About emotional dependency
Emotional dependency shows as an intense fear of abandonment, needing constant approval or staying in relationships that cause harm. Therapy works on self-esteem, boundaries and the patterns learned in previous relationships.
Psychotherapists are professionals trained in one or more models of psychotherapy (psychodynamic, systemic, humanistic, cognitive-behavioural…). The protected title and requirements vary by country; profiles show each professional’s training and registration.
Getting mental health care in Iraq
Public health system · Ministry of Health public health services
Public mental health care is run by the Ministry of Health, whose 2015 National Mental Health Strategy aims to integrate mental health into primary health care with a community-based approach. WHO and the ministry train non-specialist staff in primary health care centres to identify and manage common mental disorders (mhGAP). Specialist inpatient care is concentrated in a few psychiatric hospitals in Baghdad (Ibn Rushd and Al-Rashad) and psychiatric units in general hospitals, and there is a recognised shortage of psychiatrists. More information
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Iraqi Medical Association (Doctors' Syndicate, Niqabat al-Atibba). Doctors, including psychiatrists, are registered with the Iraqi Medical Association. Ask the psychiatrist for their syndicate registration.
Urgent help in Iraq
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 122 · Ambulance
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: emro.who.int, emro.who.int, odihpn.org, shafaq.com
Signs to look out for
Wanting closeness is human. It may be emotional dependency when your well-being depends almost entirely on one person, you feel intense anxiety at the thought of losing them, you constantly seek reassurance, give up your own needs, friends or interests to keep the relationship, or stay in relationships that hurt you because being alone feels unbearable. It can happen with partners, family or friends.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Psychologists and psychotherapists can help you understand where these patterns come from and build a more secure sense of self. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), schema therapy, attachment-focused and psychodynamic approaches are often used, as well as work on self-esteem, assertiveness and boundaries. If the relationship involves control or abuse, specialised support services can also help.
When to seek urgent help
If you are in a relationship where you are threatened, controlled, harmed or afraid, and you are in immediate danger, contact your local emergency services. Specialised domestic violence services can help you plan for safety. Seek urgent help too if the fear of losing someone, or a breakup, leads to thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life.
What you can do in the meantime
Try to rebuild areas of your life that do not depend on one person: friendships, hobbies, time alone and personal goals. Notice when you seek reassurance and practise tolerating a little uncertainty. Writing about your feelings can help you recognise patterns. Lean on people who respect you, and look for reliable information on healthy relationships and warning signs of control.
What does a psychotherapist do?
A psychotherapist helps people understand and change emotional, relational and behavioural patterns through a structured therapeutic relationship. Their work is shaped by one or more models, such as cognitive-behavioural, psychodynamic, systemic, humanistic or integrative therapy. They meet individuals, couples, families or groups, usually in regular sessions, and spend time outside sessions on notes, preparation and their own supervision.
When to see a psychotherapist
Psychotherapy suits people who want to work in depth on recurring difficulties: anxiety, low mood, relationship patterns, self-esteem, the effects of past experiences or major life transitions. It can also help when you feel stuck without a clear diagnosis. If you need a formal diagnosis, a specific psychological assessment or medication, a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist may need to be involved.
How to choose
When choosing, check the licence and training, the approach they use and whether they have experience with what you need. Consider practical aspects too: language, price, location or online sessions and availability. The relationship with the professional matters a great deal; if after a few sessions it does not feel right, it is fine to change.
Frequently asked questions
Does the public health system in Iraq cover psychological care?
Public mental health care is run by the Ministry of Health, whose 2015 National Mental Health Strategy aims to integrate mental health into primary health care with a community-based approach. WHO and the ministry train non-specialist staff in primary health care centres to identify and manage common mental disorders (mhGAP). Specialist inpatient care is concentrated in a few psychiatric hospitals in Baghdad (Ibn Rushd and Al-Rashad) and psychiatric units in general hospitals, and there is a recognised shortage of psychiatrists.
How do I check that a psychotherapist is licensed in Iraq?
Iraqi Medical Association (Doctors' Syndicate, Niqabat al-Atibba): Doctors, including psychiatrists, are registered with the Iraqi Medical Association. Ask the psychiatrist for their syndicate registration.