Tied Together

Purpose: To help patients understand the destructive nature of codependent relationships and encourage them to be more independent in their actions.

Materials:
   Rope cut into 24" pieces.
   Play-Doh

Tie each of the participant's wrists to another patient.  Everyone should have both wrists tied (to two different people).  Give each person a container of Play-Doh.  Instruct them that they are to use the Play-Doh to make something (i.e. a snowman, a heart, etc.)  Time them to see how long it takes.

After they have completed the task--or given up--untie their wrists.  Ask them to make the same sculpture with the Play-Doh.  Compare the dime difference.

Processing:
   Talk about what was different between the two experiences.  Explain what a codependent relationship is and how that was represented by having their wrists tied together.  Consider the following questions:
   - Which scenario was easier?  Explain.
   - Did you feel frustrated during the activity? How so?  What made it so frustrating?
   - How can having a codependent relationship impair your success?
   - How does this relate to your life, right now?  Explain.

Submitted by Andrea Call