BALM® (Be A Loving Mirror) Family Recovery Coach
Trained by BALM® Family Recovery Resources Life & Family Recovery Coach Training
Certified Facilitator for The Work of Byron Katie
Master of Social Work
(retired with inactive license as clinical social worker)
I have learned so much through struggle and experience. It's with gratitude that I can appreciate it for its guidance and purpose. But, that doesn't mean it's easy when struggles hit, and hit hard. Coming out on the other side and thriving because of the struggle and experience is surely possible and doable. As such, it has become my honor and mission to help people heal and transform lives. Before The Work and before diving into my own Recovery, I had strong tendencies to control, get depressed and was easily triggered. I kept everyone at a distance to save me from being hurt because I was in deep fear of feeling any more pain, of being vulnerable, and barely able to handle frustration. Through my own healing and application of methods and tools that work profoundly, I’ve learned that not knowing is often a welcomed state of possibilities, and getting into my business of what I can do rather than expecting others or the world to change. I've learned that my happiness is my job. I no longer dump that responsibility onto others and blame them for not being able to do the impossible. Communication and relationships are deeper and kinder, and it begins and ends with how I show up.
I've realized incredible healing because of and from a loved one’s murder. I’m no longer stuck in the images of his death, killing any chance of peace and forgiveness. I've learned a better ability to care for loss and grief without disconnecting from myself and the love that surrounds us all. My dear one's tombstone reads so beautifully, "Love Made Visible". He surely did, and I surely hope to honor his life by doing the same. And, honestly, I have to do my own work to do that.
One of the most profound transformations for me to put love in action includes my son's addiction to drugs. I knew that I needed some strong tools and some deep healing to show up in a way that not only helps me, but could help him too. I've experienced pure grace in loving him without the desperate need to change him, or fix the situation. It's really helped me to be with him, and with myself, and has actually improved our relationship in many ways despite the insanity common to addiction. It continues to be a source of inspiration, as well as a call to compassion and service. As my mind, body and spirit are refreshed, so is change, growth, and more authentic living. It is a life's practice for life itself.
As parent of a child addicted to drugs, I've used all the resources I can share with you, and more. I have years of educating myself, seeking my own support, being coached and doing the transformation work to move forward and rise above. My motto is "Drugs don't win. Love does!" I want to be part of solutions and change, not another victim of this epidemic, and I want to join with as many as possible to shift into change, healing and action to help us all. This is my way of living in action with a mission, and in service to family who feel desperate because of the stranglehold addiction can create. I also facilitate The Work as a way to question the fears all too strong and common in addiction and as we walk this life journey. As we find deeper awareness and understanding, develop skills, it all gives way to a more peaceful and effective approach.
Though it may be challenging at times, it's with understanding, education, support, and new action that greater peace and love will guide the way to turn things around. In my experience, as I open up to the world, the world opens up for me. As I find peace within, the world becomes a more peaceful place and relationships change. Love is the greatest energy known to man and most powerful when in put into action. It is Love Made Visible.
I invite you to join me in finding peace and schedule a Complimentary Introduction
Working with Joanne has unlocked subconscious thoughts that have been creating chronic anxiety in my body for a lifetime. She was able to help me identify the thoughts that were creating the situation and then was present with me as I went into the feelings related to this. This awareness has precipitated a cascade of positive change and is pivotal in the healing process related to my physical limitations. I highly recommend her powerful presence for inquiring into thoughts that may be creating any kind of discord or anxiety in your life. The time I spent with her was completely transformational. ~ T
I love your enthusiasm, and how committed you are to other people's lives moving forward also. ~ R
Thank you for providing me an exquisite facilitation that allowed me to remove more pieces of armor and feel very safe in doing so. I felt so held and connected by a loving guiding heart, one that knows when to nudge and when to rest quietly. I had actually thought about not working on the topic (not really feeling sure of where I wanted/needed to go next) and you surely picked up on a belief causing me pain, which allowed me to clarify. Thank you so much, I am still wide open! ~ N
I came to you so distraught, and our work together helped me to realize so much. For the first time in such a long time, I felt lighter. My daughter isn't talking with me, but I'm talking with me and feel connected to her again. Thank you so much. This was the best money I've ever spent. ~ L
I found Joanne's facilitation of the group gentle, direct and insightful. She shared her feelings honestly and showed me that it is OK to look at what is really happening inside me. I was able to experience the stillness of being without a story. ~ C
The skill and ease with which Joanne facilitated "The Work" was beyond impressive. And, in such an inclusive manner! ~ K
Joanne is an excellent facilitator. Insightful, clear with calming energy. ~ A
I love your enthusiasm, and how committed you are to other people's lives moving forward also. ~ R
Thank you for providing me an exquisite facilitation that allowed me to remove more pieces of armor and feel very safe in doing so. I felt so held and connected by a loving guiding heart, one that knows when to nudge and when to rest quietly. I had actually thought about not working on the topic (not really feeling sure of where I wanted/needed to go next) and you surely picked up on a belief causing me pain, which allowed me to clarify. Thank you so much, I am still wide open! ~ N
I came to you so distraught, and our work together helped me to realize so much. For the first time in such a long time, I felt lighter. My daughter isn't talking with me, but I'm talking with me and feel connected to her again. Thank you so much. This was the best money I've ever spent. ~ L
I found Joanne's facilitation of the group gentle, direct and insightful. She shared her feelings honestly and showed me that it is OK to look at what is really happening inside me. I was able to experience the stillness of being without a story. ~ C
The skill and ease with which Joanne facilitated "The Work" was beyond impressive. And, in such an inclusive manner! ~ K
Joanne is an excellent facilitator. Insightful, clear with calming energy. ~ A
Spreading Peace Together
Each time you invest in yourself through one of the programs, 10% of your contribution goes towards a non-profit initiative for drug awareness, prevention and treatment.
You’re not only helping yourself, you’re also helping others along the way.
Each time you invest in yourself through one of the programs, 10% of your contribution goes towards a non-profit initiative for drug awareness, prevention and treatment.
You’re not only helping yourself, you’re also helping others along the way.