Pro-Dependency Not Codependency: Practical Family Recovery Tools with Dr. Mike Barnes

This episode dives into practical tools for family healing: impact letters, story-writing, coaching and virtual group work. Dr. Mike describes how narrative exercises and peer feedback help family members externalize the illness, process emotions, and rewrite their stories. He explains why coaching and education often work better initially than therapy—reducing defensive reactions and increasing engagement—and how virtual apps and Zoom groups create ongoing social support. Listeners hear examples of how families change when one member recovers, and how healthier boundaries and shared recovery improve outcomes for everyone.

Connect with Dr Mike:

https://www.drmikebarnes.com

https://www.mbfamilyinstitute.com

https://www.foundryfrontrange.com/

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Until next time... be gentle with yourself, stay curious, and keep finding your own way forward