Recovery and Hope with Andrew Levander

Summary
In this episode of the Catapult Effect podcast, host Katie Wrigley interviews Andrew Levander, a licensed marriage and family therapist and master addiction counselor. Andrew shares his personal journey into therapy, the profound impact of childhood trauma, and the connection between trauma and addiction. He discusses the importance of creating safe spaces for individuals to share their experiences, particularly for men who often feel isolated in their struggles. 

The conversation also highlights the mission of Encino Detox, a treatment center that Andrew co-founded, focusing on providing compassionate care for those battling addiction. The episode concludes with a message of hope for those struggling with addiction, emphasizing the importance of taking the next right step towards recovery.

Takeaways

• Childhood trauma can lead to maladaptive coping mechanisms, including addiction.
• Creating a safe space for men to discuss their experiences is crucial.
• Encino Detox focuses on treating the underlying pain behind addiction.
• The connection between trauma and addiction is profound and often overlooked.
• People often engage in addictive behaviors to meet unmet needs.
• The importance of community and shared experiences in recovery cannot be overstated.
• Recovery is a journey that requires support and understanding from others.
• The next right step is often the most important in the recovery process.
• Healing is possible, and there is hope for a better future.

Resources

The Encino Detox Center

More About Andrew

Andrew Levander, LMFT, M.A.C., is a California and Nevada Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who holds National certifications as: Master Addictions Counselor, Certified Chemical Dependency Counselor, Certified Bereavement Counselor, Certified Cognitive Behavioral therapist, Certified Internet Addiction and Web Psychology Specialist and is a Workplace Mediation Specialist. He has over twenty-four years of experience in adolescent, adult and family psychotherapy and fifteen years of national/international teaching in the field and study of addiction, social work, counseling, family systems and social service management. 

Andrew was the recipient of the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health Service Innovations Festival Award; “Enhancing Treatment Quality through Program Innovation”. He was featured on Oprah, The Dr. Phil Show, The John Walsh Talk Show, NBC News, CNN, and a special on E! Entertainment as well as featured in Time Magazine, The Boston Globe, The Los Angeles Times and many other national media outlets.  In 2002 and 2010, a documentary on Andrew’s unique treatment program aired on the Discovery Channel.  

Andrew’s twenty-five years of clinical experience, knowledge and dedication to those in need, the profession of Marriage and Family Therapy, substance use disorders and education have made him a skilled clinician, educator and leader in the field and study of mental health care and social service.

Andrew is currently the Administrator and Chief Clinical Officer at The Encino Detox Center where he continues to be of service to those in need of compassionate specialized care for the treatment of addiction, trauma, and mental health.

Credit: Tom Giovingo, Intro & Outro, Random Voice Guy, Professional ‘Cat‘ Herder

Mixed & Managed: JohnRavenscraft.com

Disclaimer: Katie is not a medical professional and she is not qualified to diagnose any conditions. The advice and information she gives is based on her own experience and research. It does not take the place of medical advice. Always consult a medical professional first before you try anything new.