Dr. Josh Mirmelli: Navigating Addiction, Identity, and Therapy
The moment for me of recovery came when I stopped playing the victim- and really not the victim in the sense of acting for other people like the victim- which I'm sure there was some of that- but really victimizing myself, and I had a lot of victim stories that I would tell myself for many, many years.
Ever wondered what it's like to be both a psychologist and someone who's battled addiction? Dr. Josh Mirmelli joins Asher Gottesman to share his unique journey on this episode of 'Showing Up'. Growing up gay in a Jewish community, Dr. Mirmelli faced numerous challenges, from dealing with antisemitism to struggling with his own identity. His story is a testament to the resilience needed to overcome personal and professional hurdles. Dr.
Mirmelli opens up about the difficulties of disclosing his addiction while pursuing his psychology licensure, and how those hard moments shaped his path to recovery. He talks candidly about the courage it takes to surrender and the ongoing battle of trying to get into recovery multiple times. For anyone who's ever felt the sting of shame or the weight of being a people pleaser, Dr. Mirmelli's insights will resonate deeply.
The episode also delves into the complexities of being a therapist during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when both he and his clients had to cope with unprecedented stress. Dr. Mirmelli shares various strategies for resolving trauma and mental health issues, offering practical advice for anyone struggling with similar challenges. One of the most touching parts of the conversation is Dr. Mirmelli's discussion about starting a family through surrogacy.
His journey is filled with emotional highs and lows, but it's clear that his commitment to helping others has been a guiding light throughout. Whether you're interested in psychology, dealing with addiction, or simply looking for an inspiring story of resilience, this episode has something for everyone. Dr. Mirmelli's experiences offer valuable lessons in courage, vulnerability, and the power of showing up for oneself and others.