Consumer's Guide to Mental Health
When Helping Hurts: Recognizing the Difference Between Support and Enabling with Amber Hollingsworth
In this episode of The Consumer’s Guide to Mental Health , Dr. Margo Jacquot sits down with Amber Hollingsworth to explore the often-overlooked difference between helping and enabling. While many people associate enabling with providing money or covering for a loved one’s mistakes, it can also take more subtle forms—such as stepping into the role of the fixer, critic, or enforcer. Driven by love, concern, and a desire to protect those we care about, these behaviors can sometimes have unintended consequences. Together, they discuss how family members and friends can unintentionally become so focused on managing another person’s struggles that the issue shifts from the underlying problem to conflict within the relationship itself. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of healthy support, the importance of boundaries, and practical ways to encourage growth and accountability without taking responsibility for someone else’s choices. Whether you’re supporting a loved one through addiction, mental health challenges, or other life difficulties, this conversation offers valuable insight into how to help in ways that truly promote healing and change. What You'll Learn: The key differences between helping and enabling, and why the distinction matters How the roles of fixer, critic, and enforcer can unintentionally contribute to enabling behaviors Practical ways to offer support without taking ownership of someone else's choices or outcomes Actionable steps for moving from a cycle of fixing and rescuing to one of encouragement, support, and empowerment Bio: Amber Hollingsworth is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Master Addiction Counselor (MAC), and a Licensed Professional Supervisor for both LPCs and CACs. She has been working with individuals and families struggling with addiction since 2004 and has worked as an inpatient counselor and at every level of outpatient care. She is the owner and founder of Hope for Families Recovery Consultants. Connect with Amber: https://www.familyrecoveryacademy.online/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/amber-hollingsworth-833111b8/ https://www.instagram.com/puttheshoveldown/ Dr. Margo Jacquot is the award-winning founder and Chief Care Officer of The Juniper Center, one of the largest woman-owned counseling and therapy practices in the Chicago area. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in trauma recovery, addiction treatment, and LGBTQ-affirming therapy. Dr. Jacquot is also the host of the "Mental Health Business Mentor" podcast, where she shares insights on running a successful mental health practice. Connect with Dr. Margo Jacquot: Website: thejunipercenter.com Instagram: @thejunipercenter Facebook: The Juniper Center
