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.

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!

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.

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.

When it comes to parenting adults with SMI, unfortunately, there is no “magic bullet.” It’s more like bird-shot. I teach a variety of evidence based skills and best-known-practices such as LEAP, Motivational Interviewing, CBT, and CBTp (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Psychosis). Learning these skills alone will only get you so far….the magic is in the practice! And we’ll do lots of that together.