Raising Happy Teens

In this episode, I sit down with Alyssa Zander, a codependency and relationship coach and host of the Codependency Alchemy podcast, for an honest and empowering conversation about breaking free from codependency.

Alyssa shares how codependency showed up in her relationships, family dynamics, and even her business, and how she began healing through shadow work, inner child practices, and redefining self-worth from within. Together, we explore the deeper meaning of codependency, the connection to perfectionism and hyper-independence, and how generational patterns, like the mother wound, shape our beliefs about value, love, and belonging.

You’ll hear us talk about:

A clear, practical definition of codependency and how it shows up in everyday life.
Why independence can actually be a hidden sign of codependency.
The role of shadow work and inner child healing in breaking cycles.
How to recognize the influence of the mother wound without placing blame.
Why healing isn’t about being “fixed” but about compassion and integration.

If you’ve ever struggled with people-pleasing, over-functioning, or tying your worth to relationships, success, or external validation, this conversation will give you fresh insight and hope.