In this episode of The Dude Therapist, I sit down with Sarah Michelle Boes, a Family nurse practitioner, mother, and advocate, who opens up about her powerful journey of navigating OCD and parenting a child with congenital heart defects.
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 accurate diagnosis and externalizing OCD, to the emotional duality of joy and Grief in parenting, Sarah’s story is one of resilience, honesty, and advocacy.
We dive into:
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The challenges of parenting through uncertainty and the vital role of teamwork in Relationships
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Why parents are the true Experts in their child’s health journey
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The importance of raising awareness and funding for heart defects
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Strategies for managing OCD while showing up as a parent
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How effective communication can strengthen relationships during the hardest times
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.
👉 Don’t miss this candid, heartfelt conversation that reminds us of the power of love, teamwork, and speaking up.
🌐 Connect with Sarah Michelle Boes
🔗 Website: sarahmichelleboes.com
📸 Instagram: @sarahmichellenp
🎙️ Podcast: Real Deal Nurse Practitioner Club
💼 LinkedIn: Sarah Michelle Boes
🌌 Community: Cosmic Group Chat
Eli Weinstein is a licensed clinical therapist, devoted husband, and father of two, based in sunny Las Vegas. He runs a thriving private practice serving clients in both New York and Nevada, blending expert clinical insight with an approachable, no-nonsense style that makes mental health support relatable and accessible.
Driven by a passion for breaking mental health stigmas, Eli founded ELIvation and The Dude Therapist podcast to create real, down-to-earth conversations about mental health, fatherhood, parenting, and relationships. His podcast features candid interviews with world-renowned experts like Dr. Edith Eger, Apollo Ohno, Dr. Nicole LePera, and Tina Bryson. He’s also been featured on major platforms like The Kelly Clarkson Show, The Trauma Therapist, Mimosas With Moms, and many others.
Eli’s mission is clear: to empower people with the tools and insights they need to overcome life’s struggles while embracing authenticity, compassion, and a healthy dose of humor. His signature “No BS” approach feels like talking to a trusted friend—who also happens to be a licensed professional.
In addition to his podcast, Eli is set to release a parenting and relationships-focused book with Wiley Publishers, expanding his efforts to make mental health conversations engaging and actionable for all.
Whether through therapy sessions, podcasting, or public speaking, Eli’s goal remains the same: to inspire hope, foster growth, and remind people that with the right support, the life they envision is possible.
