Entitlement in codependency: developmental and therapeutic considerations

The purpose of this article is to explore the way in which narcissism is manifest within codependent individuals. Although codependent clients present themselves as needy, self-effacing, and overly deferent to others, many of their behavior patterns are actually a manifestation of a subtle form of narcissistic entitlement. Codependents see others as extensions of themselves, rather than as individuals in their own right, and frequently have unrealistic expectations about their relationships. Successful treatment must include an understanding of the developmental underpinnings of their symptoms. Effective psychotherapy also involves maintaining a difficult balance-holding out the expectation of mature adult functioning while simultaneously understanding and accepting clients' initial inability to relate in such a fashion.