Rooted Recovery: Navigating Mental Health with Katie Bellamy!

Summary:

Katie Bellamy, a licensed therapist and coach, shares her journey into the world of mental health and therapy. She specializes in somatic and dance movement therapy, as well as mental health and recovery coaching. 

Katie emphasizes the importance of addressing the root causes of mental health issues rather than just treating symptoms. She discusses the impact of systems of oppression and the role of attachment figures in shaping our emotional well-being. Katie also highlights the significance of incorporating the body in therapy and helping clients reconnect with their emotions. 

She approaches substance use with empathy and focuses on providing clients with a range of tools and strategies for healing. In this conversation, Katie Bellamy and Elizabeth Foster discuss the relationship between substance abuse and shame. They explore the idea that substance abuse is often a coping mechanism for underlying issues and that shame can perpetuate the cycle of addiction. They also discuss the concept of substance abuse as a disease and the potential for harm reduction as a strategy for some individuals. 

The conversation highlights the importance of developing a sense of self-worth and agency in recovery and explores strategies for challenging negative thoughts and beliefs. 

Katie recommends the book 'The Gift of Therapy' by Irvin Yalom.

Favorite quote: By, Maya Angelou: 'People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

Takeaways:

• Addressing the root causes of mental health issues is essential for long-term healing.
• Incorporating the body in therapy can help clients reconnect with their emotions and promote holistic well-being.
• Substance use often serves as a coping mechanism, and it's important to approach it without judgment.
• Therapy and coaching can provide individuals with tools and strategies to develop healthier coping mechanisms and address the underlying issues. Substance abuse is often a coping mechanism for underlying issues and can be a symptom of deeper emotional pain.
• Shame can perpetuate the cycle of addiction and make recovery more challenging.
• Substance abuse can be seen as a disease on a spectrum, and different individuals may require different approaches to treatment.
• Developing a sense of self-worth and agency is crucial in recovery.
• Challenging negative thoughts and beliefs is an important part of the healing process.

How to work with Katie:

• ⁠Bellamy & Associates website⁠
• IG: ⁠@katiebellamytherapy⁠
• ⁠Facebook

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