Resources

The internet is full of resources. These are the ones that made a difference.

A curated collection from my own journey — including ones I wish I'd found much sooner.

Books

Addiction & Recovery

Addictive Thinking
Abraham Twerski

A classic book exploring the thinking patterns that often fuel addiction and how individuals can begin changing them.

STOP: Things You MUST Know Before Trying to Help Someone with Addiction
Glenn Rader

Explains common mistakes people make when trying to help someone with addiction and offers healthier ways to respond.

The Trauma Heart
Judy Crane

Explores the powerful connection between trauma and addiction, and how healing trauma can support recovery.

Codependent No More
Melody Beattie

A widely recommended book for understanding codependency and learning to create healthier boundaries in relationships.

The Language of Letting Go
Melody Beattie

A daily meditation book offering reflections and encouragement for those healing from codependency and relationship challenges.

Parenting

The Journey of the Heroic Parent
Brad Reedy

A compassionate guide encouraging parents to focus on their own growth while supporting children through emotional or behavioral struggles.

Letters from the Wilderness of Modern Parenting
Vashti Summervill

Honest reflections that offer reassurance and perspective to parents navigating the complexity of raising teens today.

The Parallel Process
Krissy Pozatek

Explains how parents' emotional growth can positively influence their child's therapeutic and developmental journey.

Personal Growth & Self-Reflection

The Gifts of Imperfection
Brené Brown

A powerful book about letting go of perfectionism and cultivating self-compassion, courage, and authenticity.

Braving the Wilderness
Brené Brown

Explores belonging, vulnerability, and how to remain authentic even when we feel alone or disconnected.

Rising Strong
Brené Brown

Focuses on resilience and how people can learn, grow, and recover after setbacks or failures.

Nonviolent Communication
Marshall Rosenberg

A practical and transformative approach to communication built on empathy, clarity, and mutual understanding.

The Knight in Rusty Armor
Robert Fisher

A symbolic story about emotional defenses, vulnerability, and the journey toward self-awareness.

Letters of Juliet to the Knight in Rusty Armor
J.D. Gill

A companion reflection to The Knight in Rusty Armor that deepens the themes of vulnerability and emotional growth.

The Dance of Anger
Harriet Lerner

A thoughtful exploration of how anger can be a powerful signal for change rather than something to suppress. The book offers insight into relationship dynamics, emotional patterns, and how setting clear boundaries can lead to healthier connections and greater self-understanding.

The Four Agreements
Don Miguel Ruiz

A concise and influential book outlining four guiding principles for living with greater personal freedom.

The Alchemist
Paulo Coelho

A beloved novel about following one's purpose and listening to the wisdom of the heart.

Podcasts

Finding You
Brad Reedy

Conversations about parenting, personal growth, and supporting young people through emotional and behavioral challenges.

Success is Subjective
Joanna Lilley

A podcast focused on redefining success for young adults and supporting alternative paths to growth and independence.

Hope Stream Podcast

Stories, expert insights, and encouragement for parents navigating addiction and mental health challenges with their children.

Websites

Addiction Support

Partnership to End Addiction Free
drugfree.org

Offers education, tools, and support for families navigating substance use and recovery.

Al-Anon Family Groups Free
al-anon.org

Support groups for families and friends affected by alcoholism and substance use disorders. (See also Nar-Anon.)

Insurance Support

Mental Health and Autism Insurance Project Free
mhautism.org

Provides guidance and advocacy resources for navigating insurance coverage related to mental health and autism services.

Eating Disorder Support

Oona Hanson
oonahanson.com

Provides parent-focused education, resources, and a widely respected newsletter about eating disorder awareness and recovery.

National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD) Free
anad.org

Offers free peer support groups, mentorship, and recovery resources.

FEAST – Families Empowered and Supporting Treatment of Eating Disorders Free
feast-ed.org

Provides education and support for families helping a loved one recover from an eating disorder.

Mental Health Support

BPD Alliance Free
bpdalliance.org

Offers two free educational programs:

  • Family Connections – Support for loved ones of individuals with emotional dysregulation or BPD traits
  • Managing Suicidality and Trauma Recovery

Programs include breakout groups that often continue as peer support communities. A formal BPD diagnosis is not required.

NAMI – National Alliance on Mental Illness Free
nami.org

Provides free support groups, education programs, and mental health advocacy resources.

Program Directories

Young Adult Transition Association
yata.net/yata-members

Directory of programs that support young adults in developing independence, life skills, and transition to adulthood.

National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs
natsap.org

Professional association and directory of therapeutic schools, residential treatment programs, and behavioral healthcare providers.

All Kinds of Therapy
allkindsoftherapy.com

A comprehensive online directory of therapeutic programs, including wilderness therapy, residential treatment, therapeutic boarding schools, and young adult transition programs.

Paid Support Options

Other Parents Like Me Paid
oplm.com

A community platform where parents can connect with others facing similar challenges and access educational resources.

Hope Stream Community Paid
hopestreamcommunity.org

A supportive online community for parents navigating addiction and mental health struggles.

Therapeutic Consultants

A therapeutic consultant (also called a therapeutic educational consultant) helps families navigate complex mental health, behavioral, or educational challenges by identifying appropriate treatment programs and coordinating care options.

Independent Educational Consultants Association
iecaonline.com
Therapeutic Consulting Association
therapeuticconsulting.org

Articles & Reading

Welcome to Holland
emilyperlkingsley.com/welcome-to-holland

A well-known essay by Emily Perl Kingsley about adjusting expectations and finding meaning in unexpected life journeys.

The Drama Triangle: The Way Out Is In
medium.com

Explains the relationship dynamics of victim, rescuer, and persecutor — and how to shift toward healthier interactions.

Across Cultures, Women Are Carrying Pain Quietly, and the Future of Wellness Depends on Whether We Respond with Shame or Support
heatherhayes.com

By Heather Hayes.

Videos

A documentary explaining the neuroscience of addiction.

Watch on YouTube

A short film portraying a young girl's internal struggle with an eating disorder.

thewrestler.org

A brief animated video illustrating the difference between empathy and sympathy.

Watch on YouTube

A short talk explaining how blame prevents accountability and growth.

Watch on YouTube

A powerful animated short about resilience, perspective, and acceptance.

Watch on YouTube

A documentary exploring Joseph Campbell's concept of the Hero's Journey and its connection to personal transformation.

Watch at bouldercrest.org

A Note from Patricia

These resources have meant something to me personally, and I hope some of them find you at just the right moment. You don't have to navigate this alone — there is a community of parents who understand, and there is support available.

Book a Free Consultation