Hi, I'm Shanen.
✨I help exhausted parents of adult children with severe mental illness get control of their thoughts, feelings, & future -so they can support their child without losing themselves in the process.
If this is you…I got you.
Are you ready to find peace & perspective— even in the midst of the chaos?

FAQ-
Here are some common questions that parents have:
Who do you typically work with, and what kinds of challenges are they facing when they come to you?
I work with loving, exhausted parents who have an adult child with a serious mental illness—often one who doesn’t think they’re sick, resists treatment, or pushes the parent away. Many are dealing with grief, fear, and guilt, unsure how to help without enabling or losing themselves in the process. They’ve often tried books, therapy, or support groups but still feel stuck. They’re not looking to give up on their child—but they are looking for a better way forward.
How is what you do different from others in your field?
Most programs teach “skills.” (I do too!) But strategies alone won’t work if you’re still living in fear—trying to protect, fix, and control your child’s life to get them the recovery we all desperately want. I help parents gently confront their fears & grief so they can empower their child’s recovery while setting boundaries and staying connected, using evidence-based methods. My combination of heart work and skills application is what creates lasting change!
My child isn’t speaking to me. Do I need to have contact before working with you?
Not at all. In fact, many parents begin this journey during a season of disconnection. That doesn’t mean things are hopeless. There’s still so much you can do—within yourself and for the relationship. Even without direct contact, you can begin to change the dynamics, set healthy boundaries, and prepare for future interactions in a way that builds trust and connection instead of tension and fear.
What kind of results or transformation can I expect from working with you?
You can expect to feel more grounded, confident, and in control of your own emotions—even when your child’s situation hasn’t changed. Parents I work with learn how to set boundaries that actually stick, rebuild connection (even if contact is limited), and begin to live their own lives again without the constant weight of fear, guilt, or confusion. You’ll shift from reacting to your child’s behavior to responding with clarity, compassion, and strength.
I’ve walked this road—and
can help you find solid ground.
I’m a licensed therapist, certified coach, and a parent who understands firsthand how disorienting it can be to support an adult child with serious mental illness. My approach blends clinical expertise, practical tools, and deep empathy—because this work isn’t just professional for me, it’s personal.
Whether you’re navigating trauma, parenting an adult child in crisis, or just trying to stay grounded in a chaotic world, I am confident combining faith, neuroscience, and evidence-based strategies to help you feel steady, hopeful, and clear on your next steps. You don’t have to figure this out alone.

Thinking you might need something more?
I offer several levels of support, depending on your needs, location, and situation. 1:1 coaching is available in all locations. For those residing in Wisconsin, both coaching & counseling are options.
Because state laws currently limit counselors to practicing only in the state where they’re licensed, counseling is restricted to Wisconsin residents for now. However, new legislation may soon allow therapists to support clients across state lines. Until then, we’ll talk through your specific circumstances together to determine whether counseling or coaching is the right fit for you. Here are some general guidelines to help you differentiate between the two.
Counseling
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(Re)gain ability to function daily
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Heal from past trauma
- Regulate emotions during medication adjustment
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Assessment, diagnosis and treatment planning
- Explore the past/root causes of mental illness/ dysfunction
- Clinical treatment for mental illnesses
Coaching
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Learn parenting tools for adult children with SMI
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Set boundaries without abandonment or guilt
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Learn how to communicate with your adult child
- Practice & get coached on difficult conversations
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Move from enabling to empowering your child
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Reclaim peace, confidence, & self-care