Therapy for people struggling with codependency in Philadelphia, PA
Start Healing with Codependency Therapy
Therapy with me may be helpful if you constantly feel responsible for other people’s emotions, problems, or stability- and want to regain connection to yourself and boundaries.
You’ve spent so much of your life managing other people’s emotions and crises that you’re no longer sure where they end and you begin…
The responsibility for everyone else’s wellbeing is exhausting and enraging…
One of the most painful parts of codependency is the feeling that it’s your job to keep everything from falling apart. You may find yourself carefully monitoring other people’s moods, problems, and destructive choices. It can feel almost impossible to focus on your own life because there’s a part of you believes that if you just said the right thing, tried harder, or cared more, things might improve.
Healing is Possible
Therapy for Codependency in Philadelphia Can Help.
In therapy with me, we’ll discuss what are realistic, sustainable, helpful, and healthy levels of support for others (and yourself). We’ll take a deep look at your (and others in your lives’) patterns, strengths, and the ways you learned to cope in difficult relational environments. I help clients untangle the pressure to manage everyone else’s emotions so they can begin making decisions from a place of clarity rather than fear or guilt. Over time, many people experience a profound shift: they feel calmer in relationships, more confident expressing their needs, and less responsible for others'’ problems.
What is Codependency Therapy?
It’s your turn to get clear on what you need, want, and how to communicate and set boundaries with others.
Codependency therapy focuses on understanding how family and relationship dynamics, addiction, emotional neglect, or chronic instability have shaped the way you (and your loved ones) relate to others. Many people who struggle with codependent patterns learned early in life that maintaining peace, anticipating others’ needs, or being the “responsible one” was necessary for survival. Therapy helps bring these patterns into awareness so that they are no longer automatic. Through deep insight work and practical strategies, you can build a strong sense of self, clear boundaries, and balanced relationships- whether others want to change or not. You can also get clarity and guidance on experimenting with different levels of contact, if that is what you choose is best for you and/or your loved ones. There is no judgement; only support.
What to Expect from Codependency Therapy
Understanding the origins of your patterns of over- functioning
A core part of our work may involve exploring the environments and relationships that encouraged your tendencies to people-please, mask/abandon your feelings, or fix others. Most clients discover that the behaviors they previously viewed as flaws were actually adaptive responses to chaotic, dysfunctional, toxic, or emotionally demanding family systems. This understanding can bring a sense of relief and compassion for yourself and your loved ones.
Learning to set boundaries without guilt or shame
One of the most healing parts of therapy can be earning how to recognize where your responsibility ends and someone else’s begins. We will do the deep self-work about how to develop boundaries that allow you to support others without sacrificing your own emotional well-being. After the initial shock of making a change, clients often find that boundaries reduce anxiety and create more honest and sustainable relationships. It may even encourage loved ones to take better care of themselves or address their own trauma that contributed to under-functioning/over-functioning dynamics. When just one person in a relationship changes, the system is forced to shift.
Reconnecting (or, for the first time) connecting with your own voice and needs
Many people who struggle with codependency have spent a lifetime prioritizing other people’s feelings over their own. Therapy can help you reconnect with your personal values, desires, and sense of identity outside of the caretaker or problem-solver role. As confidence grows, your decision begin to feel clearer, and connections are no longer driven by fear, guilt, or obligation.
Starting Therapy is easy
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Get in touch by filling out this quick form here.
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We’ll schedule a time to chat and make sure we’re a great fit.
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Start therapy and begin your journey to healing!
Hi, I’m Ayla Fleming, LCSW
You deserve respect and peace.
I believe the answers are already within you. I provide evidence-based research, practical skills, and warm support to help you make the changes you want in your life. I believe everyone has a unique story. I look forward to hearing yours and helping you make the best decisions for yourself.
★★★★★
“Where to start with Ayla?
There is truly no one better in the field. She is hard working, dedicated, & genuine. Ayla goes above & beyond & listens without judgement. I trust her wholeheartedly & she is extremely knowledgeable. I HIGHLY recommend Ayla.”
- Ashley Severino, LCSW
★★★★★
“Working with Ayla Fleming LLC was a privilege.
She has a natural ability to make people feel understood, valued, and supported. Her warmth and professionalism set her apart, and I’ve seen firsthand how deeply she cares about her clients and her team. I can’t recommend her practice highly enough—anyone who works with her will be in excellent hands!”
- Mike Teti, LCSW
★★★★★
“Ayla has a rare gift
for helping women reconnect with themselves after years of self-sacrifice, codependency, or chronic self-doubt. Through her thoughtful, strategic work, clients begin to set healthy boundaries, trust their inner voice, and create more authentic, fulfilling relationships. Her work doesn’t just offer support—it sparks real, lasting change. If you’re ready to heal from the past, reclaim your self-worth, and live more boldly and freely, Ayla is the kind of therapist who will walk beside you with both empathy and precision. Her boutique practice model means you get the kind of personalized, high-touch care that can truly shift the trajectory of your life—and it’s absolutely worth it.”
- Brianna Dawson, NP
Frequently asked questions
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Sessions are virtual through a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform. I also expect to have an office in Center City, Philadelphia within the next year.
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Individual Sessions:
50 min session- $250
Couples/Family Sessions:
50 min session- $300
Longer sessions or “intensives” (short term therapy for longer sessions) may be designed if you wish, per your schedule or request, and prorated accordingly.
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I do not accept insurance or communicate directly with insurance companies. However, I am happy to provide a receipt you can submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement. Some of my clients have out-of-network benefits so they are able to get reimbursed for sessions. If that’s important to you, please check with your insurance company directly. Reimbursement rates can vary a lot.
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Submit a form via my Contact page. I review each form myself. You can also text or call me directly at 267-217-3017 or email me at ayla@aylaflemingllc.com
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I work with women, men, couples, and families who are struggling with anxiety, depression, and loss of self in their relationships or life roles.
If you want to learn healthy communication regardless of what other adults are doing, we will be a good fit. This includes family or relationship dysfunction, codependency, addiction, family drama, chronically choosing unhealthy partners, or the desire to grow after trauma.