When a child is diagnosed with ADHD, autism, or anxiety, parents often feel overwhelmed by the myriad of treatment options available. Medication is a common route, offering relief for some symptoms but often accompanied by side effects or limitations.
Marnie Jurkowski’s book, EMBRACE: Navigating the Complexities of ADHD, Autism, and Anxiety with Love, tells the powerful story of how she sought alternatives beyond medication to help her son, Andy. While Andy was taking medication for a number of years, his anxiety and depression worsened to the point he was suicidal, requiring Marnie to search for ways to help him cope with daily life.
Here’s a deeper look at why a holistic approach can make a difference, and the unique insights Marnie shares in EMBRACE for families on a similar journey.
Medication to Manage on a Daily Basis
Medication can be very helpful with managing behaviours and moods on a day-to-day basis. When Andy commenced on Concerta for his ADHD it helped him to focus and perform better at school, while his medication for anxiety assisted in reducing behaviours that were occuring as a result of anxiety – mostly leaving the school premises or hiding and refusing to return to the classroom, which was a source of stress for him.
Andy was also taking Melatonin, Clonadine and on occasion Quetiapine to support his extremely difficult sleep issues. Prior to having medication for sleep support, Andy would often not sleep ALL night – and Marnie was exhausted and feeling unable to cope. All of these medications did help them to manage better on a day-to-day basis.
The Need to Search for Healing
As Andy’s depression grew more severe, and having reached his maximum dosage, Marnie had to search for alternative approaches.
One of the most remarkable parts of Marnie’s journey in EMBRACE is her exploration of energy healing at the Sydney Energy Healing Hub.
Following Andy’s first session at the Energy Healing Hub, which was a combination of the Energy Enhancement System (EES) and a gifted energy healer working on his chakras, the effects were immediate and visible. The next day at school all the teachers commented and asked what he had done!
Energy healing focuses on balancing the body’s natural energy fields and can be especially beneficial for neurodiverse people who are sensitive to their environment. For Andy, who often felt overwhelmed or misunderstood, energy healing had an immediate and powerful impact. Now, after an energy healing session Andy literally skips to the car, which is very uncharacteristic.
It was this breakthrough that inspired Marnie to write EMBRACE and share with us how healing is possible.
The end of Pharmauticals
One day, in the rush of getting ready for a school excursion, Marnie completely forgot to give Andy his daily medications. When she realised, she urgently called him in distress to make sure he was ok. He was fine. In fact, he hadn’t felt this fine in a long time.
That was the last day he ever took medication for ADHD. Marnie believes that having done the energy healing work alongside detoxing from heavy metals, that he had no negative effects of coming off this pharmaceutical. While they decided to take a more conservative approach to reducing the anxiety medication, Andy would flush them down the toilet, clearly indicating that he was done with pharmaceuticals.
Ongoing Maintenance
It hasn’t been all smiles and sunshine since that time, and Marnie emphasises the importance on ongoing management. Regular sessions at the Energy Healing Hub in the Energy Enhancement System (EES) and private sessions with their energy healer, Suzy are done at least monthly to keep him on his upward trajectory.
Embracing a Holistic Journey of Patience and Resilience
Perhaps one of the most powerful messages in EMBRACE is Marnie’s reminder that holistic healing is not a quick fix; it’s a journey that requires patience, resilience, and an open mind.
Marnie admits that exploring these different therapies was not always easy and that there were times of trial and error. Some approaches worked wonders, while others didn’t have the desired effect. But each experience taught her something valuable about Andy and how best to support him. Marnie’s book contains a full list of approaches and therapies along with a summary of how they did or did not help.
How EMBRACE Inspires Families to Explore Holistic Healing
EMBRACE: Navigating the Complexities of ADHD, Autism, and Anxiety with Love is a guide for parents who feel ready to explore new ways of supporting their children. Through energy healing and heavy metal detoxing, Marnie shows that there are ways to address ADHD, autism, and anxiety that provide healing beyond the “band-aid” of pharmaceuticals which, although helpful on a day-to-day basis, should not be left on for years.
For parents who feel limited by traditional approaches, Marnie’s story is both comforting and inspiring. EMBRACE shows that healing is not about rushing to a solution but about taking the time to understand, connect, and support your child in a way that respects their individuality.
Through her compassionate storytelling, Marnie invites families to open their hearts to the possibility of a holistic approach, one that heals the mind, body, and spirit together. It’s a journey that may take time but promises rewards that extend far beyond symptom relief, nurturing both parent and child toward lasting growth and joy