Compassionate, evidence-based support for those navigating a loved one’s substance use.

“I cannot thank Joanne enough for getting me through some extremely hard times with our son… I was at the end of my rope. I felt I had no place to turn… I realized after the first meeting, Joanne was onto something that is different in regard to recovery. It is a whole different way to look at addiction. With love and science. With taking pauses when conversations are getting heated. Calming down the talk, letting them know that you will support them in the recovery… With even just a little bit of guidance from Joanne, I was able to calm myself when talking with our son. It has also helped my life in many ways. I know Joanne will be there to help me with any steps moving forward from her Healing Hearts Support Group, or a private family consultation. This is all being a lifesaver for our family.”

“Nothing is black and white and everyone is on their own journey. I need to remind myself that the person I love is still inside and I need to be supportive and I didn’t know what that meant. But now I have new tools to try. Nothing is going to be easy and we have a long road ahead. But I felt like I had tried everything. I like the idea of supporting his recovery with compassion rather than anger. I have a lot of work to do on myself and this has motivated me to do just that. I really want to thank you and your team for having me there and inviting me into your home. I also love the gifts we received. The hoodie, notebook and pen. It was unforgettable. Thanks for being selfless and wanting to help others that are struggling. You’re going to help change the world for the better. The world needs more people like you.”

“I would like to sincerely thank Joanne & Melissa who organized The Confidence to Rise Women’s Retreat for Mental Health and Addictions. I loved attending this retreat, it gave me the opportunity to connect with other women who have undergone some of the same challenges with mental health and addiction. It was also a wonderful refresher for me on the tools Joanne teaches. Joanne is easy to talk to and a wealth of knowledge. She offers practical ideas and different approaches that can help us better understand how we react and communicate with an addicted loved one. I am grateful for the safe and welcoming space you created where we could have open honest conversations, we felt supported, learning new ideas based on a different approach to an addicted loved one. I really liked having the time to reflect and write down what we would like to let go of and release it with a few gentle words to ourselves. Melissa taught us, through her Outdoor Adventure Rediscover Play, that we can do hard things and once we complete the task, how good that feels. It was very meaningful activity. This was a beautiful outdoor setting added to the experience. It was a place we all could feel heard, supported, understood and accepted. My takeaway… Don’t forget about yourself! You matter! Thank you so much Joanne and Melissa for all the work you put into these retreats.”