In today’s landscape of mental health and addiction recovery, codependency is often one of the most neglected yet harmful issues. While chemical addictions demand immediate attention, codependency quietly infiltrates daily life, eroding boundaries, identity, and independence. Yuliya Feldman, a psychologist from Ukraine and founder of a private rehabilitation center, describes codependency as “the silent epidemic that enables every other form of dependency.”
With more than ten years of experience in her field, Feldman has dedicated her career to assisting individuals in overcoming not just substance abuse but also the deeply ingrained psychological patterns that facilitate it. Her perspective is clear: “Addiction is rarely the root issue. It’s often the escape. And codependency is the prison we don’t realize we’re living in.”
A Dual Path of Science and Compassion
Feldman’s academic journey began in a vastly different sphere: theoretical physics. After graduating with distinction from Kharkiv National University, she shifted her focus to psychology. “Understanding the universe was fascinating,” she reflects, “but understanding the human soul became urgent.”
She acquired a second master’s degree in psychology from Kharkiv National Pedagogical University, graduating with honors once again. Her commitment to education continued as she pursued postgraduate research, culminating in her Ph.D. in Psychology in 2018. Since 2013, she has been a certified professional coach and an NLP practitioner since 2014, combining scientific rigor with intuitive empathy in her practice.
Specializing in addiction recovery since 2019, Feldman has worked with individuals dealing with both chemical and non-chemical dependencies. Her integrated clinical and coaching approach has benefited hundreds of clients as they navigate trauma, dependency, and self-rediscovery. She has assisted families, young adults, and caregivers in emotionally charged situations where codependency often goes unnoticed.
In June 2021, she established her rehabilitation center, “Rehabilitation-1,” in Ukraine. Renowned for its integrated and humanistic care model, the center emphasizes psychological education, establishing emotional boundaries, and reclaiming autonomy. Feldman designs tailored therapeutic plans, structured coaching modules, and recovery accountability protocols.
Since the center’s inception, many clients have successfully transitioned through recovery. In its first year alone, several individuals—including former injection drug users and alcoholics—have maintained sobriety for over six years, showcasing the lasting effectiveness of Feldman’s integrative and boundary-centered methodology.
Her outstanding contributions were acknowledged in autumn 2021 when she received the St. Sophia Award, a prestigious national honor in Ukraine for excellence in tackling addiction and advancing rehabilitation efforts.
Feldman is also an active member of the National Psychological Association of Ukraine, where she plays a pivotal role in elevating therapeutic standards, advocating for national mental health initiatives, and leading professional development for aspiring psychologists.
What Is Codependency, Really?
Often trivialized as mere “relationship issues,” codependency encompasses far more than excessive care or loyalty. Feldman defines it as “a compulsive pattern of self-sacrifice, emotional fusion, and indirect control, often masked as love.”
In these dynamics, one partner—or parent, sibling, or friend—unconsciously becomes the rescuer or martyr, their identity interwoven with the other’s struggles. They manage crises and assume responsibilities that don’t belong to them, losing themselves in the process.
“Codependency feeds addiction,” Feldman asserts. “It justifies the addict’s behavior, shields them from consequences, and leaves the enabler feeling drained, resentful, and trapped.”
Feldman stresses that codependency is not a moral failing. It’s often rooted in childhood trauma, emotional neglect, or environments where love was conditional. These patterns carry into adulthood, influencing their ability to form healthy relationships and set boundaries while shaping their self-worth.
From Recognition to Recovery
Addressing codependency requires a distinct approach compared to standard addiction therapy. Feldman begins by fostering awareness, assisting clients in recognizing their patterns without shame. “Awareness isn’t just the first step. It’s the bridge out of denial.”
Her therapeutic model emphasizes:
- Boundary work: Learning to distinguish one’s feelings, responsibilities, and identity from those of others.
- Emotional literacy: Identifying and expressing emotions without guilt or justification.
- Self-worth reconstruction: Recognizing that love does not have to be earned through suffering or sacrifice.
Through workshops, individual sessions, and rehabilitation programs, Feldman empowers clients to reclaim autonomy, restore confidence, and redefine their relationships in healthier ways.
The transformations she witnesses can be staggering: individuals who once defined themselves solely through the lens of others’ needs begin to express their own identities. Parents who have overly managed their adult children learn to step back and encourage independence, while partners caught in toxic cycles start envisioning lives beyond mere crisis management.
A Broader Cultural Blind Spot
A key reason codependency remains obscured is the tendency in many cultures, particularly post-Soviet, to romanticize self-sacrifice—especially among women. Feldman refers to this as “the cultural glorification of burnout.”
“We celebrate the woman who gives everything for her family, who tolerates and forgives without end. But we often overlook the personal costs,” she notes.
In this context, therapy can serve as a transformative experience. “Teaching someone to say no, to claim their space, and to exist without guilt isn’t merely about personal growth. It’s a societal shift.”
Feldman advocates for societal education as a crucial step toward early prevention. She supports the incorporation of emotional boundary training in school curriculums and workplace wellness programs and frequently speaks at conferences about the long-term psychological repercussions of codependent behaviors.
Looking Forward
For Feldman, codependency transcends clinical definitions; it presents a societal challenge. Her goal is to educate not just individuals, but communities, including schools, families, and workplaces. She views emotional health as a collective responsibility.
Currently, she is formulating group training programs for educators and parents to promote early understanding of emotional boundaries and relationship dynamics. Additionally, her upcoming projects include online courses aimed at an international audience interested in sustaining emotional wellness and boundary training.
“We must stop teaching people to make themselves disappear for the sake of others. Especially girls. Especially empaths,” she emphasizes.
Her message remains resolute:
“Healing from addiction necessitates addressing the entire ecosystem of relationships. And codependency is the root system we must not overlook.”
