An eight-week adult support group
Growing Up With a Parent’s Mental Illness
“The roles you learned can make sense—and you can practise new ways of responding.”
A structured, psychoeducational and skills-based group for adults who grew up with a parent or parenting figure affected by mental health or substance-use challenges.
Overview
A space to understand what is happening beneath the surface
This closed eight-week group offers accurate information, shared recognition, and present-day skills practice for adults who learned to watch moods, keep the peace, take on too much responsibility, achieve, or ask for very little. Together, we will explore these adaptations without turning them into labels or diagnoses, and practise grounding, responsibility sorting, small requests, workable limits, and self-compassion. This is not group psychotherapy, diagnosis, individualized treatment, family mediation, or a crisis service; it does not include trauma-processing exercises or detailed trauma disclosure.
Who this group is for
Adults aged 18 or older who grew up with a parent or parenting figure who had a mental health or substance-use condition—diagnosed or not—and who recognize patterns such as over-responsibility, mood-scanning, conflict avoidance, self-silencing, perfectionism, or difficulty receiving care. The group is designed for people seeking accurate information and practical skills, who can share at headline level, listen to others, and use a pass or a break when needed.
Eight weekly sessions
Time to be announced
In person or secure video
Before deciding
Questions to consider about a group format
It can be useful to consider what you hope to discuss, whether a shared setting feels workable, and what kind of structure would support you. The answer may change over time. Interest in a topic does not by itself determine whether this particular group is appropriate or whether participation will be available.
Group members bring different histories, perspectives, and comfort levels. A facilitated group can offer a structured opportunity for reflection and connection, but it does not guarantee a particular experience, relationship, or outcome. Program expectations, privacy considerations, and alternatives can be discussed before you decide whether to enroll.
Before participating, you can ask how the group handles attendance, confidentiality expectations, communication outside sessions, and what to do if a concern arises between meetings. Those questions support informed participation, but a website description and brief inquiry cannot replace a fuller conversation about safety, current needs, or clinical appropriateness. Enrollment is considered individually and may depend on availability, informed consent, and the group’s stated focus. You may also decide that a different format is preferable.
Objectives
What you can expect to work toward
Understand common childhood adaptations—including parentification, hypervigilance, caretaking, peacekeeping, self-silencing, and role reversal—as learned responses rather than fixed identities.
Distinguish elevated average risk from certainty, and symptoms or associations from individual diagnoses.
Recognize recurring present-day patterns and the situations that tend to activate them.
Practise grounding and present-moment skills that fit your own body.
Sort what is yours, what is shared, and what was never yours to carry.
Make a small, specific request, accept an offer of help, and plan a safe, workable boundary with aftercare.
Leave with a written personal support plan and clearer options for seeking appropriate care.
Thoughtful fit and a supportive start
Before joining, we will have a brief conversation to make sure this structured group is a supportive match for what you are working on. If acute crisis, current safety concerns, severe symptoms, substance withdrawal, or a need for individual trauma-processing support is the main concern, we will discuss a more appropriate first step and welcome a future conversation when the timing is right.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Still have questions?
If you are unsure whether this service is the right next step, reach out with a general question and the practice will be glad to help.
Consultation process
Questions about a brief consultation
A brief conversation can help clarify fit before you decide whether to move forward.
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A considered next step
Interested in learning whether this group is a fit?
Share a few details, and the practice will follow up about this program.
What to expect after emailing
Dr. Lozano will review your note and follow up to discuss whether this group may be a good fit. Sending an email does not reserve a place or commit you to participating.