Natalie's Path to Recovery: A Therapist's Tale
As a fellow therapist, you know the kinds of things that we would ask and the things that contributed to your use: the how, the why, the when did it get worse and why did it get worse, in addition to telling us what you were telling others and how you ended up even getting prescribed your drug of choice?
Ever wondered what it's like for a therapist to be on the other side of the couch? In this compelling episode of 'All Things Substance', host Betsy Byler sits down with Natalie, a fellow therapist who has walked the difficult path of addiction and recovery. Natalie, a mom of two and a trauma specialist, shares her unique story that differs from the usual cases seen in outpatient therapy.
She opens up about growing up with parents who struggled with alcohol, her own experimentation with substances in college, and how she managed to keep her addiction hidden from colleagues and clients alike. But it wasn't all smooth sailing; Natalie hit rock bottom and decided it was time for a change. Through candid conversations, she reveals how therapy played a crucial role in her recovery journey and how it now shapes her approach to helping others.
Natalie also offers valuable advice for therapists on how to address substance use with their clients and introduces an exciting new group program she's launching for professionals in the field. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone interested in the intersection of mental health and substance use, especially those working in the therapeutic community.