Paula McNabb
Severe Mental Health Family Support Coach
I provide compassionate coaching and guidance for families and loved ones navigating the complexities of supporting someone with severe mental illness.
Supporting a loved one through severe mental illness can be incredibly challenging, often leaving you feeling unheard and overwhelmed.
My coaching sessions are designed to provide you with the support, understanding, and tools you need to navigate this journey.
Why Coaching Sessions with Me Can Be Valuable
Being Heard and Understood
I’ve been where you are and have personal experience dealing with a loved one with mental illness. I offer a compassionate space where your feelings and challenges are truly heard. If you’re supporting a partner, adult child, or loved one through extreme mental states, it’s essential to acknowledge that you, too, are going through a difficult time. Together, we can explore ways to help you cope more effectively while enhancing your capacity to support your loved one.
Enhancing Your Support Capacity
Families can play a crucial role in supporting someone experiencing bipolar, schizophrenia, and schizoaffective. Families often feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or isolated. I offer a non-judgmental space to express your emotions and frustrations while providing empathy and support.
Guidance and Support for You
Perhaps the most important aspect of our work together is the support I provide for you. The more balanced and resourced you are—physically, emotionally, and mentally—the better equipped you'll be to hold space for your loved one.
I offer support sessions as an 'expert by experience'. I am not a licensed psychotherapist or counselor.
I offer strategies to prevent caregiver burnout, including boundary setting and self-care practices, ensuring you can sustain your support role without sacrificing your well-being.
About Me
I grew up in the Pacific Northwest and dedicated 34 years to public service with the U.S. District Court. After retiring during the pandemic, I felt drawn to a path where I could help people on a deeper level, offering real support and understanding.
My journey into mental health advocacy began when my son was diagnosed with Bipolar 1 Disorder with psychotic features at the age of 19, following a psychotic break and subsequent hospitalization. I was deeply disheartened by the lack of support and resources available—not just for my son, but for our family as caregivers. This marked the beginning of an 11-year journey of research, therapy, and discovering resources for families dealing with severe mental illness.
My mission is to help my son live his best life while navigating the challenges of Bipolar 1 Disorder, and to provide support and guidance to other caregivers facing similar struggles. I am passionate about ending the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness, empowering families, and ensuring they have access to the resources they need.