April 8, 2025

Rawland Glass, LCSW

Topic:

External Dependence

Description

“Codependence” and “Co-alcoholism” (the pre-curser of codependency) seem to have lost their value in the larger culture. Despite initially garnering attention to one of the most puzzling human dynamics, they have been sliding into disrepute and even myth status since the 1990s. It compels us to ask, “Is whatever problem they drew attention to gone or become irrelevant?”

The science of attachment and relationships seem to agree. It’s well known that humans are “hard wired for connection.” Recent conclusions argue that, on a neural level, humans seek and even prefer co-regulation over self-regulation. Dr. Weiss’s 2022 book Prodependence: Beyond the Myth of Codependency certainly makes the point that caring for others is not

pathological.

It is however, interesting that this topic simply won’t go away like some bad nightmare that evaporates in the daylight. Al-Anon and Co-Dependence Anonymous would certainly argue “the problem isn’t gone.” But what really is the problem? There have even been attempts to re-ignite the discussion including Melody Beattie’s book, “The New Codependency: Help and

Guidance for Today’s Generation” © 2009!” But maybe the issue is restricted to a small

segment of society – the arena of substance addiction where it was identified in the first place. Maybe it is relevant for “them,” but not for the rest of society.

Fascinating and valuable truths are often buried at the paradox – that certainly applies here. In this workshop we will identify the underlying problem and set the stage for a deeper level of work that goes way beyond the pathology of enabling or rescuing. We will dig underneath the paradox and discover what is sabotaging our connections and robbing us of the peace and enjoyment relationships offer.

Bio:

Rawland Glass, MSW, LCSW has been a clinician and social worker for the past 40 years, including private practice and development and presenter on inner healing workshops. He has a broad experience base including managing addiction treatment contracts for the state of Idaho;

serving as executive director of a non-profit which provided transition housing; working with various vulnerable populations in adult and child protection, managing group homes for & "at-risk” children, Clinical Director and then Chief Clinical Officer, and development of online classes for families. His recent private practice has had a special emphasis on family work and parent support and coaching.

He was the recipient of the Addiction Professional 2012 Outstanding

Clinician Award. He holds a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from Pacific Union College and a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from Walla Walla University, with a dual emphasis in Clinical Work with Children & Families and Addiction Treatment.

Outline:

Introduction: Under The Influence...From Temperament to Personality

The Paradox called Codependency: What's driving this crazy bus? Under the paradox - Reframe of the pathology External Dependency: The Multi-dimensional Definition

• Behavioral Definition (Dr. Kathy Willis)
• Spiritual Definition (Terry Kellogg)
• Developmental Definition (Dr. D. Siegel)
• "A Wary Child..." (Dr. Tian Dayton)

External Dependency: The Rest of the Story

• The Catalyst and the Impact
• A plethora of research

Conclusion and Implications: Recovery

• IntraConnection: Dr. Dan Diegel

Goals:

1. By the end of the course participants will be able to identify the broader legitimate concern underlying codependency
2. By the end of the course participants will be able to link this concern to trauma, showing how it drives the various levels of disconnection and destructive interactions
3. By the end of the course participants will be able to highlight external dependency as a disruption to the most basic characteristic of being human, the dynamic of intra-Connection

Objectives:

1. Participants will be able to describe one scientific basis that demonstrates we are "hard wired for connection"
2. Participants will be able to Identify and articulate the three dynamics of External Dependence
3. Participants will describe 2 aspects of the role of Intra-Connection as the primary goal of personal growth and recovery work