Living a Life in Balance - PODCAST

Abdullah Boulad
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Founder & CEO of THE BALANCE | Private Residential Treatment for Mental Health, Addiction & Trauma | Author of BE HUMAN FIRST | Host of Living a Life in Balance PodcastI lead one of the world’s most exclusive mental health and addiction treatment brands, helping global leaders, creatives, and high-net-worth individuals find deep healing and personal transformation. Through my podcast, I explore the intersection of psychology, purpose, and wellbeing. This Podcast is dedicated to meaningful conversations about mental health, well-being, and the challenges we face today. It is part of my ongoing commitment to supporting people in navigating complex emotional and psychological struggles. Through open discussions with leading experts in the industry, I aim to break down barriers, challenge misconceptions, and offer valuable insights that can make a real difference.https://thebalance.clinic

  1. 3d ago

    Internal Family Systems (IFS) Explained: How Our Parts Help Us Heal | Richard Schwartz

    Send us Fan Mail What if the different voices, emotions, and reactions inside you are not signs that something is wrong with you, but parts of you trying to protect you? Richard C. Schwartz, Ph.D., joins Abdullah Boulad on Living a Life in Balance to explore Internal Family Systems (IFS), the therapeutic model he developed to help people understand and work with the different parts of themselves. In this conversation, Richard explains how his early work with people struggling with eating disorders led him to discover the concept of parts, and how his own childhood experiences shaped his understanding of protection, fear, and emotional pain. Together, Abdullah and Richard explore what IFS can teach us about protectors, exiles, and the Self, including why Richard believes there are “no bad parts” and how even the most difficult thoughts, emotions, and behaviors can have a protective intention. Richard also guides Abdullah through a live IFS exercise, offering a practical glimpse into how the approach can help us connect with parts of ourselves that may have been carrying pain for years. The conversation goes further into how IFS works in therapy, whether it can be practiced safely as a form of self-help, how it can be adapted for people who struggle to access their emotions, and the potential relationship between IFS and psychedelics such as MDMA and ketamine. Richard also shares his vision for the future of IFS, including its potential applications in trauma recovery, prisons, and collective healing, as well as the personal practices he uses to stay balanced. About Richard: Dr. Schwartz is an American systemic family therapist, academic, author, and creator of the Internal Family Systems (IFS) branch of therapy. He developed his foundational work with IFS in the 1980s after theorizing that his clients were made up of many different parts of their “Self.” He teaches that “Our inner parts contain valuable qualities, and our core Self knows how to heal, allowing us to become integrated and whole.” In IFS, all parts are welcome. 00:00:00 - Podcast Introduction: Dr. Richard Schwartz & Internal Family Systems (IFS) 00:01:37 - Dr. Richard Schwartz’s Childhood, Family & Path to Psychotherapy 00:05:19 - How Internal Family Systems (IFS) Was Discovered 00:07:07 - Childhood Loneliness, Family Dynamics & Emotional Pain 00:09:17 - How Protective Parts Develop to Cope With Fear & Criticism 00:11:18 - Using IFS to Understand Our Own Family Dynamics 00:13:35 - Discovering the “Parts” Within Us 00:16:10 - IFS Explained: Protectors, Exiles & the Inner World 00:18:01 - “No Bad Parts”: Do All Parts Have a Positive Intention? 00:22:36 - Can Internal Family Systems Change Psychotherapy & Heal Conflict? 00:25:25 - LIVE IFS Demonstration: Connecting With a Part 00:33:10 - Managers vs. Firefighters: The Two Types of Protective Parts 00:38:58 - How IFS Therapy Works: Accessing & Healing Exiled Parts 00:41:41 - IFS, Rational Minds & Narcissistic Traits: Building Trust in Therapy 00:45:17 - Can You Practice IFS Without a Therapist? 00:49:32 - IFS & Psychedelics: MDMA, Ketamine & Accessing the Self 00:54:24 - The Future of IFS: Trauma, Prisons & Collective Healing 00:57:05 - How Dr. Schwartz Uses IFS to Stay Balanced 01:00:05 - A Message of Hope: No Bad Parts & the Healing Self Follow Abdullah Boulad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdullahboulad/    https://www.instagram.com/abdullahboulad/      Follow Richard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-schwartz-0a9a1b203   You can order Abdullah’s books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BC9S5TCF?ccs_id=c64f2588-7eb1-4592-b4d1-647a0f379b51   Follow THE BALANCE Rehab Clinic: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thebalancerehabclinic/ https://www.instagram.com/thebalancerehabclinic/

  2. Aug 5

    From Struggle and Addiction to Shaping the Trauma Industry | Araminta Jonsson

    Send us Fan Mail How do trauma, addiction, and neurodivergence shape the course of a life, and what does real healing actually look like? Araminta Jonsson, Founder and CEO of Masters Events and organiser of Europe's largest trauma conference at the University of Oxford, joins Abdullah Boulad for a deeply personal conversation about trauma, addiction recovery, autism, ADHD, resilience, and finding purpose after adversity. Together, they explore Araminta's extraordinary journey, from being thrown out of home at 15, living homeless on the streets of Miami, and battling cocaine addiction, to receiving a late autism and ADHD diagnosis and becoming one of the leading voices bringing together the world's foremost trauma experts. She shares how addiction became a way of coping with undiagnosed neurodivergence and unresolved trauma, why recovery is about addressing the root cause rather than the symptom, and the lessons that transformed her life. The conversation also explores the science of trauma healing, nervous system regulation, community, creative expression, and the importance of feeling safe to recover. Drawing on insights from leading experts including Dr. Bessel van der Kolk and years of experience organising global trauma conferences, Araminta discusses the practices that support lasting healing, the power of connection, and why purpose plays such a vital role in recovery. Whether you're navigating addiction, trauma, autism, ADHD, mental health challenges, or simply looking for a deeper understanding of healing and personal transformation, this episode offers honest insights into resilience, recovery, and what it truly means to build a life in balance. About Araminta Jonsson: Araminta is the Founder and CEO of Masters Events, the organisation behind Europe's largest trauma conference, Transforming Trauma, held at the University of Oxford. Through her work, she brings together many of the world's leading experts in trauma, addiction, neuroscience, and mental health to advance education, collaboration, and recovery. Drawing from her own lived experience of addiction, neurodivergence, and healing, Araminta is passionate about creating spaces where science, lived experience, and community come together to help people heal. 00:01:44 - Growing Up with Undiagnosed Autism & ADHD 00:03:19 - Homeless at 16: Living on the Streets of Miami 00:07:14 - Returning Home and Rebuilding Through Education 00:10:25 - The Journey to an Adult Autism & ADHD Diagnosis 00:12:32 - How a Late Neurodivergence Diagnosis Changed Everything 00:14:41 - Food, Cocaine & Relationship Addiction Explained 00:17:08 - Cocaine Addiction in Colombia: Hitting Rock Bottom 00:20:43 - Asking for Help and Beginning Addiction Recovery 00:23:45 - Pregnancy, Sobriety & Finding Hope Again 00:26:18 - Relapse, Rehab & Surviving an Abusive Relationship 00:29:35 - Teaching Creative Writing in Prisons After Addiction 00:34:25 - How Recovery Led to a Career in Mental Health Events 00:36:49 - From Addiction Conferences to Trauma Education 00:41:05 - Building One of the World's Biggest Trauma Events 00:42:10 - Launching the Transforming Trauma Conference at Oxford 00:49:29 - What the World's Leading Trauma Experts Teach 00:51:15 - Finding Purpose After Addiction and Trauma 00:53:25 - The Future of Trauma Education & Global Collaboration 00:56:00 - Daily Habits That Support Mental Health & Recovery 00:57:24 - Simple Wellbeing Tips Everyone Can Start Today Follow Abdullah Boulad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdullahboulad/    https://www.instagram.com/abdullahboulad/      Follow Araminta: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/araminta-jonsson-259b6546   You can order Abdullah’s books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BC9S5TCF?ccs_id=c64f2588-7eb1-4592-b4d1-647a0f379b51   Follow THE BALANCE Rehab Clinic: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thebalancerehabclinic/ https://www.instagram.com/thebalancerehabclinic/

  3. Jul 22

    Understanding Gender Dysphoria and Identity: The Autism Connection | Dr. Az Hakeem

    Send us Fan Mail Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by guests on Living A Life In Balance are their own and do not reflect the views of THE BALANCE Rehab Clinic or Abdullah Boulad. This content is for general information only and is not medical, psychological, or legal advice. Views shared reflect the guest's individual clinical experience and may differ from mainstream clinical consensus. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about your own circumstances. Can we explore difficult mental health topics without shutting down the conversation? Dr. Az Hakeem, Consultant Psychiatrist, Forensic Psychotherapist, and Group Analyst, joins Abdullah Boulad for a thought-provoking conversation about psychiatry, gender dysphoria, identity, trauma, psychotherapy, autism, burnout, and the importance of critical thinking in mental healthcare. Drawing on decades of experience in both the NHS and private practice, Dr. Hakeem reflects on his work in forensic psychotherapy before discussing the gender dysphoria psychotherapy service he established in the UK. He shares his clinical approach to understanding gender distress, why he believes psychotherapy should play a central role before irreversible medical interventions, and how his views evolved through years of working closely with patients. The conversation explores the relationship between biological sex and gender, the complexity of identity development, the role of autism and trauma in some patients presenting with gender dysphoria, and why Dr. Hakeem believes curiosity, careful assessment, and open dialogue remain essential in mental health practice. Abdullah and Dr. Hakeem also discuss parenting, supporting gender-questioning children, and the importance of creating space for conversations rather than rushing toward conclusions. Beyond gender, the discussion examines forensic psychotherapy, the lasting psychological impact of trauma, sexual behavior, emotional development, and the realities of treating anxiety, depression, OCD, and burnout among high-performing professionals. Dr. Hakeem also shares practical advice on maintaining balance, protecting mental wellbeing, and avoiding the gradual path toward burnout. Whether you are interested in psychiatry, psychotherapy, mental health, trauma, gender identity, parenting, emotional wellbeing, or psychological resilience, this episode offers an in-depth conversation on some of today's most challenging and widely debated topics through the lens of one clinician's decades of experience. About Dr Az: Dr. Hakeem is a highly qualified Consultant Psychiatrist, Medical Psychotherapist, Group Analyst, and published author with over 25 years of experience. He completed his specialist training in Psychiatry, Forensic Psychiatry, and Psychotherapy at the Royal Free Hospital and the Portman Clinic (Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust). He also holds an MSc in Group Analysis (Distinction) from Birkbeck, University of London and is a qualified Group Analyst. 00:00:00 - Introduction to Dr. Az Hakeem 00:01:52 - From Art and Literature to Psychiatry 00:03:30 - Inside the World of Forensic Psychotherapy 00:06:24 - Childhood, Identity and Growing Up Different 00:08:13 - The Story Behind the Goth Aesthetic 00:18:08 - Understanding Biological Sex, Gender and Gender Identity 00:24:13 - Regret After Gender Transition: A Psychiatrist's Perspective 00:27:04 - Autism and Gender Dysphoria: Exploring the Connection 00:29:36 - The Tavistock Clinic Debate and Gender Care 00:34:05 - Group Therapy for Gender Dysphoria: An Alternative Approach 00:42:04 - Gender Medicine and the Debate Around Children 00:44:24 - Supporting Gender-Questioning Children: Advice for Parents 00:46:39 - Trauma, Sexual Development and Human Behavior 00:53:18 - The Role of Curiosity in Mental Health Treatment 00:56:42 - Why Every Story Deserves to Be Heard 01:00:45 - Parenting Without Labels or Judgment 01:06:14 - Burnout, Anxiety and Depression in High Performers 01:08:47 - Why 'Mindless TV' Can Help Mental Recovery 01:10:06 - Dr. Az Hakeem's Daily Habits for Balance 01:12:30 - Final Reflections on Mental Health and Human Behaviour Follow Abdullah Boulad:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdullahboulad/     https://www.instagram.com/abdullahboulad/    Follow Dr Az: https://thebalance.clinic/about/team/psychiatrists/az-hakeem/  You can order Abdullah’s books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BC9S5TCF?ccs_id=c64f2588-7eb1-4592-b4d1-647a0f379b51  Follow THE BALANCE Rehab Clinic:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/thebalancerehabclinic/     https://www.instagram.com/thebalancerehabclinic/

  4. Jul 8

    When Love Becomes Abuse: The Healing Journey to Self-Worth & Growth | Jil Moore

    Send us Fan Mail Can childhood experiences shape the way we love, heal, and see ourselves as adults? Jill Moore, Client Relations Director at THE BALANCE Rehab Clinic and Yoga Practitioner, joins Abdullah Boulad for an honest conversation about childhood trauma, emotional healing, mental health, yoga, healthy relationships, and personal transformation. Together, they explore how early family experiences, emotional suppression, and the search for validation can influence self-worth and relationship patterns later in life. Jill opens up about surviving an abusive relationship, rebuilding her confidence, and how yoga, therapy, and somatic healing became essential parts of her recovery journey. The conversation also examines the importance of healthy boundaries, vulnerability, family healing, and the realities of working in mental health. Jill shares what she has learned from supporting clients through recovery, why compassion and authenticity matter in healing, and how these experiences inspired her mission to help children and teenagers build emotional resilience through mindfulness and yoga. Whether you're navigating trauma, healing from difficult relationships, interested in mental health, or simply looking for a deeper understanding of personal growth, this episode offers thoughtful insights into resilience, self-awareness, and what it truly means to create a life in balance. About Jill Moore: Jill is a Yoga Practitioner and Director of Experience & Admissions at THE BALANCE Rehab Clinic. Passionate about the connection between yoga, mindfulness, and mental health, she helps individuals develop greater self-awareness, emotional resilience, and balance. Inspired by her own healing journey, Jill advocates for a holistic approach to wellbeing and is dedicated to supporting people on their path toward recovery and personal growth.   00:00:00 - Introduction to Jill Moore's Journey 00:02:04 - The Childhood Trauma That Changed Everything 00:04:29 - Growing Up Without Emotional Safety 00:05:51 - Self-Worth, Family Expectations & Seeking Validation 00:10:46 - How Low Self-Esteem Led to a Toxic Relationship 00:12:19 - Surviving an Abusive Relationship 00:17:05 - The Life Lessons Hidden in Trauma 00:20:15 - Why We Try to Heal Other People 00:22:02 - How Yoga Became a Path to Healing 00:23:40 - Leaving Everything Behind to Become a Yoga Teacher 00:26:47 - Why Yoga Is More Than Physical Exercise 00:28:08 - Working in Mental Health at THE BALANCE Rehab Clinic 00:31:00 - Somatic Therapy and Releasing Stored Trauma 00:34:26 - Healing Family Relationships Through Honest Conversations 00:37:01 - Why Children Need Emotionally Available Parents 00:40:31 - The Challenges and Rewards of Helping Others Heal 00:44:52 - Jill's Mission to Help Children Build Emotional Resilience 00:48:22 - Daily Habits for Better Mental Health and Balance 00:50:01 - Why Animals Can Be Powerful for Emotional Healing 00:50:31 - Final Reflections on Healing, Purpose & Living in Balance   Follow Abdullah Boulad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdullahboulad/    https://www.instagram.com/abdullahboulad/      Follow Jil: https://www.instagram.com/moorechill.byjilmoore/   You can order Abdullah’s books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BC9S5TCF?ccs_id=c64f2588-7eb1-4592-b4d1-647a0f379b51   Follow THE BALANCE Rehab Clinic: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thebalancerehabclinic/  https://www.instagram.com/thebalancerehabclinic/

  5. Jun 24

    Equine-Assisted Therapy: How Horses Help People Heal | Denise Stergoulis

    Send us Fan Mail Can horses help people heal from addiction, ADHD, trauma, and emotional challenges in a deeper, more connected way? In this episode of Living A Life In Balance, Denise Stergoulis joins Abdullah Boulad, CEO of THE BALANCE Rehab Clinic, for a powerful conversation about equine therapy, addiction recovery, ADHD, mental health, trauma healing, relapse, personal growth, and the emotional connection between humans and horses. Drawing from her own recovery journey, Denise shares how overcoming addiction led her to become an addiction therapist and equine therapy practitioner. She discusses growing up with undiagnosed ADHD and dyslexia, finding purpose later in life, and the lessons she has learned from helping people navigate recovery, relapse, trauma, and personal growth. The episode explores how horses can act as powerful emotional mirrors, helping individuals build self-awareness, trust, confidence, and connection. Denise also explains why recovery is about much more than stopping a behavior, it is about addressing the deeper issues underneath and creating lasting change. Whether you are interested in mental health, addiction recovery, ADHD, personal development, trauma healing, or equine-assisted therapy, this episode offers practical insights, hope, and inspiration. About Denise: Denise is an experienced Integrative therapist with specialist recognition in substance addiction. She combines her extensive experience with an incisive, challenging, and empowering style to maximize healing and growth. She combines traditional methods with specialist equine-assisted psychotherapy to develop a highly tailored plan for a wide variety of clients.   00:00:00 - From Addiction Recovery To Helping Others Heal 00:01:32 - The Power Of Hope In Recovery And Healing 00:03:11 - Growing Up With Undiagnosed ADHD And Dyslexia 00:04:52 - Leaving London To Find Purpose In Australia 00:07:39 - How An ADHD Diagnosis Changed Everything 00:09:50 - Why Horses Became A Lifelong Source Of Strength 00:12:17 - Building Confidence Through Horses And Purpose 00:14:19 - From Media Career To Motherhood And Identity Loss 00:18:59 - Reinventing Life After Raising Three Children 00:22:06 - From Patient To Addiction Therapist At The Priory 00:23:43 - Going Back To University Later In Life 00:26:41 - What Working In Addiction Recovery Taught Me 00:30:47 - Why Addiction Recovery Is Harder Than Most People Think 00:33:48 - The Habits Behind Long-Term Recovery Success 00:37:27 - How Equine Therapy Helps People Heal Faster 00:43:55 - How Horses Detect Human Emotions And Anxiety 00:47:34 - Why Equine Therapy Helps People Get Unstuck 00:50:27 - Inside An Equine Therapy Session 00:58:04 - Who Can Benefit Most From Horse-Assisted Therapy? 01:03:34 - Finding Purpose, Passion And Balance In Life Follow Abdullah Boulad:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdullahboulad/     https://www.instagram.com/abdullahboulad/    Follow Denise: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-stergoulis-mbacp-accred-714187104/ You can order Abdullah’s books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BC9S5TCF?ccs_id=c64f2588-7eb1-4592-b4d1-647a0f379b51  Follow THE BALANCE Rehab Clinic:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/thebalancerehabclinic/     https://www.instagram.com/thebalancerehabclinic/     #AddictionRecovery #EquineTherapy #HorseTherapy #MentalHealth #ADHD #RecoveryJourney #PersonalDevelopment #TraumaRecovery #Neurodiversity #AddictionTreatment #SelfAwareness #HealingJourney #LivingALifeInBalance #Podcast

  6. Jun 10

    Work Addiction & Executive Burnout: Why High Achievers Can't Switch Off | Obi Unaka

    Send us Fan Mail Work addiction, burnout, anxiety, and the inability to switch off are challenges many high-performing professionals quietly struggle with. But what if the problem is not simply working too much, but using work as a way to avoid what is happening beneath the surface? In this episode of Living A Life In Balance, Obi Unaka, Addiction Therapist and Relapse Prevention Specialist, joins Abdullah Boulad, Founder and CEO of THE BALANCE Rehab Clinic, for an insightful conversation about work addiction, executive burnout, emotional regulation, recovery, and the hidden costs of high achievement. Drawing from his own personal experience, Obi shares how a successful career in finance eventually led him to recognize that work had become more than a profession; it had become an addiction. After losing important relationships, experiencing severe stress-related symptoms, and struggling to disconnect from work, he began a journey of recovery that ultimately led him into the field of psychotherapy and addiction treatment. Together, they discuss: • How work can become a behavioural addiction similar to gambling or substance use • The warning signs of executive stress, burnout, and emotional exhaustion • Why many high performers struggle to switch off and find balance outside of work • The connection between purpose, identity, achievement, and self-worth • Cultural perspectives on mental health, addiction, and emotional well-being across different societies • The importance of family, community, and support systems in long-term recovery This is a thoughtful and honest conversation about success, resilience, mental health, and the often-overlooked challenges faced by ambitious individuals. It explores what happens when achievement comes at the expense of wellbeing, and why finding balance requires more than simply working less. About Obi Unaka: Obi is an Addiction Therapist, Psychotherapist, and Relapse Prevention Specialist with decades of experience working in the field of mental health and addiction treatment. After leaving a successful career in finance due to his own struggles with work addiction, he retrained as a therapist and has since dedicated his career to helping individuals overcome addiction, burnout, and behavioural health challenges.  00:00:00 - From Work Addiction to Addiction Therapist: Obi Wan's Journey from Finance Burnout to Recovery 00:03:29 - What Is Work Addiction? Signs, Symptoms, and When Hard Work Becomes Unhealthy 00:05:32 - The Psychology of Work Addiction: Why High Achievers Struggle to Switch Off 00:06:58 - Burnout Warning Signs: How Therapy Helped Identify a Destructive Work Pattern 00:08:59 - Finding Purpose After Burnout: Transitioning from Finance to Mental Health 00:10:38 - High-Pressure Careers, Executive Stress, and the Risk of Work Addiction 00:12:02 - Executive Burnout, Substance Use, and Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms in High Performers 00:14:22 - What Causes Burnout? Perfectionism, Internal Pressure, and Emotional Exhaustion 00:16:21 - The Biopsychosocial Model: Balancing Mental Health, Relationships, Purpose, and Wellbeing 00:18:47 - Burnout Red Flags: Overworking, Digital Addiction, Control, and Inability to Delegate 00:22:04 - Technology Addiction, Constant Connectivity, and the Loss of Human Connection 00:23:43 - Mental Health Across Cultures: Comparing Nigeria, the UK, and India 00:26:01 - Mental Health Stigma in India: Family Expectations, Psychiatry, and Cultural Beliefs 00:34:55 - Family Support, Addiction Recovery, and Preventing Relapse Through Community 00:37:52 - What the Western World Can Learn About Community, Connection, and Mental Wellbeing 00:44:01 - Cultural Differences in Therapy: Why Mental Health Treatment Is Not One-Size-Fits-All 00:47:17 - How Therapists Avoid Burnout: Self-Care, Boundaries, Delegation, and Work-Life Balance Follow Abdullah Boulad:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdullahboulad/     https://www.instagram.com/abdullahboulad/    Follow Obi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/obi-unaka-4715141b/  You can order Abdullah’s books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BC9S5TCF?ccs_id=c64f2588-7eb1-4592-b4d1-647a0f379b51  Follow THE BALANCE Rehab Clinic:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/thebalancerehabclinic/     https://www.instagram.com/thebalancerehabclinic/     #LivingALifeInBalance #WorkAddiction #Burnout #Stress #Sleep  #Support #Wellbeing #IntegrativeMedicine #MentalHealth #Podcast

  7. May 27

    The Hidden Impacts of Gut Health: Brain Fog, Bloating, Fatigue, Inflammation & More

    Send us Fan Mail Brain fog, bloating, fatigue, poor sleep, inflammation, and constantly feeling “off” are symptoms many people silently live with every day. But what if these are not just normal parts of modern life, but signs that the body needs deeper attention? In this episode of Living A Life In Balance, Dr. Leah Austin, GP and Nutritional Therapist, joins Abdullah Boulad, CEO of THE BALANCE Rehab Clinic, for a thoughtful conversation about gut health, the gut-brain connection, inflammation, stress, sleep, nutrition, and overall wellbeing. Drawing from both her medical background and her own personal health struggles, Dr. Leah shares how years of dealing with bloating and allergies completely changed the way she understands medicine and patient care. After realizing that simply treating symptoms was not enough, she began exploring a more integrative approach focused on understanding the deeper causes behind physical and emotional symptoms. Together, they discuss: • Why bloating and digestive discomfort should not always be dismissed as “normal” • The relationship between gut health, inflammation, mood, and brain fog • How stress and poor sleep impact the body more than many people realize • Simple habits that can support long-term wellbeing • What it means to take a more integrative and holistic approach to health This is a grounded and honest conversation about listening to the body more carefully, understanding the connection between physical and emotional wellbeing, and rethinking what health really means in modern life. About Dr Leah:  Dr. Leah Austin brings a uniquely integrative approach to restorative health and wellbeing. A UK-trained GP and Naturopathic Nutritionist, she combines the precision of medical science with the depth of functional and lifestyle medicine. Her 360-degree assessments explore every aspect of an individual’s health, from genetics and hormone balance to gut integrity, nutrition, and toxic burden, to uncover root causes and create truly personalized pathways to recovery.  00:00:00 - Why Dr. Leah Austin Moved Beyond Conventional Medicine 00:02:18 - Treating Root Causes Instead of Just Symptoms 00:03:27 - Dr. Leah Austin’s Personal Gut Health Struggles 00:04:42 - What an Integrative Health Consultation Looks Like 00:06:00 - How Stress and Modern Work Affect Health 00:07:15 - Why Chronic Bloating Should Never Be Ignored 00:08:29 - What Integrative Medicine Really Means 00:10:08 - Why Gut Health Affects the Entire Body 00:10:18 - Healing Chronic Sinus Issues Through Gut Health 00:13:55 - The Biggest Lifestyle Mistakes Harming Gut Health 00:16:07 - The Best Exercise for Metabolic Health and Longevity 00:18:13 - The Gut-Brain Connection and Brain Fog Explained 00:20:43 - What Brain Fog Really Feels Like 00:21:51 - The Long-Term Dangers of Chronic Inflammation 00:24:45 - Why Gut Health Should Come First 00:26:33 - How Gluten Sensitivity Affected Mood and Mental Health 00:30:28 - The Most Important Habits for Better Brain Health 00:33:06 - Environmental Toxins That May Be Affecting Your Health 00:38:44 - How to Improve Your Health Without Feeling Overwhelmed 00:58:12 - Why Proper Breathing Matters for Stress and Health Follow Abdullah Boulad:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdullahboulad/     https://www.instagram.com/abdullahboulad/    Follow Dr Leah: https://www.instagram.com/dr.leahaustin/  You can order Abdullah’s books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BC9S5TCF?ccs_id=c64f2588-7eb1-4592-b4d1-647a0f379b51  Follow THE BALANCE Rehab Clinic:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/thebalancerehabclinic/     https://www.instagram.com/thebalancerehabclinic/     #LivingALifeInBalance #GutHealth #BrainFog #Bloating #Fatigue #GutBrainConnection #Inflammation #Stress #Sleep #Nutrition #Wellbeing #HolisticHealth #IntegrativeMedicine #MentalHealth #Podcast #DrLeahAustin

  8. May 13

    How Dysfunctional Families Shape Trauma and Addiction | Heather Hayes

    Send us Fan Mail  How do trauma, addiction, and family dysfunction shape recovery and emotional healing?  Heather Hayes, internationally recognised interventionist, Licensed Counselor, and founder of Heather R. Hayes & Associates, joins Abdullah Boulad for a powerful conversation on addiction, trauma, recovery, and the hidden emotional struggles behind high-functioning families. In this episode, Heather reflects on her personal journey through addiction and recovery, growing up in a chaotic family system despite material privilege, and how those experiences shaped her life’s work helping individuals and families navigate complex mental health and substance use challenges. Together, they explore the emotional roots of addiction, the impact of family dysfunction, sensitivity and self-esteem, and why unresolved trauma often sits beneath destructive behaviours. The conversation also dives into the evolution of addiction interventions, the importance of compassion over blame, and the parallels between family intervention work and hostage negotiation. Heather shares insights from her experience training with FBI hostage negotiators, explaining how communication, emotional safety, and trust can transform difficult conversations and motivate change. This episode offers a thoughtful perspective on addiction, trauma, emotional regulation, family systems, and the human side of recovery. About Heather: Heather Hayes is a Licensed Counselor, Board Registered Interventionist, and founder of Heather R. Hayes & Associates, with more than 30 years of experience helping individuals and families navigate trauma, addiction, eating disorders, and complex mental health challenges. 00:00:00 - Growing Up in a Chaotic Family and the Early Roots of Addiction 00:02:28 - Heather’s Journey to Sobriety and Entering Rehab in 1982 00:03:35 - Why Heather Dedicated Her Life to Helping Others Recover 00:04:40 - How Wealth and Privilege Can Increase Addiction Risk 00:06:22 - The Emotional Instability Hidden Behind Material Success 00:09:05 - Toxic Family Dynamics and Their Impact on Mental Health 00:11:13 - Low Self-Esteem, Social Pressure, and Substance Abuse 00:14:19 - Why Highly Sensitive People Are More Vulnerable to Addiction 00:16:43 - Studying Psychology to Understand Addiction and Heal Herself 00:19:07 - The Breaking Point That Led Heather to Seek Treatment 00:20:58 - Working with Trauma, Eating Disorders, and Heroin Addiction 00:24:05 - The Evolution of Modern Addiction Interventions 00:26:10 - Inside Heather’s Training with FBI Hostage Negotiators 00:28:46 - The Biggest Mistakes Families Make During Interventions 00:32:12 - The Power of “I Feel” Statements in Difficult Conversations 00:35:52 - Addiction Intervention as a Form of Human Negotiation 00:39:06 - Why Family Denial Makes Recovery More Difficult 00:44:05 - What True Success in Addiction Recovery Really Looks Like 01:00:15 - Trauma Bonds, Stockholm Syndrome, and Dysfunctional Relationships 01:16:36 - Heather’s Message of Hope on Mental Health and Communication Follow Abdullah Boulad:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdullahboulad/   https://www.instagram.com/abdullahboulad/   Follow Heather Hayes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-r-hayes/ You can order Abdullah’s books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BC9S5TCF?ccs_id=c64f2588-7eb1-4592-b4d1-647a0f379b51 Follow THE BALANCE Rehab Clinic:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/thebalancerehabclinic/    https://www.instagram.com/thebalancerehabclinic/   #LivingALifeInBalance #podcast #trauma #communication #mentalhealthpodcast #wellness #wellnessjourney #health #healing #wellbeing #traumainformed #love #mentalhealth #recovery #support #addictionrecovery #interview #relationship #couple #families

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Founder & CEO of THE BALANCE | Private Residential Treatment for Mental Health, Addiction & Trauma | Author of BE HUMAN FIRST | Host of Living a Life in Balance PodcastI lead one of the world’s most exclusive mental health and addiction treatment brands, helping global leaders, creatives, and high-net-worth individuals find deep healing and personal transformation. Through my podcast, I explore the intersection of psychology, purpose, and wellbeing. This Podcast is dedicated to meaningful conversations about mental health, well-being, and the challenges we face today. It is part of my ongoing commitment to supporting people in navigating complex emotional and psychological struggles. Through open discussions with leading experts in the industry, I aim to break down barriers, challenge misconceptions, and offer valuable insights that can make a real difference.https://thebalance.clinic

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