In this episode of the Unbreakable Boundaries podcast, I talk openly about what it looked like when I was actually willing to go to rehab—and why that willingness did not make things neat, calm, or straightforward. My second time in treatment was very different from my first. The first time, I was more cornered than committed. The second time, I was desperate and broken enough to try again. I did not know if I wanted to live, much less if I could stay clean. I remember leaving for rehab terri...
Jun 18
15 min
In this Pocket Guide episode of the Unbreakable Boundaries podcast, I walk you through what to expect when your loved one goes to rehab and doesn’t really want to be there. I talk about how terrified and raw they often feel without drugs, and how their mindset going in—whether they asked for help or felt backed into a corner—shapes what happens next. I explain the common tactics you might see: picking apart the rehab, saying it’s a scam, bargaining to come home early, making big promises abou...
Jun 1
13 min
I want to speak directly to you as someone who may be walking alongside a loved one who is struggling with substance use. In a recent podcast conversation, I interviewed therapist Karen Perlmutter, who specializes in substance abuse and mental illness and has over a decade of experience working with families. Our discussion focused on her evidence-based curriculum designed specifically for families, available through her practice, Collaborative Counseling LLC. Karen’s work exists because she ...
May 25
1 hr
In this Pocket Guide episode of the Unbreakable Boundaries podcast, host Jennifer Maneely walks families through a practical but often overlooked question: how do you pack when your loved one is heading into treatment? Jennifer starts with the basics: always use the treatment center’s official packing list as your primary guide. Space is limited, so bring a reasonable amount of clothing with layers appropriate to the season—think a range of jackets in winter or light layers for summer, espec...
May 18
12 min
In this Pocket Guide episode of the Unbreakable Boundaries Podcast, host Jennifer Maneely walks parents and caregivers through the crucial step of having a loved one personally call rehab centers. Building on the previous episode about narrowing options down to three facilities, Jennifer explains why it’s essential that the person seeking treatment—not their family—makes the actual calls. She breaks down how this process helps your loved one build “skin in the game,” advocate for themselves, ...
May 11
12 min
In this “pocket guide” episode of the Unbreakable Boundaries podcast, host Jennifer Maneely shares how she quickly evaluates rehab centers when all she has is a website to go on. Speaking to families who are overwhelmed by endless Google results, she explains the simple criteria she uses to narrow options down to three solid choices.
May 4
11 min
Choosing a treatment center can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re scared, exhausted, and trying to do the “right” thing for someone you love. In this episode of The Unbreakable Boundaries Podcast, we break down how to navigate this decision with clarity, confidence, and compassion. We start by unpacking what “the right fit” really means. It’s not just about a glossy website or a quick admission date—it’s about matching your loved one’s needs with the appropriate level of care, philos...
Feb 3
52 min
In this podcast, Jen announces the rebranding of her podcast from Maneely Consulting to The Recovering Family, focusing on helping families with substance abuse issues. She outlines five principles for creating unbreakable boundaries: the Exchange Principle, emphasizing equal exchanges in financial, time, and energy; the Action Principle, stressing the importance of actions over words; the Present Principle, urging focus on the here and now; the Love Principle, advocating for loving communica...
Jul 28, 2025
34 min
In this episode of the podcast, host Jen Maneely welcomes Katie Kocher and her mother, Barb Kocher, to share their heartfelt journey through addiction and recovery. Katie opens up about her feelings of isolation and misunderstanding during her youth, despite excelling academically and athletically. Barb reflects on her unawareness of the signs of Katie's struggles and acknowledges the effects of their strict parenting approach. As Katie's addiction worsened, it led to serious consequences, in...
Oct 22, 2024
1 hr 7 min
Another Reddit Story/Question. What was dating in recovery like for you?
Oct 18, 2023
34 min
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