S4 E10: Josh Ulrich on Generational Trauma and Substance Abuse

In this episode of the Beyond Theory podcast, host Dominic Lawson interviews Josh Ulrich, a virtual therapist at The Meadows Behavioral Health, about his unique perspective on virtual intensive outpatient programs (IOP) and trauma-informed addiction treatment. Josh shares his diverse background, from sales to working with hospice patients and counseling on an Indian reservation, where he witnessed the devastating impact of generational trauma and substance abuse on communities.

Josh provides an inside look at The Meadows' innovative virtual IOP, which offers a comprehensive 8-week curriculum covering essential topics such as boundaries, communication, trauma, shame, vulnerability, addiction, mood disorders, grief, emotions, and recovery management. He discusses strategies for fostering connection and accountability in a virtual setting, including leveraging group dynamics and bringing high energy to sessions.

A highlight of the episode is Josh's moving story of a young female patient with severe anxiety who, as a gamer and Twitch streamer, found the virtual format enabled her to access life-changing therapy she wouldn't have pursued otherwise. The virtual IOP allowed her to process her trauma and begin re-engaging with the world outside her room.

Throughout the interview, Josh offers nuanced insights into the advantages and challenges of virtual behavioral healthcare, drawing on his extensive experience treating patients with diverse needs. He emphasizes the importance of meeting patients where they are and providing accessible, trauma-informed care that addresses the root causes of addiction.

Key Takeaways:

1. Virtual intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) offer accessible, flexible addiction treatment and mental health support for patients facing barriers to traditional in-person care.

2. Trauma-informed care is essential for addressing the root causes of substance abuse and promoting lasting recovery.

3. Generational trauma and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can perpetuate cycles of addiction and maladaptive coping mechanisms within families and communities.

4. The Meadows' innovative 8-week virtual IOP curriculum comprehensively addresses core recovery topics such as boundaries, shame, grief, and emotions.

5. Building connection and accountability in a virtual therapy setting requires leveraging group dynamics, high energy facilitation, and interactive elements.

6. Accessible virtual treatment can be life-changing for patients with severe anxiety, trauma, or other barriers to in-person care, as illustrated by the story of the gamer and Twitch streamer.

7. Meeting patients where they are and providing compassionate, individualized care is crucial for engagement and progress in addiction recovery and mental health treatment.

8. As virtual behavioral healthcare evolves, it has the potential to expand access to effective, affordable treatment for a wider range of patients and needs.

9. Behavioral health professionals should stay informed about innovative virtual treatment modalities and trauma-informed approaches to best serve their patients and communities.

10. Podcasts like Beyond Theory offer valuable insights and inspiration for those in the behavioral health field and individuals seeking recovery and mental wellness.

For behavioral health professionals and individuals seeking recovery, this episode offers valuable perspective on the evolving landscape of virtual addiction treatment and the power of innovative, compassionate approaches to healing trauma and promoting lasting recovery. Josh's expertise and dedication to his patients shines through, making this a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of accessible, effective mental healthcare.

Josh Ulrich is a Virtual Therapist for The Meadows Outpatient Center’s MBH Connect. He runs the Arizona Virtual IOP group, working with individuals from a