How I Work With Families. A Clear Path Forward.
Over nearly 30 years of working with individuals and families, and through my own life experiences, I've learned that difficult situations don't always come with clear answers.
Sometimes we react before we have the whole story. Sometimes we make assumptions based only on what we know, what we've been told, or what we see in front of us. And sometimes we know something needs to change, but we simply don’t know where to begin.
That's why I developed two simple, human-centered frameworks: Mary Jo's 3 C's and The FORWARD Method.
These frameworks create the foundation upon which my guides and workbooks are based.
A Clear Path Forward
The Three C's help create awareness.
The FORWARD Method helps turn that awareness into action.
Together, they provide a practical way to pause, understand what is really happening, have meaningful conversations, explore options, and determine the next step.
The 3 C's
At the heart of the 3 C's is awareness. Content brings clarity. Compassion keeps us human. Connection helps us move forward. And awareness helps us recognize what is needed in the moment.
Before reacting, making assumptions, or making a decision, I pause and ask three simple questions:
What are the facts? What information might I be missing? Am I making a decision based only on what I have seen, heard, or read, or is there more I need to know?
What might I, or someone else, be feeling, experiencing, or needing? Is there something happening beneath the surface that I haven't considered?
Who should I talk to? Is there a person, professional, resource, or support that could help me better understand the situation or take the next step?
The FORWARD Method
Once we have greater awareness, the question becomes: What do we do with it? That's where the FORWARD Method comes in.
Face the Fear
Identify what really is being avoided.
Sometimes the hardest part is acknowledging the conversation, decision, or change we don't want to face. Awareness and understanding can help us approach it without judgment.
Open the Conversation
Begin with gentle, meaningful conversation.
We don't have to have all the answers before we start talking. Sometimes the right words — or simply the willingness to listen — can open the door to understanding.
Recognize the Needs
Understand what matters most.
Emotional needs, physical needs, care needs, financial concerns, independence, family dynamics, and support needs can all be part of the bigger picture.
Work Through Options
Explore choices with clarity.
There is rarely only one path. Understanding the available options helps us make decisions that better reflect the person, family, and situation.
Accept Support
You don't have to do it alone.
Accepting help is not weakness. Sometimes moving forward means recognizing when we need information, guidance, resources, or simply another person beside us.
Respond with a Plan
Create a plan that brings peace of mind.
A plan doesn't have to solve everything at once. It can begin with one conversation, one phone call, one resource, or one decision.
Decide to Move Forward
Move from avoidance to action.
Moving forward doesn't mean everything is resolved. It means you've identified the next step and have made the decision to take it.
How I Use These Frameworks
Although the 3 C's and the FORWARD Method grew from my professional work with individuals and families, they aren't limited to caregiving, healthcare, Medicaid, or long-term care .
Sometimes, the person we need to use them with is ourselves.
These frameworks aren't about having every answer or getting every situation "right." They're about creating enough awareness to understand where you are. They can provide enough clarity, compassion, and connection to determine where you go next.
The 3 C's help us become aware. The FORWARD Method helps us move from awareness to action. Because sometimes moving forward begins with one conversation, one decision, and one next step.
They can be applied to almost any situation:
- A difficult family conversation.
- A relationship challenge.
- A change in health or independence.
- A workplace situation.
- A caregiving decision.
- A financial or planning concern.
- An unexpected life change.
- A decision you've been avoiding.
- Or simply a moment when you're unsure what to do next.
