Today’s episode is a special one.

I’m joined by longtime client Jessica Ponn, LCSW, who helps parents support their adult children through addiction recovery with strategy, clarity, and confidence — not panic. Her work fills a critical gap for families navigating one of the most emotionally charged and high-stakes situations imaginable.

Jessica shares her honest journey from therapist to coach — including the fear, hesitation, mindset shifts, and breakthroughs that came with betting on herself. We talk about trusting the process, building a meaningful niche, navigating business dips, and what actually creates momentum when things feel stuck.

If you’ve ever wondered whether pivoting is worth it, felt scared to invest in yourself, or questioned whether you’re really cut out for the next level — this episode will meet you exactly where you are.

In this episode, we cover:

• What it really feels like to transition from therapist to coach
• The fear of success vs. the fear of failure
• How Jessica found a powerful, underserved niche
• Why parents play a critical role in long-term recovery outcomes
• What causes inevitable dips in business — and how to rebound
• How one coaching session led to a $12,000 week
• The 80/20 rule and letting go of perfectionism
• Why strategy and mindset must work together
• What Jessica wishes she’d known when she started

About Jessica Ponn, LCSW

Jessica Ponn, LCSW, specializes in guiding parents to effectively help their adult children get and stay sober. She has over 15 years of experience in the addiction field, having worked as a therapist and Clinical Director at a premier South Florida dual-diagnosis treatment center while also running a successful private practice.

Jessica is deeply passionate about supporting parents who often underestimate the powerful influence they have on their child’s recovery — and who are too often left without clear guidance when making critical parenting decisions. She has empowered hundreds of parents to make strategic changes that promote sustained recovery and deter relapse. Jessica now offers her support nationwide through her one-of-a-kind virtual coaching program.

Resources & Links

• Connect with Jessica Ponn on Instagram
• Join her Facebook group: Parenting That Promotes Recovery
• Click here to explore different options to work with Carly

Quote from this episode: “It works if you work it — but you don’t have to do it alone.”