To the Family

If everyone in the family is being honest, the journey up until this point has been painful, angering, worrisome and fearful for the entire family.  After so many days and nights praying, arguing, begging, pleading, crying, and holding your breath, or maybe even feeling like giving up; it is well understandable and valid to experience a rollercoaster of emotions and behaviors as mentioned here.  For your loved one, never stop praying, that never needs to change and those prayers will always be appreciated even when they can not express it. That being said, the other behaviors and words that come with them while fully valid for the family are received most often as guilt and shame provoking attacks validating the cycle of behaviors everyone wants to see change. 

The work with the loved one and their family has been proven to increase likilihood for success.  Loved ones, be prepared to hear and understand without becoming defensive or taking on elements of your own guilt and shame as we all must be open to learn and grow.  Communicate with emotional vulnerability and safety. 

In my own journey (Josh) both personally and professionally, I have learned the power, intimacy and vulnerability that our words have over us