.....Many people do not realize that co-dependency is an addictive process -- a disease just like any other addiction. Co-dependency can be described as a dysfunctional pattern of living in which one overreacts to things going on outside of oneself and under reacts to what is going on inside. It involves compulsive behaviors and dependence upon approval from others in order to achieve a sense of safety, identity and self-esteem. Co-dependents put all their efforts into those around them, neglecting to fully take care of themselves, especially emotionally. Co-dependency is a disease that, if left untreated, can lead to other addictions such as eating disorders, substance dependence, workaholism and compulsive spending.....
 
...... The Co-Dependent Professional
Before I conclude, I would like to discuss the challenges of professional co-dependency.  
Many professionals exhibit co-dependent characteristics at one time or another; often this is part of the profession itself. We are expected to put our own issues aside in order to best serve the needs of our clients. We are taught to maintain control within therapy sessions and create a safe environment for our clients to express their feelings. The basic role of the therapist is to "help" our clients in some way.
 
Often one becomes a professional in this field because of being raised in some sort of dysfunction and chaos. Having grown up a co-dependent, working in this field seems only natural. Professionals need to be aware of acting out the disease of co-dependency to their clients. We need to be aware of what is going on inside ourselves. The disease becomes active when we begin feeling the pride, shame and doubt that we see in our un-recovering clients. It is all too easy for a co-dependent therapist to begin taking pride in the power of therapy and trying to control the client's behavior. The therapist should be aware of the feeling that he or she can manipulate the clients into becoming healthy. Also, the therapist should not take all the credit for clients' successes.
 
Shame creeps in when the therapist begins to feel that he or she can truly control the client's behavior. When things do not go right, the therapist feels personal blame. The therapist's sense of well-being becomes directly proportional to the success of the clients, and the disease of co-dependency becomes active once again.  
All therapists want to see their clients succeed, but occasionally can doubt their own professional competency. When this crosses over into doubt of oneself as a person, the disease is activated. Every therapist makes a judgement call once in a while, then reflects on whether the right decision was made. If this becomes a habitual practice, one is back in the disease process. It is important for professionals to acknowledge that we must take care of ourselves first, before we can best serve our clients.
 
For those who are co-dependent, active participation in a 12-step program is essential. Also look at other options for a healthy well-being, such as meditation, relaxation techniques and utilizing a support network, in order not to become co-dependent as a result of our profession. We must be continuously aware of ourselves and take care of ourselves, in order to care for our clients in a manner that is healthy not only for them, but for us as well.

http://www.addictionrecov.org/paradigm/P_PR_SP98/Lavick.html