Hi @terri6 
First of all, I’m really glad to hear that your mom is doing well! Ongoing spellwork is, in my opinion, one of the best ways to ensure a good outcome for whatever spell you’re doing.
If I had to guess, I would say this was put in your path for a reason for sure!
I don’t work with or worship Hekate, though many people here in the forum do. I think it makes sense what you said about working with her as a guide rather than a Goddess. If that’s what you believe and what works for you, that’s great!
I’ve never experienced this myself, and I think I’m really only open to very specific spirits - my shields work too well sometimes 
There is an exercise around here somewhere for a Spiritual Dimmer of sorts. It was originally written in Psychic Witch by Matt Auryn. You can find that in this post. There are also two other exercises there for shielding and protection, and then one for creating your own filter shield. I would try those!