<p>In this episode of <em>The Dude Therapist</em>, I sit down with <strong>Sarah Michelle Boes</strong>, a family nurse practitioner, mother, and advocate, who opens up about her powerful journey of navigating <strong>OCD</strong> and parenting a child with <strong>congenital heart defects</strong>.</p><p>Sarah shares how her professional background as a healthcare provider shifted when she became the parent of a child with complex health needs, and how her own mental health journey reshaped her perspective. From the importance of <strong>accurate diagnosis</strong> and <strong>externalizing OCD</strong>, to the <strong>emotional duality of joy and grief in parenting</strong>, Sarah’s story is one of resilience, honesty, and advocacy.</p><p>We dive into:</p><ul><li><p>The challenges of <strong>parenting through uncertainty</strong> and the vital role of <strong>teamwork in relationships</strong></p></li><li><p>Why parents are the <strong>true experts</strong> in their child’s health journey</p></li><li><p>The importance of <strong>raising awareness and funding for heart defects</strong></p></li><li><p>Strategies for <strong>managing OCD</strong> while showing up as a parent</p></li><li><p>How <strong>effective communication</strong> can strengthen relationships during the hardest times</p></li></ul><p>If you’ve ever struggled to balance your own mental health while parenting—or felt the tension between love, fear, and advocacy—this episode will leave you feeling seen and supported.</p><p>👉 Don’t miss this candid, heartfelt conversation that reminds us of the power of love, teamwork, and speaking up.</p><p><br></p><p>🌐 Connect with Sarah Michelle Boes</p><p>🔗 Website: <a href="https://sarahmichelleboes.com/" target="_new" rel="noopener">sarahmichelleboes.com</a><br>📸 Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sarahmichellenp/?hl=en" target="_new" rel="noopener">@sarahmichellenp</a><br>🎙️ Podcast: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/real-deal-nurse-practitioner-club/id1552285929" target="_new" rel="noopener">Real Deal Nurse Practitioner Club</a><br>💼 LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-michelle-287616232/" target="_new" rel="noopener">Sarah Michelle Boes</a><br>🌌 Community: <a href="https://cosmicgroupchat.com/" target="_new" rel="noopener">Cosmic Group Chat</a></p>