About The Climb Guidebook
“Whether you find yourself in the valley or the summit, God has a plan for you and is forming you into the person He designed you to be.”
-Erin
The Climb is a Christ-centered guidebook written by Erin and Scott Calkins, designed specifically for parents navigating the isolating and complex journey of a child's mental illness or addiction.
The Valley
This is the overwhelming and often dark initial stage of realizing your child is in a severe crisis. It is a period marked by fear, isolation, disrupted family dynamics, and the painful feeling of hitting rock bottom emotionally and spiritually.
Base Camp
Before attempting to climb, parents must pause here to rest, surrender their illusion of control, and prepare for the difficult journey ahead. It is a crucial time focused on the parents' own healing, practicing forgiveness, and gathering the spiritual and emotional tools needed to move forward.
The Ascent
This stage represents the active, demanding work of putting boundaries, faith, and practical strategies into daily action. It is a grueling upward climb that requires deep perseverance, leaning on God's strength rather than your own to navigate the ongoing challenges of your child's recovery.
The Summit
The Summit does not necessarily represent a perfect "cure" for your child, but rather a place of new perspective, profound peace, and spiritual maturity for the parents. It represents finding firm footing in your faith and recognizing how God has guided and transformed your family through the arduous journey.