WElcome to Coda!
What Is Codependency?
If you are new to CoDA you may be wondering "Am I codependent?" At CoDA, we offer no definition or diagnostic criterion for codependence. What we do offer is a list of patterns and characteristics as a tool to aid in self evaluation.
What meeting can I go to?
You can attend any meeting that fits your schedule. There are no requirements or materials needed to attend a CoDA meeting. If you are new to CoDA, please contact Adam W. 402-670-5872, codaomaha@yahoo.com with any questions.
What is a meeting like?
Regular or "open" meetings start with about 15 - 20 minutes of planned readings, introductions and announcements. Readings include the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions, Patterns of Codependency, etc. There is a reading or topic of the day to consider, and the rest of the time is used for open sharing, which may or may not be related to the reading of the day. After the open sharing, the meeting closes, usually with a closing prayer.
Sharing is completely optional and up to you. In our meetings, we speak about our own experience, and we listen without comment to what others share. We work toward taking responsibility for our own lives, rather than giving advice to others. This is why crosstalk is strongly discouraged during our meetings.
Examples of crosstalk may include, but are not limited to: giving unsolicited feedback, advising, answering, making "you" and "we" statements, interrogating, debating, criticizing, controlling, dominating, minimizing another person’s feeling or experiences, physical contact or touch, body movements such as nodding one’s head or other gestures, verbal sounds or noises, or referring to someone present by name. Crosstalk guidelines help keep our meetings a safe place.
Are coda meetings a classroom or Therapy?
No, CoDA is not a class or therapy. It is a support group that puts you in contact with others who share a similar journey.
Do I have to pay or pre-register?
No. You do not need any prior experience, and meetings are always free. If you are new to a meeting, we recommend giving yourself a little extra time to find the location, so you are not stressed out.
Contact the chair of the meeting if you are not sure where it is located, or if the meeting falls on a major holiday. Meetings may very occasionally be cancelled due to severe weather, illness or holidays.
Generally there is someone there about 10 minutes before the meeting to set up.
How Do I Learn More About CoDA?
You are always welcome at any of our weekly meetings. You could also begin by reading these sections to find out what CoDA is all about: The CoDA Basics page on this website contains contains all the foundational documents of CoDA. If you would like to attend a CoDA meeting, please check our Meetings page.
A folder of helpful newcomer's information is also available at most CoDA meetings.
Suggested Resources -- These are some books and other resources that our members have found helpful and passed along to help others who still suffer.
Do you have meetings in Lincoln?
Yes, there are two registered meetings in Lincoln, NE. You can visit www.CoDA.org for a full list of meetings in your area.
What if I want to start a meeting?
Foundational documents for a CoDA meeting are available free online here. CoDA is a no-cost, all-volunteer support program, so meetings are run by our members rather than therapists or professionals. CoDA meetings must also be registered on the CoDA.org website so that they may be found by our members. If you need to register or update a meeting, please click here.