Families in rural communities are carrying a heavy, often invisible load in the unregulated toxic drug crisis. At Cool Family Solutions, our 10‑week program is designed to support those unpaid family caregivers—parents, partners, siblings, and friends—who are doing their best with limited resources and very little recognition. The research below highlights just how critical family caregiving is, and why strengthening the whole family system is at the heart of our work. Resear

"I've told you this before and I will say it again.. .YOU SAVED MY LIFE!!!! and my son too by teaching me the tools to care for him! I am loving my support peer group sessions!! Loving them!" Participant in the 10-week Cool Family Solutions session in 2023 Yesterday, this participant was reaching out to ask if she could have a family member call me. Answer was absolutely! Told her another session would be starting sometime after Feb 5th. Why the call? Family member really s

Dr. Wayne Hammond is the founding Partner/CSO of Flourishing Life. I am grateful when I connected with him 2008 when I started Cool Family Solutions. WHY? I had heard about his knowledge on resilience which captured my attention as I felt this was something families needed to know they had strengths that were untapped when faced with mental health/addiction, conflict in the family. In 2024 , we became partners! His strength-based questionnaire provided an outcome report pre

"In a world where mental health challenges are often seen as individual struggles, families are left to navigate the complex web of support systems, each pulling in different directions. The prevailing focus on individual problems often leaves the family unit fragmented and struggling to function as a cohesive system" Neil E..Neary, BA, DC, MPH-HP of Neary Consulting Inc Today, I am doing a post sharing what has led me to provide a resource for families, has been in existenc

8 STATEMENTS that can be a GUIDE for FAMILIES 1995 was the year that changed my life to communicate better and know how to approach situations when faced wit mental health in the family. The lessons learned were a work in progress one small step at a time I accpet the reponsibility to know my role without rescuing when supporting others I let go of trying to fix someone's situation rather help them discovr answers to their own situation I realize "taking care of myself" is a

Together We're Better (Brochure) : In collaboration with families, Alberta Health Services(AHS) developed a brochure that shares ideas about ways to build partnerships with healthcare providers. Mona collaborated in developing the brochure and always recommends it to families and caregivers willing to support their loved ones. You can have a copy at the AHS website: ( https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/service/Page11433.aspx ) or directely through the link https://www.albe

Healthy, honest conversations are the key to resolving difficult situations and disagreements collectivley. How an individual approaches a difficult situation predicts the outcome. Ask yourself these questions Do you have good intentions toward a resolution that is good for everyone? Are you calm and focused on the problem instead of the person? Is everyone truly listening instead of planning their comeback? Examining these aspects of communication is beneficial in working to

Attending the Recovery Capital Conference in Calgary ( September 23 - September 25 2025) was insightful and a valuable learning...

What is meant by it is not a lecture, it's a how to? Cool Family Solutions Families Helping Families 10-week session is NOT a Lecture, it...

After hearing all the alcolades received about our friends, Tom and Sonja Shinduk, and listening to the stories shared by others and...

A story needing to be told emphasizing how capable a family can be when working through the challenges when faced with a family member...

The Power of Cognitive Flexibility Learning to apply what you've mastered in one context to another is a powerful way to build cognitive...

When a family member is facing mental health challenges or addiction, it can feel overwhelming. You want to help, but you're not sure...

Top 10 Characteristics of Family Dynamics Families often approach Cool Family Solutions seeking help with challenges within their family....

Cool Family Solutions Strengths-Based Differs From Traditional Support Programs Shift from Problem-Focused to Growth-Focused to what...

3 Pillars of Flourishing Life Questionnaire of Flourishing Life Technologies In a world where mental health challenges are often viewed...

Personal life and Worklife Flourishing When our personal life is affected with critical situations such as I mentioned in my last blog,...

Our life changed drastically when my husband Ted was rushed to the hospital August 18, 2024 in Calgary due to my daughter hearing him...

When a family member is facing mental health challenges or addiction, it can feel overwhelming. You want help, but you're not sure how....

In a world where mental health challenges are often seen as individual struggles, families are left to navigate the complex web of...