Family Support in San Pedro | Coastwise Health

Addiction Is a Family Disease

Addiction doesn't just affect one person — it affects everyone around them. The worry, the frustration, the helplessness, the grief. If someone you love is dealing with addiction, you already know this. You've been carrying a weight that nobody talks about — the toll that addiction takes on the people around it. Our Family Support program provides support for everyone affected.

We believe that recovery is stronger when families heal together. That's why we created Family Support — not just for the person in treatment, but for the parents, the partners, the children, and the siblings who have been affected too. Through family therapy sessions where the client participates alongside their loved ones, this program creates a shared space for healing, education, and connection.

Led by Dr. Dan Gibson

Our Family Support program is led by Dr. Dan Gibson, a deeply experienced clinician and community leader. Dr. Gibson holds a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) from Claremont School of Theology and a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary. He is also a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor I (CADC I).

Dr. Gibson served for many years at the Thelma McMillen Recovery Center, where he developed extensive expertise in family systems, addiction, and recovery support. A Southern California native with deep roots in San Pedro, Dr. Gibson brings both professional excellence and genuine community connection to every session. His warmth, wisdom, and decades of experience make him an exceptional guide for families navigating the challenges of addiction.

Why Family Support Matters

Families play a critical role in the recovery process. When family members are informed, supported, and empowered, outcomes improve for everyone. Our Family Support program helps you:

Rebuild trust — Honest communication and consistent follow-through are the foundation of restoring damaged relationships
Understand addiction's impact — Learn how addiction affects the brain, behavior, and family dynamics so you can respond with clarity instead of confusion
Set healthy boundaries — Discover the difference between supporting and enabling, and develop boundaries that protect both your loved one's recovery and your own well-being
Improve communication — Learn new patterns of communicating that foster connection, reduce conflict, and create space for honest dialogue
Build tools for resilience — Develop coping strategies for managing your own stress, anxiety, and emotions so you can show up from a place of strength

What to Expect

Family Support provides a structured, supportive environment where families can learn and heal together. Sessions include the client alongside their family members, and each session is designed to be both educational and therapeutic:

Family therapy sessions led by Dr. Dan Gibson in a safe, nonjudgmental setting, with the client and family members participating together
Education on addiction, trauma, and family systems — understanding what addiction is, how it works, and how it affects family dynamics
Practical tools that you can apply immediately to improve your daily interactions and relationships
Strategies for stress, communication, and self-care — because taking care of yourself is not selfish, it's essential
A shared healing experience where clients and their loved ones work through challenges together with professional guidance

Get in Touch

If you or your family would like to learn more about Family Support, we're here to help. Reach out to us anytime:

Call: (424) 536-3002

Email: info@coastwiseMHCC.com

Healing Starts With a Conversation

Whether you're calling for yourself or for someone you love, we're here to listen. No judgment, no pressure — just honest guidance from people who care.

Call (424) 536-3002 Get Started Online