Welcome Families!

Substance Use Disorder (SUD) impacts the entire family. 
This page and others linked below feature information specifically for parents, grandparents, guardians, siblings and others who care about someone with an SUD. You’ll find recorded presentations and supportive information.

You’ll find some of the presenters and panelists who have shared their expertise and experience at various programs listed below. Their contact information may be found by clicking on the “Learn More…” buttons.

Be a Part of the Conversation programs do not provide behavioral health advice and are for informational purposes only. Our programs are not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding substance use disorders or related family needs. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or seen in any Be a Part of the Conversation program or video.

Visit these pages to learn more.

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“Healing the Traumatized Family”

This program was presented virtually on May 17, 2023. We only recorded the presenters’ portion of the program in order to provide privacy for questions and answers.

Anyone emotionally invested in a person with a Substance Use Disorder (addiction) is at risk of experiencing trauma. Parents, in particular, may have lost sight of their own wellbeing in an effort to coax or manage the recovery of their child. The stress of seeing someone you love live with the pain of addiction can be devastating. Emotions including grief, rage, depression, shame and fear can take their toll on family members’ health and relationships.

This program explored opportunities for family members to heal, embrace healthy changes, and sustain recovery for themselves.

Meet Our Presenters!

Patrick Dowling, LPC

Ken Beldon, LSW

No Bad Parts: Healing Trauma and Restoring Wholeness with the Internal Family Systems Model

Transcending Trauma: Healing Complex PTSD with Internal Family Systems

The One Inside: 30 Days to Your Authentic Self

The One Inside: An IFS podcast

IFS Meditations on Insight Timer

The Pixar movie, Inside Out

Quote from Rainer Maria Rilke, Letters to a Young Poet:

“Perhaps all the dragons in our lives are princesses who are only waiting to see us act, just once, with beauty and courage. Perhaps everything that frightens us is, in its deepest essence, something helpless that wants our love.”

“A Night of Family Recovery”

This in-person program featured esteemed clinician, Lisa Silk, LCSW. We addressed the challenges faced by family members who love someone with a Substance Use Disorder (addiction). We also heard personal stories from someone in recovery from a Substance Use Disorder and a family member with lived experience.

Thank you to our host, Chester County Hospital / Penn Medicine.

This program was funded by the Chester County Department of Drug & Alcohol Services.

Meet Our Presenter!

Lisa Silk, LCSW

Clinical Director and Founder, Silk Counseling Group

For parents of adolescents and young adults:

“Healthy Boundaries, Healthy Family”

Many parents struggle with finding balance in their relationships with their kids. What does having healthy boundaries mean? We want to have a close connection, but are we trying to be their friend? We know we need to keep an eye on their behaviors, but are we invading their privacy?

This program helps us to prepare our children for healthy independence and tools for establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries with our kids.

Our special guest on March 7, 2023 was Lex Remillard, MSW, LCSW, a licensed therapist from Therapeutic Alliance who works with adolescents, young adults and their families. Also on are panel were Sarah Brooks, LPC from Downingtown Area School District, and Christine Dziembowski, MPH and Bethann Cinelli, D.Ed. from Communities that Care of Greater Downingtown.

Thank you to our Community Partners: Communities That Care of Greater Downingtown and the Downingtown Area School District.

This program was funded by the Chester County Department of Drug & Alcohol Services.

“Stress, Anxiety & Teens”

Stress and anxiety present challenges for many high school students. We are still learning the effects of the COVID pandemic on adolescent mental health. Join us to learn tools that will help you to support your kids as they manage stress, anxiety, and other challenges.

This program was hosted by the Hatboro-Horsham School District & funded by the Hatboro-Horsham Educational Foundation.

Lizzy Lopez, MA, LPC, NCC, Outpatient Clinician at Ethos Treatment, LLC
Lizzy is an experienced clinician who has experience with working in primarily mental health programs. Lizzy has a variety of experience with people in different developmental stages including working with adolescents and young adults.

Pam Herman

Hatboro-Horsham High School Guidance Counselor
email:  phermann@hatboro-horsham.org

Dawn Tucker, MA

HHSD Coordinator of Special Services

Michael NG

Owner & Operator of Mulberry House

Kim Porter, CFRS

Executive Director, Be a Part of the Conversation

Keys to Family Recovery

Many family members who love someone with a substance use disorder (addiction) have experienced pain, frustration, fear, or trauma. Isolation due to stigma and a feeling that no one understands can erode family well-being. This program explores family recovery and shares healthy strategies for healing.

Panels include Rick Shugart, MFT, along with family members who have been impacted by addiction.

Meet Our Presenters!

Rick Shugart, MFT

Family Therapist

Pam & Bill Roberts

Family Members

“A Conversation with Madeleine Dean & Harry Cunnane”

Special thanks to U.S. Congresswoman Madeleine Dean and her son,Harry Cunnane, for joining us to discuss their book, Under Our Roof: A Son’s Battle for Recovery, a Mother’s Battle for Her Son.

Those interested in reading Under Our Roof might consider purchasing from a local independent bookstore such as Main Point Books. The title can also be found on Amazon for those who prefer Audiobooks and Kindle.

Madeleine and Harry also published a children’s book, You Are Always Loved: A Story of Hope.

Meet Our Presenters!

Madeleine Dean

Representative, United States Congress
& Author, Under Our Roof

Harry Cunnane

Regional Vice President, Caron Treatment Center
& Author, Under Our Roof

Learn about Parent Partnership meetings taking place weekly throughout the region and on Zoom!

Parent Partnership engages parents, families and caregivers of those impacted by addiction through a network of support groups led by compassionate volunteers with lived experience. Weekly meetings provide access to expert resources and help navigating a healthier path forward for families.