Codependency Therapists in Alvin, TX

Photo of Sandra Dominguez, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sandra Dominguez
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Alvin, TX 77511
My goal is to help my clients learn about themselves and their loved ones. We are all in relationships , so how do we get what we need from these relationships while giving others what they need as well? My goal is to help with this complex balancing act. Life transitions make balance difficult. So whether you are dealing with a new marriage/baby, an empty nest, marriage difficulties, job loss, grief or any number of these transitions, it is my goal to help my clients through these transitions with empathy, caring and common sense strategies from many theoretical perspectives.
My goal is to help my clients learn about themselves and their loved ones. We are all in relationships , so how do we get what we need from these relationships while giving others what they need as well? My goal is to help with this complex balancing act. Life transitions make balance difficult. So whether you are dealing with a new marriage/baby, an empty nest, marriage difficulties, job loss, grief or any number of these transitions, it is my goal to help my clients through these transitions with empathy, caring and common sense strategies from many theoretical perspectives.
(832) 664-7256 View (832) 664-7256
Photo of Stacy Sikes, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Stacy Sikes
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Alvin, TX 77511  (Online Only)
Hi there! My name is Stacy Sikes and I'm so honored to be entrusted in helping you with the difficulties you're experiencing right now. I provide the space for clients to share their triumphs and struggles in a safe environment. My style is laid-back, relaxed, and non-judgmental. I have a background in working with those struggling with major life changes, dealing with narcissistic personality partners/breakups, and have the skills needed to get you back on track and making better decisions for your relationships (both with others and yourself).
Hi there! My name is Stacy Sikes and I'm so honored to be entrusted in helping you with the difficulties you're experiencing right now. I provide the space for clients to share their triumphs and struggles in a safe environment. My style is laid-back, relaxed, and non-judgmental. I have a background in working with those struggling with major life changes, dealing with narcissistic personality partners/breakups, and have the skills needed to get you back on track and making better decisions for your relationships (both with others and yourself).
(832) 230-2092 View (832) 230-2092
Photo of Kristina Taylor, LCSW, CCTHP, CCATP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kristina Taylor
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CCTHP, CCATP
Verified Verified
Alvin, TX 77511  (Online Only)
Are you struggling in your relationships, unable to find the amazing connection you once shared? Has the intimacy in your relationship quietly disappeared? Has the communication stopped, or does it feel like it just leads to another argument? Are you exploring alternate lifestyles such as ENM, poly, swinging, open marriage? Needing help navigating boundaries, how to process feelings of insecurity, jealousy, or inadequacy? Whether you're a novice or a veteran in the kink BDSM community you may need of guidance and support. Do you want to feel like you are being your authentic self and able to communicate well with your partner(s)?
Are you struggling in your relationships, unable to find the amazing connection you once shared? Has the intimacy in your relationship quietly disappeared? Has the communication stopped, or does it feel like it just leads to another argument? Are you exploring alternate lifestyles such as ENM, poly, swinging, open marriage? Needing help navigating boundaries, how to process feelings of insecurity, jealousy, or inadequacy? Whether you're a novice or a veteran in the kink BDSM community you may need of guidance and support. Do you want to feel like you are being your authentic self and able to communicate well with your partner(s)?
(832) 219-7250 View (832) 219-7250
Photo of Rally Point Veterans Counseling Services - Rally Point Veteran counseling services, LPC, LCDC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Rally Point Veteran counseling services
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LCDC
Verified Verified
Alvin, TX 77511
No cost Veteran and Veteran family counseling services. "Our mission is to provide compassionate, comprehensive counseling services to veterans and their families, promoting mental health, resilience, and overall well-being. We are dedicated to honoring the sacrifices of our service members by offering personalized support, fostering a sense of community, and empowering veterans to navigate the challenges of civilian life with strength and confidence."
No cost Veteran and Veteran family counseling services. "Our mission is to provide compassionate, comprehensive counseling services to veterans and their families, promoting mental health, resilience, and overall well-being. We are dedicated to honoring the sacrifices of our service members by offering personalized support, fostering a sense of community, and empowering veterans to navigate the challenges of civilian life with strength and confidence."
(281) 784-9213 View (281) 784-9213
Photo of Judith Andriola, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Judith Andriola
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Alvin, TX 77511  (Online Only)
I look forward to sharing what I have learned from working with my clients for over 20 years and in my own personal life with you. I am committed to assisting you with your individualized goals to help improve whatever situation you may find yourself in. Whether you are suffering from anxiety , depression or are simply struggling to find a better way to manage life's daily stressors, I can help you tailor a plan that is exclusive to you. A plan that will support you in steering your circumstance in a more favorable direction.
I look forward to sharing what I have learned from working with my clients for over 20 years and in my own personal life with you. I am committed to assisting you with your individualized goals to help improve whatever situation you may find yourself in. Whether you are suffering from anxiety , depression or are simply struggling to find a better way to manage life's daily stressors, I can help you tailor a plan that is exclusive to you. A plan that will support you in steering your circumstance in a more favorable direction.
(979) 633-5147 View (979) 633-5147
Photo of Dawn Lawless - Counseling Connections for Change, Inc., Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Counseling Connections for Change, Inc.
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Alvin, TX 77511
We believe everyone should experience hope and we believe mental health matters. Through our faith-based counseling, education and collaboration efforts, we are the bridge to life-changing solutions. Since 2007, our professional counseling team has helped thousands find hope and improved quality of life. Our agency is trauma-informed and uses evidence-based interventions. We are trained to meet the unique needs of individuals, couples, and whole families. Whether you’ve experienced a sudden loss, or struggle with an ongoing issue, our team is dedicated to supporting your needs.
We believe everyone should experience hope and we believe mental health matters. Through our faith-based counseling, education and collaboration efforts, we are the bridge to life-changing solutions. Since 2007, our professional counseling team has helped thousands find hope and improved quality of life. Our agency is trauma-informed and uses evidence-based interventions. We are trained to meet the unique needs of individuals, couples, and whole families. Whether you’ve experienced a sudden loss, or struggle with an ongoing issue, our team is dedicated to supporting your needs.
(281) 724-3128 View (281) 724-3128
Photo of Jane Palacios, MA,  LPC
Jane Palacios
LPC-Associate, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Alvin, TX 77511
FAITH-BASED Counseling. NO Waitlist! AETNA accepted. Are you ready to explore the stories that have shaped you? If you're looking for a warm, welcoming, judgment-free space, I'd love to hear from you. I’m here to offer compassionate counseling for children, adolescents, and adults, combining my experience as an educator with clinical training and a passion for artistic expression. I’m dedicated to creating a warm, nurturing space for everyone. Using evidence-based practices like EMDR, CBT, and more, I gently guide clients in exploring their thoughts and feelings, fostering growth and resilience at their own pace.
FAITH-BASED Counseling. NO Waitlist! AETNA accepted. Are you ready to explore the stories that have shaped you? If you're looking for a warm, welcoming, judgment-free space, I'd love to hear from you. I’m here to offer compassionate counseling for children, adolescents, and adults, combining my experience as an educator with clinical training and a passion for artistic expression. I’m dedicated to creating a warm, nurturing space for everyone. Using evidence-based practices like EMDR, CBT, and more, I gently guide clients in exploring their thoughts and feelings, fostering growth and resilience at their own pace.
(832) 990-1622 View (832) 990-1622
Photo of Jamie Dock, MS
Jamie Dock
LPC Associate, MS
Verified Verified
Alvin, TX 77511
Jamie Dock is an LPC Associate under the supervision of Dr. Rick Ertell, LPC-S, EdD. Jamie has experience working with people ages 7 and up struggling with anxiety, adjusting to life transitions, and dealing with day-to-day stressors. Common goals Jamie has helped her clients achieve include exploring and increasing use of healthy coping skills, understanding complex emotions, and improving self esteem. One of the things Jamie values the most in her work is building a trusting therapeutic bond with her clients. While establishing and achieving goals help us to move forward, sometimes we just need to feel listened to and understood.
Jamie Dock is an LPC Associate under the supervision of Dr. Rick Ertell, LPC-S, EdD. Jamie has experience working with people ages 7 and up struggling with anxiety, adjusting to life transitions, and dealing with day-to-day stressors. Common goals Jamie has helped her clients achieve include exploring and increasing use of healthy coping skills, understanding complex emotions, and improving self esteem. One of the things Jamie values the most in her work is building a trusting therapeutic bond with her clients. While establishing and achieving goals help us to move forward, sometimes we just need to feel listened to and understood.
(346) 550-7838 View (346) 550-7838
Photo of Rick Ertell - MYS Counseling & Assessment, LPC-S, EdD, CART, Licensed Professional Counselor
MYS Counseling & Assessment
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S, EdD, CART
Verified Verified
Alvin, TX 77511
Our team is focused on helping our clients and their families find peace and success in their home, work and relationships through our unique method. It is brief and solution-focused, enabling clients to reconnect with their authentic selves and be the person they know they can be. Our therapists, psychologists and psychiatrists are of one mind, that you are unique and valuable, and have the potential to succeed in life and relationships. Our brief therapy period focuses on helping you know how your brain is tripping you up and how it can heal you as well, know yourself better than ever, and reclaim lost self-esteem and freedom!
Our team is focused on helping our clients and their families find peace and success in their home, work and relationships through our unique method. It is brief and solution-focused, enabling clients to reconnect with their authentic selves and be the person they know they can be. Our therapists, psychologists and psychiatrists are of one mind, that you are unique and valuable, and have the potential to succeed in life and relationships. Our brief therapy period focuses on helping you know how your brain is tripping you up and how it can heal you as well, know yourself better than ever, and reclaim lost self-esteem and freedom!
(979) 428-2930 View (979) 428-2930

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Myles Schutte, MA, LPC, CSAT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Myles Schutte
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CSAT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Pearland, TX 77581
Counseling is a process in which the client and the counselor come to understand and trust one another, work as a team to explore and define present problem situations, develop future goals for an improved life, and work in a systemic fashion toward realizing those goals. I have worked with clients on a variety of issues and have specialized in helping those with depression, anxiety, anger, codependency, sexual addictions, and sexual identity issues. I see such issues as symptoms of something deeper and my goal is to work with you to uncover those root issues.
Counseling is a process in which the client and the counselor come to understand and trust one another, work as a team to explore and define present problem situations, develop future goals for an improved life, and work in a systemic fashion toward realizing those goals. I have worked with clients on a variety of issues and have specialized in helping those with depression, anxiety, anger, codependency, sexual addictions, and sexual identity issues. I see such issues as symptoms of something deeper and my goal is to work with you to uncover those root issues.
(832) 990-8978 View (832) 990-8978
Photo of Kelvin L McHenry, MS, LPC, NCC, ADHD-CC, ASD-CS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kelvin L McHenry
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC, ADHD-CC, ASD-CS
Verified Verified
Friendswood, TX 77546  (Online Only)
My therapeutic services are dedicated to assisting clients ages 4-100 in the resolution of individual, marital, familial, relational, trauma/crisis, depression, anxiety, social phobias, anger management, LGBTQ, grief/loss, individuation (adolescent-teen), sexual abuse, domestic violence, child abuse/neglect, life transitions, codependency, passive-aggressive behavior, and self-esteem concerns.
I believe that every client has, within them, the power to overcome any obstacle. Whether it is individual, couples/marital, familial, or relational concerns, together through collaboration, we can find a solution. I am an empathetic & solutions oriented therapist who believes in empowering my clients. I have found that assisting a client to fill their life skills tool box with healthy tools is an excellent way to resolve personal concerns on a long term basis. Please feel free to contact my offices at 832-977-6138 to schedule an appointment or a phone consultation. We are only offering virtual sessions at this time.
My therapeutic services are dedicated to assisting clients ages 4-100 in the resolution of individual, marital, familial, relational, trauma/crisis, depression, anxiety, social phobias, anger management, LGBTQ, grief/loss, individuation (adolescent-teen), sexual abuse, domestic violence, child abuse/neglect, life transitions, codependency, passive-aggressive behavior, and self-esteem concerns.
I believe that every client has, within them, the power to overcome any obstacle. Whether it is individual, couples/marital, familial, or relational concerns, together through collaboration, we can find a solution. I am an empathetic & solutions oriented therapist who believes in empowering my clients. I have found that assisting a client to fill their life skills tool box with healthy tools is an excellent way to resolve personal concerns on a long term basis. Please feel free to contact my offices at 832-977-6138 to schedule an appointment or a phone consultation. We are only offering virtual sessions at this time.
(832) 648-3674 View (832) 648-3674
Photo of Mindy Clarkson, MEd, CBC
Mindy Clarkson
MEd, CBC
Verified Verified
Friendswood, TX 77546
FAITH-BASED counseling. NO waitlist. SAME week & EVENING appointments available! Working with Adolescents, Depression, Anxiety, Guilt/Shame, Relationships, Self Worth, Parenting, Women, Codependency, Grief, Adoption using Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Biblical Christian Counseling.
FAITH-BASED counseling. NO waitlist. SAME week & EVENING appointments available! Working with Adolescents, Depression, Anxiety, Guilt/Shame, Relationships, Self Worth, Parenting, Women, Codependency, Grief, Adoption using Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Biblical Christian Counseling.
(832) 653-4435 View (832) 653-4435
Photo of Carol S. Kerr, MEd, LPC, LCDC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Carol S. Kerr
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, LCDC
Verified Verified
Santa Fe, TX 77510  (Online Only)
My Specialties Include: Parenting Education (Behavior, Adoption, Foster Care), Child/Adolescent (Behavior, Life Changes, ADHD, School, Depression, Anxiety), Adults (Depression, Anxiety, Divorce), Marital/Couple Counseling, Personal Growth, Aging, Work Conflicts, Drug & Alcohol, Codependency, Acute Crisis Counseling (Loss), Christian Counseling (on request).
I am a highly experienced Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. I work with Children, Adolescents, and Adults. My Counseling Style is Solution-Oriented and Positive. Due to personal life histories there is no one-size-fits-all approach to counseling. Therefore, using a team approach we can sort out what choices may be a good fit for your unique personality and aspirations.
My Specialties Include: Parenting Education (Behavior, Adoption, Foster Care), Child/Adolescent (Behavior, Life Changes, ADHD, School, Depression, Anxiety), Adults (Depression, Anxiety, Divorce), Marital/Couple Counseling, Personal Growth, Aging, Work Conflicts, Drug & Alcohol, Codependency, Acute Crisis Counseling (Loss), Christian Counseling (on request).
I am a highly experienced Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. I work with Children, Adolescents, and Adults. My Counseling Style is Solution-Oriented and Positive. Due to personal life histories there is no one-size-fits-all approach to counseling. Therefore, using a team approach we can sort out what choices may be a good fit for your unique personality and aspirations.
(281) 336-9470 View (281) 336-9470
Photo of Allison Jeanette Briggs, LPC, MEd, Licensed Professional Counselor
Allison Jeanette Briggs
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MEd
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Friendswood, TX 77546
Do you notice yourself trying to please others or find yourself in unhealthy and destructive relationships and/or work patterns? Do you depend on your partner's happiness to feel ok? Do you think your childhood is impacting the way you relate to others today? Do you notice toxic people showing up in your life and an inability to say no when your boundaries are violated? The good news is that you are noticing these things. That awareness is the stepping off point towards evolving and shedding the layers of who you are NOT, in order to return home to the essence of who you truly are.
Do you notice yourself trying to please others or find yourself in unhealthy and destructive relationships and/or work patterns? Do you depend on your partner's happiness to feel ok? Do you think your childhood is impacting the way you relate to others today? Do you notice toxic people showing up in your life and an inability to say no when your boundaries are violated? The good news is that you are noticing these things. That awareness is the stepping off point towards evolving and shedding the layers of who you are NOT, in order to return home to the essence of who you truly are.
(832) 956-1508 View (832) 956-1508
Photo of Charles Huston McComb Jr, M A, LPC-S, CSAT, CMAT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Charles Huston McComb Jr
Licensed Professional Counselor, M A, LPC-S, CSAT, CMAT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pearland, TX 77581
Huston is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S). He uses Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy, and other proven methods of counseling. Having a Christ-centered focus is paramount to his counseling. He earned is supervisor status as he enjoyed supervising PLC interns, sharing the twenty plus years of experience with counselors starting their journey into the profession. He is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a well-known treatment for trauma. He is a certified sex addiction therapist (CSAT) and certification as a certified multiple addiction therapist (CMAT).
Huston is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S). He uses Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy, and other proven methods of counseling. Having a Christ-centered focus is paramount to his counseling. He earned is supervisor status as he enjoyed supervising PLC interns, sharing the twenty plus years of experience with counselors starting their journey into the profession. He is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a well-known treatment for trauma. He is a certified sex addiction therapist (CSAT) and certification as a certified multiple addiction therapist (CMAT).
(346) 220-0087 View (346) 220-0087
Photo of Melinda Goudeau, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Melinda Goudeau
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Friendswood, TX 77546
Accepting new clients! Looking for a safe place to heal? I offer a judgement-free, come as you are space to bring your brand new struggles or the problems you have suffered from for as long as you can remember. With over 20 years of experience counseling adults of all ages, I will meet you where you are to help you get where you want to be!
Accepting new clients! Looking for a safe place to heal? I offer a judgement-free, come as you are space to bring your brand new struggles or the problems you have suffered from for as long as you can remember. With over 20 years of experience counseling adults of all ages, I will meet you where you are to help you get where you want to be!
(713) 678-0403 View (713) 678-0403
Photo of Clifton E. Brantley, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Clifton E. Brantley
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Manvel, TX 77578  (Online Only)
Is your relationship/marriage on the verge of driving you crazy? Do you say one thing but they often hear something else? Do you struggle to resolve conflict effectively? You need help that actually works. You cannot get life right if you get relationships wrong. And if you learned it wrong you will live it wrong. With over a decade of experience, I can help you take your relationship from 'surviving' to 'thriving.'
Is your relationship/marriage on the verge of driving you crazy? Do you say one thing but they often hear something else? Do you struggle to resolve conflict effectively? You need help that actually works. You cannot get life right if you get relationships wrong. And if you learned it wrong you will live it wrong. With over a decade of experience, I can help you take your relationship from 'surviving' to 'thriving.'
(832) 900-2088 View (832) 900-2088
Photo of Olivia Pudlo, MSW, LCSW, CEMDR, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Olivia Pudlo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CEMDR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pearland, TX 77584
Life can feel overwhelming at times. Therapy is an opportunity to gain self-awareness and emotional support during life’s inevitable challenges and obstacles. If you find yourself struggling with anger, stress, anxiety, hurt, depression, shame, or guilt; you don’t have to live this way anymore. Change is always possible. It is my passion helping clients discover a deep appreciation for themselves and the experiences they have been through, while finding joy, purpose, and meaning in their current circumstances.
Life can feel overwhelming at times. Therapy is an opportunity to gain self-awareness and emotional support during life’s inevitable challenges and obstacles. If you find yourself struggling with anger, stress, anxiety, hurt, depression, shame, or guilt; you don’t have to live this way anymore. Change is always possible. It is my passion helping clients discover a deep appreciation for themselves and the experiences they have been through, while finding joy, purpose, and meaning in their current circumstances.
(832) 737-8278 View (832) 737-8278
Photo of Jessica Walden-Glass - Right Mentality Mental Health and Wellness, LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor
Right Mentality Mental Health and Wellness
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Pearland, TX 77584
Imagine taking a step towards making your mental health stability as equally important as you do your physical health. Society has indirectly taught us "to be strong", "pray about it", or "it's okay not to be okay". But, what if I was here to tell you that your mental needs have a direct effect to your overall physical health. There's this misconception about seeking therapeutic services and my primary goal is to bridge the gap of mental health stigmas.
Imagine taking a step towards making your mental health stability as equally important as you do your physical health. Society has indirectly taught us "to be strong", "pray about it", or "it's okay not to be okay". But, what if I was here to tell you that your mental needs have a direct effect to your overall physical health. There's this misconception about seeking therapeutic services and my primary goal is to bridge the gap of mental health stigmas.
(346) 590-6717 View (346) 590-6717
Photo of Shameitra N. Green, MA, LMFT-S, Marriage & Family Therapist
Shameitra N. Green
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT-S
Verified Verified
Manvel, TX 77578
I am psychotherapist and founder of my private practice, Nexus Therapy, where I serve adolescents, adults, and families in Pearland.TX and surrounding areas. My client populations includes individuals and families dealing with complex trauma and PTSD, survivors of neglect and sexual abuse, grief, and attachment disorders. I am also a Certified EMDR Therapist and Certified Energy Healing Practitioner for trauma treatment in my belief of holistically addressing trauma and grief. I provide trauma informed trainings and consultation to assist agencies, schools, and trauma professionals in enhancing their trauma informed best practices.
I am psychotherapist and founder of my private practice, Nexus Therapy, where I serve adolescents, adults, and families in Pearland.TX and surrounding areas. My client populations includes individuals and families dealing with complex trauma and PTSD, survivors of neglect and sexual abuse, grief, and attachment disorders. I am also a Certified EMDR Therapist and Certified Energy Healing Practitioner for trauma treatment in my belief of holistically addressing trauma and grief. I provide trauma informed trainings and consultation to assist agencies, schools, and trauma professionals in enhancing their trauma informed best practices.
(281) 628-2123 View (281) 628-2123
Codependency Therapists

What therapy types help with codependency problems?

Both couples and family therapy and cognitive and behavioral therapy (CBT) can help with the relationship difficulties referred to as codependency. Such problems typically include inappropriate feelings of responsibility for a loved one’s destructive behavior, irrational patterns of thinking about such behavior, and family interaction patterns in which the needs of one troubled member override the needs of others in a household.

What happens in therapy for codependency?

Spouses and family members learn and practice how to interact and support each other in a healthy way without sacrificing their own needs or well-being. They learn the limits of their responsibility for their loved ones and correct faulty patterns of thinking and feeling that underlie codependent behavior. Individuals may be encouraged to nurture an array of social relationships and to cultivate their own talents and interests so that they develop a healthy sense of self outside the family.

How does therapy help a person or couple overcome codependency?

Therapy helps people establish healthy ways of being in a relationship. Spouses and family members learn how to nurture and support one another without sacrificing their own needs or allowing the needs of one person to dominate the dynamic. Individuals learn how to say no and set boundaries, and how to maintain their own identity and self-esteem. Therapy helps people understand that they are not responsible for the feelings and actions of others. It also helps individuals deal with the turbulence that can come from living with a person suffering from such conditions as substance abuse and mental illness.

What is the goal of therapy for codependency?

One goal of therapy for codependency is to alleviate feelings of responsibility for and correct irrational patterns of thinking about loved ones whose behavioral problems override the needs of others in a household. Therapy helps people establish healthy boundaries of behavior and speak up for their own needs in a relationship. In addition, people learn how to maintain a healthy relationship, one in which both parties give and receive equally and are able to retain their own identity.