for a feedback meeting, during which you will meet again with the three professionals together with the senior supervisor of the care team. In this setting, the key points that emerged during the process will be shared with you, along with the diagnosis and the treatment proposal, which you are free to accept or decline.

Some of the specialist services available at IEuD

We can provide all the services you may need.

The proposed treatment may involve a range of specialized services, because just as each individual is unique, each experience of addiction is unique, and different approaches may be the most appropriate for care. In addition to routine medical examinations, at IEuD we offer a wide range of services.

Individual psychotherapy

A safe space to better understand yourself and move toward change, with specialists in addiction care.

Closer App

The App that strengthens the therapeutic connection during the treatment program.

Inpatient treatment

Safe detoxification with medical assistance and specialist support.

Hair test

Analysis to detect substances, with personalized medical consultation.

rTMS

Non-invasive technique to support addiction treatment.

Medication-based treatment

To manage craving, mood, and prevent any relapses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have any questions or concerns?
Do not hesitate to write to us.

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Testimonials

For years, I felt stuck in a relationship that caused me distress, but thanks to the support I received, I finally learned to set boundaries and regain my emotional independence. Now I am rebuilding myself.
Sara, 30 years old
When I started my therapy for emotional dependence, I had no idea how liberating it would be. I learned to recognize my needs and not depend on others to feel like I was worthy. Now my life is much more balanced.
Giovanna, 38 years old
Today I can say that I am finally free. It wasn’t easy, and I faced some very challenging moments, but with the support of the team and the people I met here, I was able to move forward.
Alessandro, 42 years old

Co-occurring addictions

Emotional dependence and co-occurring addictions

Behavioral addictions, such as emotional dependence, often co-occur with problematic use of one or more substances or behaviors. These situations are referred to as co-occurring addictions. However, even in these cases, there is always a substance or behavior experienced as primary, meaning the one the person experiences or perceives as the most powerful, rewarding, and essential.

In cases of emotional dependence, other addictions may co-occur, such as alcohol and prescription medication addiction.

Alcohol addiction

Prescription medication addiction

Introductory meeting

Does the problem concern you directly? It's time to choose an approach where you are at the center.

Overcoming addiction is possible. At IEuD, we combine technological innovation with a multidisciplinary team to offer a unique, tailored treatment program that respects and supports every aspect of your daily life.

Book your introductory meeting

Family counseling

Does the problem concern a loved one?

We have designed a remote consultation service for parents, partners, friends, and family members who wish to support a loved one in addressing and moving beyond a form of addiction.

Family counseling
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