Karen Kelly: From Trailblazing Police Officer to Compassionate Therapist
I don't see that we have any racial inequities at Odyssey. So somebody coming into a treatment program with a cultural background like that, one of the things all treatment programs try to do is get people to be honest and come clean and share their feelings, because their feelings and their beliefs are one of the reasons why they're dealing with an addiction.
Karen Kelly's story is one of resilience, transformation, and empathy. As Utah's first Black female police officer, Karen broke barriers and faced numerous challenges. Now, she channels her experiences into her role as a beloved therapist at Odyssey House. Growing up on Salt Lake's west side and dealing with addiction in her family, Karen brings a unique perspective to her work. She deeply relates to her clients, making her an invaluable part of the recovery community.
In this episode, Karen opens up about the hurdles she faced in both law enforcement and therapy. She discusses the ongoing issue of racism, not just in society but within addiction treatment itself. Her insights into communication's role in recovery are both practical and heartfelt. Karen also tackles the widespread misunderstandings about addiction, shedding light on the need for better education and empathy. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of race, addiction, and recovery.
Karen's journey from a pioneering police officer to a compassionate therapist is inspiring and thought-provoking.