About Debbie Gail Zane

Debbie has been through unimaginable tradgey and come through it with inspiring strength.  She received the call that is every parent's worst nightmare - her twenty-six year old son Alex had been found dead.  Just nine years prior to that, he had been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and became addicted to drugs and alcohol. Throughout her journey as a single mom of three, she went through many challenges with Alex's mental illness and addiction, and she supported him, fought for him, and loved him through his journey. They had a close loving relationship and she found her path to peace.

In her journey through grief - grieving while Alex was alive - the loss of how he was and how things were prior to his mental illness and addiction - and then grieving the loss after he passed away, Debbie discovered the power of love, mindset, and compassion.  

Today, Debbie inspires others who are facing the pain and grief of having a child with mental illness and addiction or who have lost a child or other loved one.  She walks with them on their journey, helping them regain their natual emotional resilience and self love and find peace and purpose in their lives. Debbie has developed a unique process called Peace Beyond the Pain, which provides holistic tools and strategies for navigating grief, loss, pain, hopelessness, overwhelm, fear, and guilt. 

Debbie is a certified Life and Relationship Coach, Grief Support Coach, Parent Coach, author of the book Finding Peace and Purpose Amidst the Tears: My Journey of the Love and Loss of My Son through His Mental Illness and Addiction, and host of the internet TV talk show and podcast Finding Peace Beyond the Pain on the Bold Brave TV Network.  She was featured on Fox 5 WTTG DC TV, WUSA 9 Washington DC TV, and WAMV Radio, has been a guest on many podcasts, and was recognized by one of the world’s biggest influencers, Tony Robbins, for her journey of turning her pain into purpose by helping parents in the aftermath of losing her 26-year old son following his nine-year battle with schizoaffective disorder and addiction.

With a diverse professional background in coaching, speaking, writing, law, and special needs, Debbie brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her work.  Debbie is committed to making a difference in the lives of those who are struggling with a loved one's mental illness and addiction and those who have lost a loved one, reminding them that life is precious and that there is peace beyond the pain.  

Reach out to Debbie to learn more about how she can help you 

Coaching Certifications:

💫 Advanced Relationship Coach Certification from the Center for Strategic Intervention* 

💫 Practitioner of Excellence Life Coach Certification, Completion of Strategic Intervention Boot Camp Training from the Center for Strategic Intervention*

💫 Activation Method Life Coach Certification from the Coaching Institute**

💫 Practitioner of Excellence, Sapphire Level Training Certification from the Coaching Institute **

💫 Parent and Family Coach Training from the Coaching Institute**

💫 Meditation and Mindset Coach Training from the Coaching Institute**

*Strategic Intervention was founded by Cloe Madanes, Mark and Magali Peysha and Tony Robbins in 2002.

** Coaching Institute was founded by Mark and Magali Peysha 

Grief Education:

💫 Grief Educator Program taught by David Kessler

Degrees:

💫 LLM Masters of Law from the American University Washington College of Law

💫 Juris Doctor from the University of Baltimore School of Law

💫 Bachelor of Science in Business from Mount Saint Mary's University

Volunteering:

💫 Supporting families with loved ones with alcohol/drug addiction at a local treatment center Family Group 

💫 Supported others in the Alanon community for many years