Thawing Adult/Child Syndrome and other Codependent Patterns (Thawing the Iceberg Series)

Break free from the invisible chains of childhood and reclaim your True Self.

Do you find yourself stuck in unhealthy relationships, people-pleasing patterns, or a constant fear of abandonment? These may be signs of unresolved emotional wounds rooted in early life experiences. Thawing Adult/Child Syndrome and Other Codependent Patterns is a compassionate guide for anyone struggling to understand the lasting impact of childhood trauma on adult behavior.

Written by Don Carter, MSW, LCSW—an experienced therapist and author of the bestselling Thawing the Iceberg Series (over 8,500 copies sold)—this book offers an empowering roadmap to break free from codependent cycles and rediscover the True Self beneath the layers of emotional adaptation.

Many of the survival strategies we developed as children—such as people-pleasing, perfectionism, emotional caretaking, or withdrawing—are actually parts of us trying to protect the wounded child within. While these parts once helped us survive, they often become poor substitutes for healthy adult coping skills. When triggered, they can create cycles of emotional dysregulation, reinforce toxic shame, and perpetuate abandonment fears. Over time, this leads to recurring relationship dysfunction and negative core beliefs that block personal growth and intimacy.

Inside, you'll explore:

• The psychological roots of Adult/Child Syndrome and how it forms in childhood
• The difference between the True Self and False Self—and how to reconnect with your authentic identity
• How to recognize internalized shame, perfectionism, or emotional caretaking patterns
• Practical tools for healing emotional wounds and creating healthier boundaries

Includes FREE access to:

• A companion online course based on the book’s teachings
• Membership to the Serenity Cafe Recovery Portal with exclusive tools, meditations, and community access

This book is part of the transformative Thawing the Iceberg Series, a collection of trauma-informed healing resources that integrate Internal Family Systems (IFS), ego-state therapy, and emotional recovery work.

Start your journey toward emotional freedom today — visit https://portal.serenitycreationsonline.com/i/tacs-dls to unlock your free resources after purchase.

Don Carter, MSW, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker and the author of the Thawing the Iceberg Series. Drawing on over three decades of experience in mental health, trauma recovery, and addiction treatment, Don integrates Internal Family Systems, ego-state therapy, and spiritual growth into his work. He is the founder of Serenity Cafe Recovery Center, where he helps individuals reclaim their emotional freedom and reconnect with their True Selves.