Do you have an incarcerated loved one?
I provide emotional counseling, connection and support for families of people who are in prison or jail.
Having an incarcerated loved one is one of the most isolating, terrifying, and humiliating feelings you will ever experience.
You don’t have to face this alone. I can help.
Call me now for a free consultation
I Was Overwhelmed With Feelings of Fear, Panic, Guilt and Isolation
The minute the judge finished stating my son’s prison sentence, he immediately stood up and left the court room - as if he couldn’t leave fast enough. That’s my last memory of that room. My mind ran wild as I imagined my son being physically harmed (or worse) in prison. Every prison documentary I had ever seen painted that picture in vivid colors. I hadn’t prepared in any other way for this. My son’s attorney had been so sure of my son getting probation, that we hadn’t even discussed what a prison sentence would mean. Nobody else in my support circle had helped me prepare for a prison sentence either. I was horrified. In the weeks and months that followed, if I didn’t hear from my son for a short period of time, I was sure something horrible had happened. I panicked any day the phone didn’t ring, and I could hardly wait for my visitation application to be approved so I could see him and inspect for bruises. I spent hours worrying and fretting about every aspect of my son’s experience, felt guilty any time I considered enjoying anything in my life, and spent days at a time completely alone, unable to accept my new reality.
My son was a convicted felon, in prison.
I’m one of them now…
My very first visit with my son in prison did not go as expected. In the week leading up to the visit I checked the prison’s website to see what the rules were, then I called the prison to reserve a spot for the upcoming weekend. I knew I would have to drive several hours to get there, so I wanted to make sure I wouldn’t be denied a visit. The guard I spoke to was surprisingly helpful and informative. She spent 20 minutes on the phone with me going over the rules and told me what I can and can’t wear or bring to the prison. She even noticed that I would be driving from quite a distance and made sure to tell me not to be late, because they only let visitors in during a small window of time in the morning. I would have to leave my house at about 3am to get there on time.
When I arrived for my visit, I began preparing myself for the invasive pat down I had been warned about. I watched the guard let a couple of people through who had arrived just before me, then she turned to me. I recognized her voice from our phone call and she remembered me too! But then her smile faded quickly, and she told me I wouldn’t be able to visit my son that day. Her computer had been down since our call and she hadn’t been able to enter my visit into the system. Others before me had their visits entered just fine, but not mine. The guard was apologetic, but there was nothing she could do. I asked her why she hadn’t called, knowing I would be driving a number of hours. Her only reply was a blank look. At that point it hit me: why would she bother to call? I’m truly one of ‘them’ now.
The class of people who visits prison.
How I Found Peace, Hope, and Joy Amidst The Storm And How You Can, Too
Having a loved one arrested and incarcerated is like being hit by a hurricane. It can be an intense, scary, dark time. You’re blown back and forth by the howling winds, and you wonder if it will ever end.
I discovered that while you can’t control the storm, you can create a calm place amidst the storm. A place of peace, hope, and even joy.
I can help you find the calm space inside the storm you’re facing, too.
YOU AREN'T ALONE
I'M HERE FOR YOU
I UNDERSTAND YOU
I'LL STAND BESIDE YOU
Hi, my name is Jolyn Armstrong. I’m not an attorney, I’m not a therapist. I’m the family member of a person who has been accused of a crime.
I provide counseling and guidance for family members of those who are incarcerated, or facing future incarceration. I will help you navigate “what to do next,” and provide support, connection and community during one of the most frightening, confusing and isolating times of your life.
WE'LL GET THROUGH THIS TOGETHER
CALL NOW
CONTACT ME TODAY
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