Enabling is when you act in ways that help someone maintain harmful behaviors.

Supporting is when you help them avoid harmful behaviors and make it easier to choose healthier behaviors.

Supporting is when you help them avoid harmful behaviors and make it easier to choose healthier behaviors.

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While enabling allows an individual to avoid the consequences of their behavior, supporting does not.

Confused about what does and doesnt constitute enabling?

How to stop enabling your loved ones using 6 therapist-approved tips.

Two people’s legs touch under a table as they work on their laptops.

Chicago-based psychotherapist

Identify your own role in the situation

No one is enabled in isolation.

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2.

We can have coffee or take a walk outside, Dr. Daramus suggests.

Books on grief are seen floating against a backdrop of clouds.

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Michelle Monaghan, Carrie Coon, and Leslie Bibb in The White Lotus, symbolizing toxic friendships.

Chicago-based psychotherapist

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Courtesy Berkley Publishing