Living a Life in Balance - PODCAST

Abdullah Boulad
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  • Mental Health
  • Updated Biweekly

Founder & CEO of THE BALANCE RehabClinic | Book Author & Podcast Host of "Living a Life in Balance" | Global Expert in Mental Health & WellbeingI 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. 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

    50 min

  2. 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

    1 hr

  3. 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

    1h 24m

  4. Season 1 Trailer

    Living a Life in Balance - Full Trailer

    Send us Fan Mail Founder & CEO of THE BALANCE Rehab Clinic | Book Author & Podcast Host of "Living a Life in Balance" | Global Expert in Mental Health & Wellbeing I 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

    2 min

  5. Apr 29

    Why Young Adults Struggle Today: From Childhood Trauma to Healthy Relationships

    Send us Fan Mail How much of our adult relationships are shaped by the families we grew up in? Fiona Yassin, psychotherapist and Founder of The Wave Clinic, joins Abdullah Boulad, Founder and CEO of THE BALANCE Rehab Clinic, for a grounded conversation on how early family experiences continue to influence the way we relate, communicate, and navigate relationships later in life. In this episode, Fiona shares personal reflections on childhood trauma, family secrecy, and the path that led her to psychotherapy. Together, they explore how trauma shapes family dynamics, the role of recovery in therapeutic work, and the model of Family Emotional Governance she developed to better understand complex family systems. The conversation moves into the realities couples and families face today; communication breakdowns, cultural differences, expectations in relationships, and the pressures of modern life. They also discuss practical tools such as reflective listening, the role of transparency in families, and how individuals can build healthier, more conscious relationships over time. This episode offers a thoughtful perspective on family systems, emotional patterns, and the work required to create lasting change. About Fiona: She is the founder and clinical director at The Wave Clinic. She is a U.K. and internationally registered Psychotherapist and Accredited Clinical Supervisor (U.K. and UNCG). Fiona is EMDR trained (EMDRIA) and a practicing Trauma therapist. 00:00:00 - Childhood Trauma, Family Secrets & Early Life  00:01:11 - Motivation to Become a Therapist & Path to Healing  00:07:07 - Trauma’s Impact on Family Dynamics & Secrecy  00:09:23 - Entering Recovery & Early Therapeutic Work  00:10:52 - Recovery’s Influence on Therapy Practice & Approach  00:12:57 - Developing a Unique Model: Family Emotional Governance  00:15:56 - Case Study: Cultural Clashes, Loneliness & Infidelity  00:19:18 - High-Stakes Family Crises & Intensive Interventions  00:22:23 - Communication Breakdowns & Emotional Disconnection  00:24:29 - Premarital Preparation & Understanding Family Backgrounds  00:27:51 - Cultural Differences & Equality in Relationships  00:30:07 - Individual vs Joint Therapy Approaches in Couples Work  00:31:38 - Transparency, Secrets & Family Constellation Work  00:36:14 - Gender Differences in Communication & Misunderstandings  00:38:13 - Reflective Listening & Practical Communication Skills  00:42:43 - Validation, Attention & Pressures of Modern Family Life  00:45:04 - Swipe Culture vs Commitment & Value of Relationships  00:47:49 - Managing Expectations & Embracing Imperfection  00:51:21 - Self-Reflection, Growth & Lifelong Personal Development  00:56:49 - Healthy vs Unhealthy Relationships & When to Walk Away Follow Abdullah Boulad:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdullahboulad/   https://www.instagram.com/abdullahboulad/   Follow Fiona Yassin: https://fionayassin.com/  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 #porn #communication #mentalhealthpodcast #wellness #wellnessjourney #health #healing #wellbeing #traumainformed #love #mentalhealth #recovery #support #addictionrecovery #interview #relationship #couple #families

    1h 34m

  6. Apr 15

    Why Relationships Fail: Family Trauma, Addiction & Communication Breakdowns

    Send us Fan Mail Family dynamics shape far more than we often realise. What is left unspoken, carried in silence, or hidden within a family system can continue to influence relationships, behaviour, and emotional patterns across generations. In many cases, people are not only responding to the present moment, but to histories that were never fully understood or expressed. In this episode of Living a Life in Balance, Abdullah Boulad is joined by Caroline Curtis Dolby for a grounded conversation on trauma, family systems, and the realities of relationships. Topics explored in this conversation include: • How early trauma, addiction, and secrecy shape family systems • Why people within the same family respond differently to the same experiences • The role of lived experience in shaping therapeutic work • Family Emotional Governance® and working with families as a system • Communication breakdown in couples and the impact of unspoken issues • Cultural differences and how they influence relationships • Why many couples operate as individuals instead of a partnership • Common relationship challenges including addiction, affairs, and conflict • What healthy relationships are built on: respect, loyalty, communication, and support • Why marriage requires responsibility and long-term commitment • The role of family rituals, shared time, and structure • The importance of continued self-awareness and personal growth This conversation offers a thoughtful perspective on relationships, not as something to perfect, but as something to understand, work through, and take responsibility for over time. About Caroline: London-based psychotherapist and founder of Belgravia Therapy, with extensive experience working with individuals, couples, and families. She specialises in complex family dynamics, including high-conflict divorce and parental alienation, and is also experienced in trauma and addiction. 00:00:00 – Childhood Trauma, Family Secrets & Addiction 00:01:11 – How Trauma Shaped Her Path to Therapy 00:07:07 – Why Family Members Experience Trauma Differently 00:09:23 – Recovery, Addiction & Early Work in Therapy 00:10:52 – How Personal Recovery Shapes a Therapist 00:12:57 – Family Emotional Governance® Explained 00:15:56 – Relationship Crisis: Loneliness, Control & Infidelity 00:19:18 – High-Conflict Families: Addiction, Gambling & Risk 00:22:23 – Why Communication Breaks Down in Relationships 00:24:29 – Why Couples Should Do Therapy Before Marriage 00:27:51 – Cultural Differences & Relationship Conflict 00:30:07 – Why Couples Need Individual + Joint Therapy 00:31:38 – The Impact of Secrets & Hidden Family Histories 00:36:14 – Men vs Women: Communication Differences Explained 00:38:13 – How to Actually Listen in a Relationship 00:42:43 – Validation, Pressure & Modern Relationship Stress 00:45:04 – “Throwaway Culture” & Why Relationships Fail 00:47:49 – Expectations vs Reality in Relationships 00:53:26 – Marriage: Commitment, Reality & Misconceptions 00:56:49 – Healthy vs Unhealthy Relationships: Key Signs Follow Abdullah Boulad:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdullahboulad/   Follow Caroline Curtis: https://www.instagram.com/lurleenshoo/ 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/

    1h 19m

  7. Apr 1

    Understanding Chronic Pain: And Its Role in the Opioid Epidemic

    Send us Fan Mail Chronic pain affects millions of people around the world. Yet many patients are still told that if scans look normal, the problem must be “in their head.” In reality, chronic pain is far more complex. It involves the brain, the nervous system, emotional regulation, and the way the body responds to stress and trauma. In this episode of Living a Life in Balance, Abdullah Boulad is joined by Dr. Mel Pohl for a deep conversation about chronic pain, addiction medicine, and the mind-body connection. Drawing on decades of clinical experience, Dr. Pohl explains why traditional medical models often struggle to treat chronic pain effectively. The discussion explores how addiction medicine intersected with pain treatment during the opioid epidemic, and why a deeper understanding of the nervous system is essential for long-term recovery. The conversation also examines how trauma, stress, loneliness, and emotional regulation influence pain perception. Dr. Pohl discusses the role of the vagus nerve, Polyvagal Theory, and why safety and co-regulation are critical factors in healing. Rather than focusing on quick fixes, this episode looks at the gradual process of restoring balance within the nervous system and helping individuals regain agency over their lives. Topics explored in this conversation include: • The evolution of addiction treatment and lessons from the opioid crisis • Why high-functioning professionals are not immune to addiction • The relationship between chronic pain, trauma, and the nervous system • How thoughts, stress, and attention shape the experience of pain • Polyvagal Theory and the role of the vagus nerve in healing • Why integrative approaches are changing how chronic pain is treated This conversation offers a thoughtful perspective on one of the most misunderstood conditions in modern medicine. About Dr. Mel Pohl: Dr. Mel is a physician specializing in addiction medicine and chronic pain treatment. With decades of clinical experience, his work focuses on the intersection between substance use disorders, pain management, and the nervous system, emphasizing integrative approaches that address both the biological and psychological dimensions of healing. 00:00:00 — Dr. Mel Pohl’s Path into Addiction Medicine 00:01:05 — Why Doctors Specialize in Addiction Treatment 00:01:29 — Early Addiction Treatment and Aversion Therapy 00:04:57 — The Opioid Epidemic and Chronic Pain 00:05:35 — Addiction Among High-Functioning Professionals 00:08:21 — Recovery Models and Alcoholics Anonymous 00:10:27 — The Evolution of Addiction Treatment 00:13:10 — Why There Are No Quick Fixes in Addiction Recovery 00:13:41 — Dr. Mel Pohl’s Personal Experience with Chronic Pain 00:16:06 — Why Back Surgery Often Fails Chronic Pain Patients 00:18:29 — What Chronic Pain Really Is 00:21:16 — How the Brain Influences Pain Perception 00:25:07 — Psychological Approaches to Chronic Pain 00:28:16 — The Vagus Nerve and Polyvagal Theory 00:32:29 — Trauma, Co-Regulation, and the Nervous System 00:34:28 — Placebo, Nocebo, and the Power of the Doctor-Patient Relationship 00:39:19 — Integrative Medicine and the Mind-Body Connection 00:42:50 — Self-Regulation Tools for Chronic Pain 00:49:18 — Trauma, Stress, and Chronic Pain 00:57:38 — The Future of Chronic Pain Treatment Follow Abdullah Boulad:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdullahboulad/   https://www.instagram.com/abdullahboulad/   Follow Dr Mel Pohl: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mel-pohl-4b104914/ 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 #

    1h 14m

  8. Mar 18

    Sex & Porn Addiction: Understanding Compulsive Behaviour and Recovery

    Send us Fan Mail What is the difference between a high sex drive and compulsive sexual behaviour? How does internet pornography affect the brain, relationships, and emotional regulation? And why are more people seeking help for porn and sex addiction than ever before?   In this in-depth conversation, psychotherapist and addiction specialist Paula Hall shares her clinical perspective on compulsive sexual behaviour, pornography addiction, and the psychological mechanisms that drive these patterns. She reflects on her professional journey from marketing into psychotherapy and explains what led her to specialize in working with individuals and couples affected by sex and porn addiction.   Drawing on decades of therapeutic experience, Paula Hall explores the growing impact of digital pornography, the emotional and neurological factors that contribute to compulsive behaviour, and why shame and misunderstanding often prevent people from seeking help. She explains the difference between high libido and addiction, the role of stress and emotional regulation, and how early exposure to online pornography can affect adolescent brain development and relationship expectations later in life.   The conversation explores: • Compulsive sexual behaviour and the debate around sex addiction • The neurological impact of internet pornography and dopamine • Why men are more commonly affected by porn addiction • Early exposure to pornography and adolescent brain vulnerability • Recognizing the warning signs of compulsive sexual behaviour • Shame, stigma, and cultural misunderstandings around porn use • The impact of pornography on relationships and intimacy This episode offers both clinical insight and practical understanding for anyone interested in behavioural addiction, relationship health, digital culture, and the evolving challenges of pornography in modern society.   About Paula Hall: Paula Hall is a UK-based psychotherapist, author, and leading specialist in the treatment of sex and pornography addiction. She is a Senior Accredited Sexual and Relationship Psychotherapist at The Laurel Centre and the Founder of Pivotal Recovery CIC. Paula is also a widely recognized author and broadcaster who has written extensively on addiction, relationships, and recovery. 00:00 Sex & Porn Addiction Statistics and Global Impact 01:05 Introducing Dr. Paula Hall | Sex and Porn Addiction Specialist 03:13 Dr. Paula Hall’s Journey from Marketing to Sex Therapy 05:29 Why She Specialized in Sex Addiction Therapy 06:32 Is Sex Addiction Real? Understanding Compulsive Sexual Behaviour 08:45 Compulsive Sexual Behaviour vs High Libido 10:24 Emotional Regulation, Stress, and Coping Through Sexual Behaviour 12:08 Why Men Are More Affected by Porn and Sex Addiction 13:36 Recognizing the Signs of Porn and Sex Addiction 16:47 Internet Pornography and the Rise of Digital Addiction 18:31 Porn Addiction vs Sex Addiction 21:41 Why Porn Addiction Cases Are Increasing 24:10 Impact of Pornography on Young Adults and Relationships 27:18 Early Exposure to Porn and Adolescent Brain Vulnerability 31:34 Parenting, Prevention, and Digital Awareness 35:12 Shame, Misconceptions, and Cultural Conversations About Porn 41:41 Porn Addiction, Dopamine, and the Brain 45:52 Treatment and Recovery for Porn and Sex Addiction 50:33 Relationship Trauma, Disclosure, and Rebuilding Trust 57:00 Long-Term Recovery, Sex Positivity, and Final Advice Follow Abdullah Boulad:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdullahboulad/   https://www.instagram.com/abdullahboulad/   Follow Dr Paula Hall: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-hall/ You can order Abdullah’s book, ‘Living A Life In Balance’, here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Abdullah-Boulad/author/B0BC9S5TCF?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true   Follow The Balance RehabClinic:&a

    1h 9m
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Founder & CEO of THE BALANCE RehabClinic | Book Author & Podcast Host of "Living a Life in Balance" | Global Expert in Mental Health & WellbeingI 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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