Recovery Centered Podcast | Real Talk on Recovery & Mental Health

Beachway Therapy Center
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Semimonthly

Hope. Healing. Recovery. The Recovery Centered Podcast explores the journey of addiction and mental health recovery through real conversations with experts, advocates, and individuals with lived experience. Hosted by Tim Roberto, and sponsored by Beachway Therapy Center, this series offers insights, strategies, and support for individuals and families navigating the challenges of substance use, trauma, and mental health disorders. From expert interviews with therapists, medical professionals, and legal advocates to personal stories of resilience, we dive deep into the issues that matter most. Whether you're in recovery, supporting a loved one, or seeking knowledge on addiction treatment, this podcast is your trusted resource for education, empowerment, and inspiration. Tune in and take the next step toward healing. email: info@beachway.com www.beachway.com https://www.instagram.com/beachwaytherapycenter/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8VvNANSoGdKddbHG4z70rg https://www.facebook.com/BeachwayTherapy/

  1. 4d ago

    Autism, Connection, and Rethinking Neurodivergent Care with Dr. Ali Cunningham Abbott

    In this episode of Recovery Centered, Tim Roberto sits down with Dr. Ali Cunningham Abbott, PhD, LMHC, QS, a clinician, educator, and advocate who has spent nearly two decades working with the autistic community. Dr. Cunningham Abbott serves as Program Director and Associate Professor in Lynn University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program and as Senior Clinical Advisor for the Nest Program at Family First Adolescent Services, which provides residential care for neurodivergent adolescents. Their conversation explores how our understanding of autism has evolved—from older ideas about “high” and “low” functioning to a more individualized focus on support needs, masking, communication differences, and neurodiversity. Dr. Cunningham Abbott discusses why autistic people may communicate more naturally with other neurodivergent people, how structure and routine can support functioning, and why behaviors such as stimming can play an important role in self-regulation. The discussion also examines the intersection of autism, mental health, and substance use. Drawing on her clinical experience, Dr. Cunningham Abbott explains how substances can sometimes become a social tool for autistic people navigating relationships and belonging—and why this population may face particular vulnerabilities in social situations. She and Tim return throughout the conversation to one of the strongest protective factors in recovery and mental health: meaningful human connection. Dr. Cunningham Abbott also shares the path that took her from graduate training and early work at Florida Atlantic University’s Center for Autism & Related Disabilities to private practice, higher education, clinical consultation, and advocacy. The episode offers a broader look at what neurodivergent-informed care can mean for clinicians, treatment programs, families, and the people they serve.

    Autism, Connection, and Rethinking Neurodivergent Care with Dr. Ali Cunningham Abbott

  2. Sep 23

    Why 28 Days Isn’t Enough: Frank Galimidi on What Makes Addiction Treatment Work

    In this episode of Recovery Centered, host Tim Roberto sits down with Frank Galimidi, CEO of Sunview Wellness, for a candid discussion about what it actually takes to create lasting recovery. With more than 23 years of experience in addiction treatment and behavioral healthcare, Frank has worked across clinical care, operations, program development, and executive leadership. He shares his concern that the treatment industry has increasingly emphasized short-term stabilization while giving clients less time to address the underlying patterns, trauma, relationships, and beliefs that can keep addiction in place. Frank and Tim discuss why detox and residential treatment are often only the beginning of recovery; the importance of PHP, IOP, and outpatient care; and why people need opportunities to navigate real-world adversity while they still have the support of therapists, peers, and a recovery community. They also explore Frank’s concept of “Clinical Architecture”—building treatment programs around strong clinicians, human connection, accountability, and a culture designed to support meaningful long-term change. The conversation also examines some of the pressures facing behavioral healthcare today, including shorter authorized lengths of stay, clinician burnout, reimbursement challenges, and treatment models that can prioritize patient turnover over continuity of care. Frank argues that better outcomes start with investing in the people doing the clinical work and giving clients enough time to develop an identity and a life beyond addiction. At its core, this episode makes the case that recovery is more than getting sober. It is learning to face life without escaping from it—and discovering through experience that change is possible.

    Why 28 Days Isn’t Enough: Frank Galimidi on What Makes Addiction Treatment Work

  3. Sep 16

    From Addiction to Therapist: Marissa Levin on Recovery, CBT & Finding Purpose

    Nearly nine years ago, Marissa Levin entered treatment with no intention of staying sober. She was exhausted, hopeless, and convinced she simply needed a break. Today, she is approaching nine years in recovery and is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and founder of Vantage Point Therapy, where she helps clients navigate addiction, trauma, anxiety, depression, and major life transitions. In this episode of Recovery Centered, Tim Roberto reconnects with Marissa to talk about the transformation that followed her decision to accept help. Marissa shares how recovery eventually led her back to school, through graduate education and licensure, and ultimately into private practice. She discusses how her own experience with addiction informs her work and her desire to help others find their own path forward. The conversation explores cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma, spirituality, codependency, and the obsessive thinking that can drive both substance use and behavioral addictions. Marissa discusses the growing prevalence of online gambling, particularly among younger people, as well as her work with new mothers struggling with addiction. Throughout the episode, Tim and Marissa return to the importance of interrupting destructive thought patterns, challenging the stories we tell ourselves, and focusing on the choices directly in front of us. Marissa also shares simple techniques she uses to help clients create enough distance from a craving or obsessive thought to begin challenging it. For Marissa, recovery has become more than abstinence. It has led to motherhood, a new career, a private practice, and the opportunity to offer others the kind of help that once changed the direction of her own life.

    From Addiction to Therapist: Marissa Levin on Recovery, CBT & Finding Purpose

  4. Sep 9

    From Near-Death to a Life of Purpose: Trish Kane on Recovery, Spirituality, and Healing

    In this episode of Recovery Centered, host Tim Roberto sits down with Trish Kane, founder and CEO of Healerverse, to discuss her remarkable journey from addiction and a near-fatal overdose to long-term recovery, spirituality, and a life centered around purpose and healing. Trish shares how years of alcohol and drug addiction culminated in a 2014 overdose that nearly took her life. After being resuscitated, spending nine days in a coma, and facing a long physical recovery, she began rebuilding her life. She has remained sober since November 17, 2014, later earning her MBA, becoming an international motivational speaker, and founding Healerverse, a platform connecting people with spiritual and holistic practitioners, experiences, and communities. Tim and Trish discuss the deeper work of recovery: unlearning old beliefs, letting go of resentments, accepting help, and discovering who you are beyond addiction and the expectations of others. Trish also shares the role spirituality and holistic healing have played in her own transformation and how those experiences ultimately influenced the work she does today. Their conversation explores the 12 Steps, resilience, authenticity, spirituality, and the willingness to remain open to different paths toward healing. More than a story of sobriety, it is a discussion about what can happen when recovery becomes an opportunity to completely reconsider how you want to live.

    From Near-Death to a Life of Purpose: Trish Kane on Recovery, Spirituality, and Healing

  5. Sep 2

    After the Uniform: Jonathan Oakley on Service, Transition, and Supporting Veterans

    After 22 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, Jonathan Oakley understands how deeply military service can shape a person—and how difficult it can be to find a new direction when that chapter ends. In this episode of Recovery Centered, host Tim Roberto sits down with Jonathan, Senior Director of MISSION UNITED at United Way of Palm Beach County, for a candid conversation about military life, the transition to civilian life, mental health, and the importance of connection and purpose after service. Jonathan discusses some of the gaps veterans encounter when leaving the military, including the challenge of navigating the VA and finding local resources without a clear bridge connecting them to the veteran community. He also explains why the problem is often not a complete lack of services, but making sure veterans know those services exist and can access them when they need them. The conversation also explores the culture surrounding asking for help. Jonathan and Tim discuss ego, identity, and the pressure to appear as though everything is under control—particularly among veterans and first responders. Jonathan's message is straightforward: needing help is part of being human, and getting it should not be viewed as weakness. Through his work with MISSION UNITED, Jonathan now continues the service that defined much of his adult life by helping connect veterans and their families with organizations and resources throughout Palm Beach County. The episode is ultimately a conversation about what happens after the uniform comes off—and the role that community, purpose, and asking for help can play in building what comes next.

    After the Uniform: Jonathan Oakley on Service, Transition, and Supporting Veterans

  6. Aug 28

    How Addiction Changes the Brain—and How Recovery Helps It Heal

    What happens to the brain during addiction—and what changes when someone enters recovery? Clinical psychologist Dr. Theresa joins Tim Roberto to explore the connection between brain health, substance use, mental health, and recovery. Drawing on her background in addiction treatment and neuropsychological testing, Dr. Theresa explains how substance use can affect executive functioning, including impulse control, decision-making, and the ability to anticipate consequences. They discuss the brain’s capacity to develop new neural pathways, why changing deeply ingrained behaviors can feel so difficult, and how recovery gives the brain an opportunity to heal and adapt. Dr. Theresa also explains how neuropsychological and psychological testing can help identify cognitive strengths and deficits and potentially guide more individualized treatment. The conversation expands into long-term brain health, including memory and cognitive decline, the importance of exercise, nutrition, sleep and social connection, and practical habits that can support both mental and cognitive health. It’s a look at recovery through the lens of the brain—and how understanding the way we think, behave, and change can help support lasting recovery.

    How Addiction Changes the Brain—and How Recovery Helps It Heal

  7. Jul 16

    Healing Starts at the Root: Trauma, Resilience, and the Power of Authentic Therapy

    Healing isn't about fixing what's broken—it's about reconnecting with the strengths that have always been there. In this episode, Tim sits down with Erin McKinney, LCSW, RPT, founder of Deeply Rooted Psychotherapy, to discuss a compassionate, evidence-based approach to mental health that emphasizes resilience, authenticity, and meaningful human connection. Erin specializes in working with adults—particularly first responders—as well as trauma, maternal mental health, anxiety, burnout, parenting, and life transitions. She is an EMDR Certified Therapist, Registered Play Therapist, and Qualified Supervisor who believes therapy should empower clients to develop the tools they need long after sessions end. Together, Tim and Erin explore why mental health isn't simply about treating illness, but about intentionally caring for our nervous system, relationships, and overall well-being. They discuss the unique emotional demands placed on first responders, how trauma affects both individuals and families, and why healing often begins by returning to life's fundamentals: sleep, movement, boundaries, mindfulness, and community. The conversation also offers an accessible introduction to EMDR therapy, play therapy, and the importance of creating a safe, collaborative environment where people can process difficult experiences without judgment.

    Healing Starts at the Root: Trauma, Resilience, and the Power of Authentic Therapy

  8. Jul 13

    Behind the Badge: A Veteran Officer on Trauma, Mental Health, and Life After Policing

    After 32 years with the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, retired law enforcement leader Sean shares an honest look at the realities of policing that the public rarely sees. From investigating crimes against children to serving on tactical units and leading officers in the field, he reflects on the emotional weight of the job, the evolution of mental health support within law enforcement, and why asking for help is a sign of strength—not weakness. Sean and Tim discuss hypervigilance, burnout, family life, peer support, the importance of self-care, and the challenges officers face both on the street and within their own organizations. The conversation also explores retirement, rediscovering purpose through family and new hobbies, and why protecting your mental health is essential for a long and meaningful life. Whether you're a first responder, work in a high-stress profession, or simply want a deeper understanding of those who serve their communities, this episode offers an authentic perspective on resilience, service, and recovery.

    Behind the Badge: A Veteran Officer on Trauma, Mental Health, and Life After Policing
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About

Hope. Healing. Recovery. The Recovery Centered Podcast explores the journey of addiction and mental health recovery through real conversations with experts, advocates, and individuals with lived experience. Hosted by Tim Roberto, and sponsored by Beachway Therapy Center, this series offers insights, strategies, and support for individuals and families navigating the challenges of substance use, trauma, and mental health disorders. From expert interviews with therapists, medical professionals, and legal advocates to personal stories of resilience, we dive deep into the issues that matter most. Whether you're in recovery, supporting a loved one, or seeking knowledge on addiction treatment, this podcast is your trusted resource for education, empowerment, and inspiration. Tune in and take the next step toward healing. email: info@beachway.com www.beachway.com https://www.instagram.com/beachwaytherapycenter/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8VvNANSoGdKddbHG4z70rg https://www.facebook.com/BeachwayTherapy/

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