For Professionals
Support for the Parents You Serve
Parent coaching for families navigating substance use,
recovery, and related failure-to-launch concerns.
When a young adult is struggling, parents are often carrying fear, confusion, and pressure behind the scenes. They may understand the recommendations they have been given and still find it difficult to know what to say, what to stop doing, or how to follow through.
I help parents find steadier, more effective ways to respond—so they can support change without taking over and care for themselves without stepping away.
When Parent Coaching May Help
A referal may be helpful when a parent:
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Feels overwhelmed by active substance use, treatment decisions, a return to use, or recovery
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Is caught in repeated conflict or no longer knows how to communicate effectively
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Struggles to set boundaries or distinguish support from rescuing
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Needs guidance while a young adult is in treatment, recovery housing, or transitioning home
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Is concerned about a young adult who is not moving forward—with or without substance use
Parents can begin coaching whether or not their young adult is participating in
treatment or ready to make a change.
A Practical Complement to Clinical Care
Parent coaching focuses on the parent’s role: how they communicate, the choices they make, the boundaries they set, and how they care for themselves while remaining connected to their child.
My approach draws from CRAFT, the Invitation to Change Approach, and professional coaching practices. Together, we work on practical skills that can help parents reduce conflict, use their influence more effectively, support recovery without enabling, and respond with greater clarity.
Coaching does not replace therapy, substance-use treatment, or other clinical care. It can complement those services by helping parents apply new approaches within daily family life. With the parent’s permission, I am glad to communicate briefly with a referring or treating professional when that would be helpful.
What Families Can Expect
The work is private, virtual, and tailored to what is happening in the family.
Most families begin with six weekly coaching sessions, along with between-session email support and practical resources they can use at home.
The goal is not to give parents a formula or tell them what they “should” do. It is to help them understand their options, make thoughtful decisions, and respond in ways they can sustain.
Referring a Parent
If you would like to discuss whether parent coaching may be appropriate for a family, please contact me directly.
With the parent’s permission, you may also make a warm introduction by email. I will then speak with the parent privately about what is happening and whether coaching feels like the right fit.
Mary Ann C. Palmer, CPC
203-858-4054 | maryann@maryanncpalmer.com
Speaking for Parent Programs
I am available to speak to parent groups hosted by treatment programs, recovery residences, and organizations that support families affected by substance use.
About Mary Ann
I am a Certified Parent Coach, Certified CRAFT Peer Coach, Certified Trainer in the Invitation to Change Approach, and Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner. I am also a member of the International Coaching Federation and an Online Support Group facilitator volunteer with the Partnership to End Addiction.
My work is shaped by both professional training and lived experience as the mother of a son in long-term recovery.
Let's Connect
To discuss a referral, professional collaboration, or speaking inquiry, contact me directly.
Mary Ann C. Palmer, CPC
203-858-4054 | maryann@maryanncpalmer.com