RECOVERable: Mental Health and Addiction Experts Answer Your Questions

Recovery.com | Experts in Mental Health and Addiction
  • 5.0 (4)
  • MENTAL HEALTH

RECOVERable features conversations with top experts in mental health, addiction recovery, and emotional wellbeing. Each episode answers the internet’s most-asked questions about topics like anxiety, trauma, relapse, and self-growth, breaking them down into clear, relatable insights you can actually use. No jargon. No judgment. Just expert-backed guidance to help you understand and take control of your mental health.

Episodes

  1. 2D AGO

    What Depression Actually Feels Like (A Therapist’s Story) (Part 1)

    Ever stared at your to-do list and wondered, "Am I depressed or am I just lazy?". You're definitely not the only one searching for that answer. In this episode of RECOVERable, host Terry McGuire is joined by Aja Chavez to peel back the layers of a condition that often hides in plain sight. Aja Chavez is an EMDR-trained Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) & Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC) who offers a perspective that is as rare as it is vital: she is both a clinical expert and a suicide attempt survivor. Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/ Depression isn't always sitting in a dark room with the blankets pulled over your head. For some, it feels like a "warm, heavy weighted blanket" or a "stage four clinger" that robs you of your ability to connect with joy. Aja shares her personal journey from a high-achieving 20-something who "had it all" to the moment she realized her internal dialogue was a lie designed to keep her in a shame spiral. We dive into the "train whistle" warning signs you need to watch for and how "contrary action" can save your life when the darkness starts to feel like a "nice friend". This isn't just a clinical lecture; it’s a conversational toolkit for anyone navigating the muddy waters of mental illness. If you've ever felt "other" or like you missed the life rulebook, this episode is for you. ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction to RECOVERable and guest Aja Chavez  01:35 – What does depression actually feel like?  03:54 – The #1 search: Am I depressed or am I lazy?  06:47 – Why depression is a medical condition, not a choice  10:53 – High-functioning depression: Hiding in plain sight  13:02 – Aja’s story: When depression feels like a "nice friend"  23:08 – Dropping the mask and asking for help  30:48 – The "Train Whistle": Identifying early warning signs  37:01 – Wellness plans and the power of "contrary action"  42:21 – Why do I feel depressed for "no reason"?  ❓ Questions the Video Answers: Am I depressed or am I lazy? What does clinical depression feel like? How do I describe depression to someone who has never felt it? Is depression a medical condition or a mood disorder? What are the different types of depression diagnosis? How can I tell the difference between sadness and depression? What is high-functioning depression? Why do high achievers struggle with mental health? Can you be depressed if your life looks perfect from the outside? What are the first technical signs of depression? How does irritability link to depressive episodes? Why does depression make it hard to do simple tasks like showering? What is "contrary action" in mental health treatment? Can you be depressed for "no reason"? How do I identify my own early warning signs? #mentalhealth #depressionrecovery #highfunctioningdepression

    51 min

  2. JAN 22

    Why You Shut Down After Conflict (And How to Stop the Cycle) (Part 2)

    Stop being the thermometer that reads the room and start being the thermostat that sets the temperature. In this deep dive, emotional regulation expert Alyssa Blask Campbell (New York Times Bestselling Author and CEO of Seed & Coach) reveals why our reactions are often "learned habits" and how we can regain self-control in high-stress moments. Whether you are navigating a toddler's meltdown, a workplace panic attack, or a heated argument with a partner, understanding your nervous system is the key to changing the outcome. Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/ Learn more about Alyssa’s work at Seed & Sew: https://www.seedandsew.org/ Alyssa explains the science of the Vagus Nerve—the "muscle" of your parasympathetic nervous system—and why TikTok is obsessed with it. You’ll learn why "hiding" your feelings actually fuels anxiety and how "cold exposure" or "humming" can physically reset your body's fight-or-flight response in seconds. We also explore the revolutionary idea that behavior is never the problem; it is merely a symptom of an unmet need. By the end of this episode, you will have a toolkit of grounding techniques that actually work and the insight to stop "shutting down" when things get hard. Alyssa Blask Campbell, M.Ed., is the author of Tiny Humans, Big Emotions and Bigger Kids, Bigger Feelings.

    41 min

  3. JAN 15

    How to Reset Your Nervous System | Stop Reacting & Start Responding (Part 1)

    Stop reacting and start responding. Emotional development expert Alyssa Blask Campbell, M.Ed., explains how to understand and fix your unique nervous system today. Feeling overwhelmed, snappy, or like you're constantly "treading water" just to stay afloat? You’re likely living in a state of nervous system dysregulation. In this episode, New York Times bestselling author Alyssa Blask Campbell, M.Ed., breaks down the science of emotion regulation and why most of us never learned these essential adulting skills in our youth. Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/ Learn more about Alyssa’s work at Seed & Sew: https://www.seedandsew.org/ We dive deep into the crucial difference between "coping mechanisms" that provide temporary dopamine hits—like substance use or impulsive shopping—and "coping strategies" that produce lasting serotonin and oxytocin to truly calm the body. Alyssa introduces the Collaborative Emotion Processing (CEP) method, explaining how our unique sensory systems—including proprioceptive and vestibular senses—dictate how we experience stress and how we must recharge. Whether you are navigating "sensory mismatches" in your marriage, trying to handle a child’s grocery store meltdown, or recovering from trauma, this conversation provides a roadmap to self-awareness and self-control. Discover insights from her New York Times bestseller, Tiny Humans, Big Emotions , and learn why "microdosing" self-regulation throughout the day is the key to lasting peace. ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 – Intro: The "Only Way Out is Through"  10:33 – What is emotion regulation?  28:09 – How do I know if I'm dysregulated?  40:19 – Does nervous system reset actually work?  41:41 – What is the fastest way to calm myself down?  ❓ Questions the Video Answers: What is the difference between emotion regulation and self-control? How do I know if my nervous system is dysregulated? Why do I use online shopping or social media to cope with stress? Does a nervous system reset really work or is it just buzzword hype? How does childhood trauma affect my adult stress reactions? What is the fastest way to calm down during a moment of rage? Why am I so sensitive to small sounds like clicking or chewing? How can I stop being sarcastic and snippy when I'm stressed? What are "legacy blessings" and "legacy burdens" in parenting? How do I handle a sensory mismatch with my partner or child? Is deep breathing actually effective for regulating emotions? What is the proprioceptive sense and how does it help with anxiety? How do I stop "treading water" and start actually healing? Why can't a dysregulated adult calm a dysregulated child? What are the best tools for "microdosing" self-regulation? #nervoussystem #emotionregulation #parenting

    54 min

  4. JAN 8

    Why Addiction Relapse Happens & How to Prevent It (Part 2)

    Relapse isn’t failure — it’s feedback. This conversation explores why relapse is a normal part of addiction recovery and how to use it as data to build a powerful relapse‑prevention plan. Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/ Dr. Jasleen Chhatwal, a board‑certified psychiatrist and addiction medicine physician, explains that addiction relapse prevention strategies hinge on self‑awareness and preparation. You’ll learn why relapse in addiction recovery often reveals hidden triggers, how to identify stressors and cravings early, and why shame‑free support from loved ones matters. We unpack the difference between sobriety and holistic recovery, showing that addressing trauma and mental health is vital to staying well. The video also highlights the signs of addiction and what it means to be a functional addict so you can recognize subtle warning signs before they spiral. Beyond personal insight, you’ll get compassionate tips on how to talk to someone with addiction without confrontation and how to build a relapse‑prevention plan that works. We cover the stages of addiction recovery, treatment options like medications and 12‑step programs, harm‑reduction approaches, and how to integrate community support. You’ll hear why willpower alone isn’t enough and why hope and intentionality are key. We also tackle co‑occurring mental health issues, signs of trauma and addiction, and what to do when you’re worried about your drinking. Whether you’re struggling yourself or supporting a loved one, this video offers practical tools to avoid relapse, cultivate self‑compassion, and seek help without stigma. ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction & why relapse is part of recovery 02:30 – Learning from relapse & building prevention strategies 05:45 – Hope, harm reduction & staying sober long‑term 08:20 – Recovery vs sobriety & trauma triggers 11:55 – What is a functional addict? Subtle signs you might miss 15:50 – Treatment options: medication, 12‑step & personalized care 18:45 – Compassionate conversations: how to talk to someone with addiction 24:30 – Signs of addiction & when to seek help 30:00 – Co‑occurring mental health & holistic recovery 34:50 – Final takeaway: love, support & hope in healing ❓ Questions the Video Answers: Why do addiction relapses happen and what can we learn from them?What are the best addiction relapse‑prevention strategies?How do you build a relapse‑prevention plan that actually works?What’s the difference between recovery and sobriety?What are the signs of addiction and how can you spot a functional addict?How do you talk to someone with a drug or alcohol addiction without making them defensive?What are the stages of addiction recovery and why do they matter?How can you avoid relapse and maintain long‑term sobriety?Can a recovering alcoholic ever drink again — and why is it a slippery slope?Are 12‑step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous mandatory for sobriety?What treatments exist for opioid or alcohol addiction, from medications to support groups?How does trauma drive addiction and why must it be addressed?What are the signs that your coping strategies are becoming unhealthy or addictive?How do co‑occurring mental‑health disorders impact addiction recovery?What’s the first step when you’re worried about your drinking or drug use?#addictionrecovery #relapseprevention #mentalhealth

    42 min

  5. JAN 2

    What Is Addiction? Signs, Causes & How to Overcome It (Part 1)

    Addiction isn’t a moral failing — it’s a chronic brain disorder that hijacks your reward circuitry and turns coping into compulsion. In this episode, Dr. Jasleen Chhatwal unpacks what addiction really is and why so many people use substances or behaviors to self‑medicate pain, trauma or anxiety. She explains that 40–60% of risk is genetic, but genes don’t doom you — understanding your family history allows you to make healthier choices. Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/ We discuss how addictive disorders cross all demographics, from CEOs to stay‑at‑home parents, and why trauma and stress can rewire the prefrontal cortex so that cravings and compulsions take over. Dr. Chhatwal debunks the “rock bottom” myth by showing that recovery is a process of weighing pros and cons and learning from setbacks. She breaks down the four C’s of addiction — compulsion, cravings, continuing despite consequences and loss of control — and shares simple ways to spot early warning signs, like secrecy or drastic behavior changes. You’ll learn how to ask caring, observational questions instead of accusing someone and why emotional literacy can prevent future substance use. ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 – Intro: Addiction Defined & Brain Hijack 01:20 – Self‑Medication, Trauma & Feeling “Normal” 04:30 – How Families Can Support Without Enabling 12:54 – Genetics vs Moral Failure: Myths Busted 15:58 – Stereotypes vs Reality: Addiction Affects Everyone 19:11 – Root Causes: Trauma, Mental Health & Brain Development 20:38 – Do You Need Rock Bottom? Motivation & Recovery 23:50 – The Four C’s: Compulsion, Cravings, Consequences, Control 26:29 – Warning Signs & How to Talk About Addiction 29:35 – Is My Kid Using Drugs? Teen Behavior & Emotional Literacy 33:52 – Why Do People with Addictions Lie? Confabulation Explained 37:15 – Why Can’t Addicts Just Quit? Brain Hijack & Treatment 40:30 – Process & Behavioral Addictions: Work, Gaming, Porn 43:24 – When Does a Habit Become an Addiction? Functional Impairment 45:31 – Compassionate Boundaries & Community Support 49:41 – Moderation vs Sobriety & Harm Reduction 51:48 – Harm Reduction & Hope: Meeting People Where They Are 52:07 – Closing & Next Episode Teaser ❓ Questions the Video Answers: What is addiction and how can someone overcome it?What are the early warning signs of addiction?Is addiction genetic or a choice?Why do some people become addicted while others don’t?How do trauma and mental health issues cause addiction and self‑medication?What is “rock bottom” in addiction recovery and do you need to hit it?What are the four C’s of addiction (compulsion, cravings, consequences and control)?How can I help a friend or family member with addiction without enabling them?Why do people with addictions lie so much?Why can’t addicts just stop even when they want to?Can you be addicted to things like work, gaming, porn or food?When does a habit become a full‑blown addiction?How do you know if your teenager’s “weird” behavior is drug use or something else?Can moderation work, or do you need complete sobriety for recovery?What is harm reduction and why is it important in addiction treatment?#addiction #mentalhealth #recovery

    52 min

  6. 12/18/2025

    ADHD vs Anxiety? Discover Time Blindness & Body Doubling Tricks (Part 2)

    ADHD isn’t laziness; it’s a neurodevelopmental difference that affects attention, executive function and impulse control. In this eye‑opening conversation with child psychologist Dr. Carrie Jackson, we explore what ADHD really is and why many people’s organizational skills lag by about 30%. You’ll learn how inattention and hyperactivity manifest across the lifespan, why it’s not a knowledge problem but a challenge in acting on intentions, and how misunderstood “ADHD paralysis” keeps you stuck on tasks. Learn science‑backed ways to break paralysis – from changing your environment and using body doubling to working in short two‑minute bursts. Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/ Learn more about Dr. Carrie Jackson: https://www.drcarriejackson.com/ Dr. Jackson also debunks myths about stimulant medication: it targets dopamine and norepinephrine, calms impulsivity and even improves emotion regulation and social skills. Untreated ADHD, however, is linked with accidents, health complications and shorter life expectancy, while proper treatment significantly reduces the risk of substance use disorders by about 40%. For parents, she offers executive function tips, visual schedules and time‑blocking strategies—start with just three important tasks and block realistic calendar slots to avoid burnout. We discuss 504 plans, flexible seating and other accommodations that level the playing field at school and work. Finally, we address relationships: how to explain ADHD to your partner, use non‑judgmental language and focus on positive reinforcement. ADHD is a brain difference, not a flaw; with support, self‑awareness and the right tools, you can thrive. ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 – What Is ADHD? Neurodevelopment & Executive Function 04:12 – ADHD Time Management & Parenting Morning Routines 08:50 – ADHD vs Anxiety: Overlap & Differences 13:30 – Medication Myths: Benefits vs Stimulant Fears 18:20 – Untreated ADHD Risks & Substance Use 22:45 – ADHD Paralysis, Body Doubling & Time Blocking Tips 29:10 – Accommodations, Relationships & Final Takeaways ❓ Questions the Video Answers: What is ADHD and how does it affect executive functioning? Why are organizational skills often 30% behind in people with ADHD? How is ADHD different from anxiety and depression? What are the signs of ADHD time blindness and how do you manage it? What is ADHD paralysis and how can you stop procrastination? How does body doubling help with task initiation and focus? What are effective time‑blocking and time management tips for adults with ADHD? Are ADHD medications safe, and what benefits do stimulants provide? What are the consequences of untreated ADHD on health and lifespan? Does treating ADHD reduce the risk of substance use disorders? How can parents create morning routines and visual schedules for ADHD kids? What accommodations can schools or workplaces provide for ADHD? How do you explain ADHD to your partner and repair relationships after impulsivity? Is ADHD a disability or a strength, and how can you embrace both? How can you focus with ADHD without burning out or feeling overwhelmed? #ADHD #MentalHealth #TimeManagement

    46 min

  7. 12/11/2025

    ADHD vs Distraction | How to Know & Get Properly Diagnosed (Part 1)

    Wonder if your forgetfulness and zoning out is ADHD or just distraction? In this episode of Recovery, child psychologist and ADHD expert Dr. Carrie Jackson explains what ADHD really feels like and why it’s often underdiagnosed in women and BIPOC communities. You’ll learn how to tell the difference between normal distraction and clinically significant ADHD symptoms in women, men and kids and why executive functioning issues – not laziness – drive the forgetfulness, missed deadlines and day‑dreaming. Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/ Learn more about Dr. Carrie Jackson: https://www.drcarriejackson.com/ Dr. Jackson shares her own journey living with ADHD and breaks down the three presentations: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive and combined. She debunks myths (no, sugar and screen time don’t cause ADHD), explains why girls often present as “quiet daydreamers” while boys are labelled disruptive, and explores the role of hormones and genetics in adult ADHD diagnosis. You’ll hear why there’s no brain scan for ADHD – diagnosis relies on interviews, questionnaires and observing behaviour across settings – and why many adults get diagnosed after childbirth or during major life transitions. ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction & why ADHD is often underdiagnosed 00:24 – Do I have ADHD or am I just distracted? 01:04 – Regulating attention: hyperfocus vs distractibility 03:22 – Interest‑based attention & urgency (video games vs tasks) 04:12 – How ADHD is diagnosed & who can diagnose it 05:49 – No brain scans: interviews, questionnaires & criteria 07:28 – Recognizing symptoms across school, work & home 08:42 – Forgetting homework: performance vs intelligence 10:03 – Misconceptions: laziness, discipline & executive function 11:16 – Gender differences: ADHD in girls vs boys 13:14 – Types of ADHD & how symptoms change with age 15:07 – Inattentive signs: zoning out, random thoughts & losing things 17:09 – Why ADHD is missed: hidden symptoms & doing well in school 18:59 – The emotional toll: shame, self‑esteem & feeling “lazy” 20:43 – Underdiagnosed or overdiagnosed? Changing criteria & awareness 22:05 – Genetics, parental age & environmental factors 23:29 – Key symptoms: attention, organization & impulsivity 26:03 – Causes vs myths: sugar, screen time & diet 27:29 – Does ADHD get worse with age? Hormones & adult life 31:24 – Suspect ADHD? Finding qualified help & next steps 32:45 – Diagnosing young kids & parent‑focused interventions 34:32 – What’s next: medications, parenting strategies & support ❓ Questions the Video Answers: How can I tell if I have ADHD or if I’m just distracted? What are the most common ADHD symptoms in women and girls? How does ADHD differ from normal forgetfulness or laziness? What’s the difference between inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive ADHD? How is ADHD diagnosed in adults without a brain scan? Why are so many women and BIPOC individuals underdiagnosed? Can you have ADHD and still hyperfocus on video games or work? Does ADHD get worse with age, or can it improve over time? Is ADHD genetic, and what environmental factors play a role? What are the myths about sugar, screen time and diet causing ADHD? How do hormones and pregnancy impact ADHD symptoms in women? What’s the difference between ADD and ADHD presentations? At what age can children be reliably diagnosed with ADHD? What help is available if my child shows signs but doesn’t meet the criteria? What should be my first step if I suspect ADHD for myself or my child? #ADHD #MentalHealth #Neurodiversity

    35 min

  8. 11/20/2025

    15 DBT Skills for a Life Worth Living | Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Explained (Part 2)

    Struggling to manage emotions, stress or relationships? Discover how DBT skills like mindfulness, radical acceptance and validation can transform your life. In this episode, psychologist Dr. Kiki Felling breaks down Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and shows you how to apply these powerful tools in everyday situations. Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/ Learn more about Kiki: https://www.kikifehling.com/ Dr. Felling explains the four core DBT modules—mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance and interpersonal effectiveness—and why they matter. She defines mindfulness as being fully present without judgement, paying attention to sensations, thoughts and feelings to tap into your inner wisdom. You’ll learn that distress tolerance skills aren’t about fixing problems but surviving the toughest moments; radical acceptance allows you to acknowledge reality so pain doesn’t turn into suffering. She demonstrates crisis‑survival techniques like grounding with cold water, self‑soothing objects and personalized coping kits. In the emotion‑regulation section, Dr. Felling shows how to understand, use or change feelings and build resilience by accumulating positive experiences. The video also covers interpersonal effectiveness—assertiveness, boundaries, and validation. Validation, she says, is the superpower that reduces conflict and deepens relationships. Throughout the conversation she reminds us that mindfulness is the foundation of every skill and that the ultimate goal is to create a “life worth living” defined by your own values. If you’re ready to stop reacting and start responding, this episode offers practical DBT strategies you can use right away. Like, comment and share your own experiences with these skills, subscribe for more mental‑health insights, and check out our related videos on emotion regulation and distress tolerance. ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 – What Is DBT & Who Is It For? 02:25 – Mindfulness Skills Beyond Meditation 05:45 – Distress Tolerance & Radical Acceptance 09:30 – Pain vs. Suffering: Accepting Reality 13:00 – Crisis Survival Skills & The Coping Kit 17:40 – Regulating Your Nervous System (TIP Skills) 22:30 – Emotion Regulation & ABC PLEASE Skills 27:15 – Naming Your Emotions & The Emotion Dictionary 31:50 – Interpersonal Effectiveness & Boundaries 35:20 – The Power of Validation 39:00 – Mindfulness: The Foundation of All Skills 41:30 – Creating a Life Worth Living & Final Thoughts ❓ Questions the Video Answers: What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy and how does it help with emotion regulation? What are the four core DBT skills modules? How does mindfulness differ from meditation in DBT? What are the “observe” and “describe” mindfulness skills? What is radical acceptance and why is it crucial for distress tolerance? How can accepting pain prevent it from turning into suffering? What are crisis survival skills and how can they help during intense urges? What should be in a distress tolerance kit? How does the “tip your temperature” ice‑water technique reset your nervous system? What are ABC PLEASE skills and how do they build emotional resilience? How can someone learn to identify and name their emotions? What are interpersonal effectiveness skills and why are they important? Why is validation considered a relationship superpower? How can mindfulness be practiced in everyday life beyond sitting meditation? What does it mean to create a life worth living and how does DBT help you define it? #MentalHealth #DBTskills #EmotionalRegulation

    44 min

  9. 11/13/2025

    What is DBT? | Dialectical Behavior Therapy Explained (Part 1)

    📝 Description: Discover how dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) transforms insight into action and helps you ride out emotional storms. Clinical psychologist Dr. Kiki Fehling shares her personal journey—from using DBT skills to recover after a heart attack to teaching them to clients—and explains why understanding yourself isn’t enough. DBT combines proven cognitive‑behavioral techniques with mindfulness, radical acceptance and coping skills. It teaches you to recognize, regulate and work with your emotions rather than be controlled by them. Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/ Learn more about Kiki: https://www.kikifehling.com/ In this conversation you’ll learn what “dialectics” means (hint: embracing both acceptance and change) and how the Wise Mind helps balance your rational and emotional sides. Dr. Fehling explains that DBT was created for people with borderline personality disorder but research now shows it helps PTSD, anxiety, depression, substance use disorders and eating disorders. You’ll hear how DBT tackles anxiety through exposure and opposite‑action techniques that teach you to face fears while soothing your body and mind. For depression, the therapy reconnects you to activities and relationships that bring joy, and for addiction it provides healthier ways to cope with pain. Unlike traditional talk therapy, DBT is collaborative and directive—your therapist actively tracks behaviors, teaches life skills and offers coaching between sessions. A comprehensive DBT program includes weekly individual therapy, weekly skills groups and 24/7 phone coaching, and therapists consult with one another to ensure quality care. Even if you can’t commit to the full program, learning DBT skills through books or online groups can still make a difference. Ready to build a more stable, fulfilling life? Watch until the end, subscribe for part two (where we dive into the skills themselves), share your story in the comments and pass this along to someone who could use a little DBT wisdom. ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 – Dr. Kiki’s DBT Journey & Why Insight Isn’t Enough 02:13 – What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy? DBT Explained 03:07 – Dialectics: Balancing Acceptance and Change 07:55 – Who Benefits: BPD, PTSD, Anxiety, Depression & Addiction 08:58 – DBT Skills for Anxiety: Exposure & Opposite Action 10:00 – DBT for Depression: Reconnecting With Life & Joy 11:02 – Addiction & DBT: Coping Without Substances 16:21 – Talk Therapy vs DBT: Collaborative Skill‑Based Healing 27:26 – Inside a Comprehensive DBT Program: Individual, Group & Coaching 33:14 – DBT‑Informed Options & Learning Life Skills ❓ Questions the Video Answers: What is dialectical behavior therapy and how does it work?Who can benefit from DBT therapy?How does DBT help with emotional regulation and distress tolerance?What DBT skills can reduce anxiety and worry?How can DBT help someone struggling with depression?Is DBT effective for substance use disorders and addiction?What is the Wise Mind in DBT and how do you access it?How do dialectics balance acceptance and change?How is DBT different from traditional talk therapy or CBT?What does a comprehensive DBT program involve?How long does DBT therapy typically take?Can I learn DBT skills on my own through books or online groups?What are distress tolerance and opposite‑action skills?Does DBT work for borderline personality disorder and PTSD?How do DBT skills improve relationships and build a life worth living?#DBT #MentalHealth #EmotionalRegulation

    35 min

  10. 11/06/2025

    Healing Complex Trauma: Break People‑Pleasing & Rewire Your Brain (Part 2)

    Ever wonder why you keep repeating the same painful patterns even when you know better? Trauma therapist Laurel Vander Torn reveals that trauma is more than a single event – it’s a disconnect between what your mind knows and what your body feels. This disconnect can leave you stuck in a constant state of hyper‑vigilance, poor sleep, appetite changes and messy relationships. She introduces the “window of tolerance,” the sweet spot where you can think, feel and act without dissociating or feeling like you’re vibrating out of your skin. You’ll also learn why people‑pleasing and other complex trauma responses were once survival strategies but can become maladaptive in adulthood. Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/ Learn more about Laurel: https://www.laureltherapy.net/laurel-van-der-toorn Laurel explains that trauma literally rewires your brain by making you more sensitive to threats, but neuroplasticity means you can change it back. By practicing new behaviors and experiencing positive reactions, clients gradually take up space and discover freedom. She shifts the focus from shame to curiosity and self‑compassion, and she stresses the importance of a strong, trusting relationship with a trauma‑informed therapist who can guide you through modalities like EMDR, cognitive‑behavioral therapy, somatic techniques and internal family systems. ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction & What Is Trauma? 02:30 – People‑Pleaser Survival Strategies & Complex Trauma 05:45 – Breaking the Pattern & Closing the Loop 09:50 – Trauma Changes the Brain & Neuroplasticity 13:40 – From Shame to Curiosity & Self‑Compassion 16:50 – Trauma Therapy & Treatment Modalities 20:30 – Trauma, Mental Health & Addiction Recovery 24:50 – Self‑Healing Tools: Positive Memories, Movement & Breathing 33:40 – Holding Hope & Moving Forward ❓ Questions the Video Answers: What is trauma and why does it feel like your body and mind are living in different realities? How can you tell if you’re having a trauma response or just reacting to current stress? Why do people‑pleasing and other survival strategies persist long after childhood? What is the “window of tolerance,” and how can you stay within it? How does complex trauma affect relationships and make familiar patterns hard to break? Does trauma really change your brain, and can neuroplasticity help you heal? How do you shift from shame and self‑blame to curiosity and self‑compassion? What should you look for in a trauma therapist, and what are the main treatment modalities like EMDR and somatic therapy? How are trauma, anxiety, depression and addiction interconnected, and what’s the order of operations for healing? Can healing trauma reduce the symptoms of anxiety, depression or substance‑use disorders? What are some simple trauma release exercises and somatic practices you can use at home? How can movement, such as cardio or strength training, help process trauma stored in the body? What are the best coping strategies for managing trauma triggers in public, like box breathing or the dive technique? How can you rebuild safe, healthy relationships after childhood trauma? Is there hope for a better life after complex trauma, and how do you hold onto that hope? #traumahealing #mentalhealth #addictionrecovery

    36 min
  11. What Is Trauma? Therapist Explains Signs, Healing & EMDR Therapy (Part 1)

    10/29/2025

    What Is Trauma? Therapist Explains Signs, Healing & EMDR Therapy (Part 1)

    Is trauma only for combat veterans? Or could it be shaping your life without you even realizing it? In this powerful episode of Recoverable, licensed family therapist Laurel van der Toorn joins Terry to unpack the internet’s most searched questions about trauma — what it is, how it shows up in your body, and how to truly heal. Find treatment near you: https://recovery.com/condition/trauma/ Learn more about Laurel: https://www.laureltherapy.net/laurel-van-der-toorn You’ll learn how two people can live through the same event yet have completely different experiences, why trauma isn’t “what happened to you” but what happened inside you, and how to recognize the subtle signs that your past might still be affecting your relationships, sleep, or stress responses. Laurel breaks down complex psychology into everyday language, explaining concepts like the window of tolerance, PTSD vs. CPTSD, and EMDR therapy — a groundbreaking trauma treatment proven to rewire the brain and restore emotional balance. If you’ve ever wondered: 👉 “How do I know if I’ve experienced trauma?” 👉 “Can childhood trauma really affect me as an adult?” 👉 “Can trauma actually be healed?” …this episode is your roadmap. ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 – Intro: What We Get Wrong About Trauma 01:00 – Why Trauma Is More Common Than We Think 02:30 – What Is Trauma, Really? 04:30 – The Difference Between Hardship and Trauma 06:00 – Who Gets to Define a Traumatic Experience? 08:00 – Why Two People Experience the Same Event Differently 10:00 – How Resilience and Resources Shape Recovery 12:00 – PTSD vs. Complex PTSD Explained 13:00 – How to Know If You Have Trauma 15:00 – Understanding the “Window of Tolerance” 17:00 – Signs and Red Flags of Unhealed Trauma 18:30 – Trauma’s Link to Anxiety, Depression & Addiction 20:00 – The Power of Curiosity in Self-Healing 22:00 – How Childhood Trauma Shapes Adult Relationships 25:00 – Why Old Patterns Reappear When Life Gets Better 27:00 – Inner Child & Internal Family Systems Work 29:00 – Can Trauma Be Healed? 32:00 – EMDR Therapy Explained 38:00 – What an EMDR Session Looks Like 45:00 – Trauma and the Body: Why It Feels Physical 50:00 – A Simple Calming Exercise You Can Use Anytime ❓ Questions the Video Answers: What exactly is trauma? How can two people experience the same event but be affected differently? How do I know if I’ve experienced trauma? What’s the difference between trauma and a tough life event? Who decides if something was traumatic? How does trauma affect the brain and body? What is the “window of tolerance” and why does it matter? What are the signs of unhealed trauma in adults? How does childhood trauma show up in adult relationships? What’s the difference between PTSD and complex PTSD? Can trauma cause anxiety, depression, or addiction? What are the most effective trauma therapies? How does EMDR therapy work? Can trauma really be healed — or just managed? What are simple grounding exercises to calm your body? #trauma #ptsd #mentalhealth

    52 min
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4 Ratings

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RECOVERable features conversations with top experts in mental health, addiction recovery, and emotional wellbeing. Each episode answers the internet’s most-asked questions about topics like anxiety, trauma, relapse, and self-growth, breaking them down into clear, relatable insights you can actually use. No jargon. No judgment. Just expert-backed guidance to help you understand and take control of your mental health.

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