The Family C.L.A.W.S.
A Really Cool Presentation by Sue
Sue Jackson, MFT
Family Counselor, Loma Linda University
Behavioral Medicine Center
Co-dependency is “a specific condition that is
characterized by a preoccupation and extreme
dependence – emotionally, socially, and
sometimes physically on a person or object.
Eventually this dependency on another person
or object becomes a pathological condition
that affects the co-dependent in all other
relationships.”
Sharon Wegscheider-Cruse
Detox Parallel Study Between
Patient and Family Members
During and After Detox.
The Paradigm Shift
It is easier to re-educate people by introducing a
new conception with a new term.
Ashley Montagu
The Paradigm Shift
Enabler
Co-Dependent
Co-Pathos
Addiction – The Family Disease
A great incongruence is experienced by the
Co-pathos Dependent.
“Co-dependence is a recognizable pattern
of personality traits, predictably found
within most members of chemically
dependent families, which are capable of
creating sufficient dysfunction to warrant
the diagnosis of mixed personality disorder
as outlined in the DSM III.”

Dr. Timmen Cermak
Co-Pathos Dependent Traits
Distorted Commitment
Equal Expression of Family Disruption
Negative Efficacy
Acting Pessimistically
No Self-Confidence
Other Focused
“For every Chemically dependent person,
it is estimated that there may be as many as
five to ten co-dependents.”
Dr. Timmen Cermak
Families Display Parallel Signs
and Symptoms
Denial
Synchronized
Addiction
Behavior
Tolerance
Preoccupation
Powerlessness
Unmanageability
The Great Incongruence
Cognitive Mind
Think one thing
Emotional Mind
Feel Something
Different than Thought
Spiritual Mind
Shame
Degradation
The Family C.L.A.W.S.
C o-dependent
L ionized
A cute
Withdrawal
S yndrome
Stages of Co-Pathos
Dependency
First Stage
Physical
Second Stage
Psychological
Third Stage
Spiritual
Fourth Stage
Mental
The Family C.L.A.W.S.
Intensity of Pain Decision
Family Treatment
Untreated, Uninvolved
Education
Lack of information
Progression of family disease
Resolve of Family of Origin
Increased Depression and Anxiety
Family Amends
Sabotage, Subvert
Congruence
Wholeness
Relapse
Synchronized
Addiction
Family
C.L.A.W.S.
Co-Pathos