Belongingness is one of the fundamental tools in our recovery. Feeling connected to others in healthy ways is at the root of our recovery from trauma and addictions. Before we can really trust that space of belonging, however, we must begin to believe in ourselves. Often the trauma and resulting addictions have left us with a sense that we have no value, no worth and no right to set boundaries whether they are physical or emotional. The Self Esteem Workbook is one I often recommend to clients to ... Continue Reading

The Holidays can be a real challenge when we’re struggling with trauma and addictions. The constant barrage of images of what family “should” be and what “holidays” should look like just throws out there that we are not that. Avoiding expectations and choosing our family wisely are only two of the suggestions I make this week. In this episode I suggest some concrete things we need to be doing to get through the holidays without relapse. Read more at ... Continue Reading

In part 2 of my podcasts about sexual assault I interview Laura Reagan, LCSW. Laura specializes in trauma and sexual assault and is a fantastic therapist in the Annapolis area. We talk about blaming the victim and changing attitudes in this episode of Mindful Recovery. Here are Laura’s Website and her podcast Therapy Chat Read more at http://mindfulrecoverypodcast.libsyn.com/page/1/size/25#iombJmQfOBiqU911.99 ... Continue Reading

Sexual assault is an issue much in the news lately.  We cover what it is, the effects it has and hold accountable those who would excuse it in this episode of Mindful Recovery.  This week’s episode is a call to listeners to stand against such behavior. Here is a link to a webinar you might find useful explaining how mindfulness can be used to overcome anxiety and depression. Here is a link to my Huffington Post Blog where you can find many of my writings about sexual assault, working with ... Continue Reading

Michael Weinberger tells a powerful story of trauma, mental illness, addiction and recovery which culminated in the development of his own app for recovery. Join me in my interview of Michael as we follow him through his journey to recovery and discuss the development of his app and program called “A Plan For Living”. Michael’s contacts ... Continue Reading

In the last few episodes we have discussed the ways the child gets hurt and looking honestly at the places that hurt child still resides in us.  Meeting that child’s needs is something we grew up unaccustomed to.  Today, we look at the child within and it’s need for play and joy.  Reconnecting with the joyous child inside us becomes the focus of our recovery from addictions and trauma in this episode. Click here for the video of “The Mirror” Read more at ... Continue Reading

Today we speak with Adena Bank Lees,LCSW who specializes in the treatment of trauma and sexual abuse.  She has written two books, the latest of which is a book on covert sexual abuse or the use of a child as an emotional surrogate for the missing spouse.  This form of trauma can be very impacting and is often at the root of addiction. Links from the episode: Peacebuilders Adena’s WebsiteAdena’s book “12 Healing Steps…” on Create Space and on Amazon Read more at ... Continue Reading

This week we dig into those childhood places where we are broken. The ones we have been trying to numb. In this mindfulness exercise we try and show that child the compassion it has always needed in an effort to reconnect with our own healing sense of worthiness. In this way we can begin moving into healthy connection. Read more at http://mindfulrecoverypodcast.libsyn.com/page/1/size/25#iombJmQfOBiqU911.99 ... Continue Reading

Trauma is at the root of all addictions. Connection drives our recovery but healthy connection requires being vulnerable and risking hurt. Learning to do this again is foundational in our recovery because connection is the key to healing. The Opposite of Addiction Is Connection Read more at http://mindfulrecoverypodcast.libsyn.com/page/1/size/25#iombJmQfOBiqU911.99 ... Continue Reading

Therapists also deal with brokenness. We use that brokenness to become spaces of healing in the room with the patient. Here is a companion article about this that I wrote for the “Connectfulness” blog. Read more at http://mindfulrecoverypodcast.libsyn.com/page/1/size/25#iombJmQfOBiqU911.99 ... Continue Reading