AA IS NOT THE ONLY WAY: CREATIVE ADDICTION RECOVERY TOOLS
Release Date: 12/25/2025
A Quest for Well-Being
— “I want a second chance with you in a world where time is infinite boundaries will not divide religion will not win and loving you is not a sin.” For Shuchi, writing has always been a form of healing — not in the sense that it erases pain, but that it gives pain meaning. Every poem is an attempt to understand a feeling more deeply, to honor it, and to transform it into something that might help someone else feel less alone. Through her bestselling books "You Belong With Me" and "Why Did You Let Me Go?", she has explored the full spectrum of love and loss. These works emerged...
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— In a world where our experiences can challenge our sense of self-worth, it's essential to remember that we are inherently worthy just because we exist. Join Renée, the founder of True North Coaching and a dedicated trauma-informed guide, as she explores the journey of healing and growth. Together, we’ll uncover how to create space for love, compassion, and authentic connections in our lives. True healing encompasses the mind, body, spirit, and soul, allowing us to develop a deeper relationship with ourselves. As we evolve, we invite more empowering energies into our existence. Discover...
info_outlineA Quest for Well-Being
— “Sustainable success isn’t about big breakthroughs or dramatic changes—it’s about the small, steady actions that keep you moving in the right direction. Daily Questions and self-reflection aren’t just concepts; they’re the habits that build a life of purpose, growth, and accountability. Whether you’re leading a team, moving up in your career, or simply trying to be a better version of yourself, the key isn’t just reaching your goals—it’s keeping the momentum going. Keep measuring what matters, stay open to feedback, and surround yourself with the right people. That’s...
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— Welcome to A quest Of Well-Being podcast where we explore the intricate connections between our minds, bodies, and the food we eat. In today’s episode, we’re diving into the transformative insights from Galina Denzel's powerful book, Peace with Self, Peace with Food: A Trauma Healing Approach for Emotional Eating. If you've ever found yourself reaching for food during moments of stress or emotional turmoil, you're not alone. Emotional eating is a common struggle for many, often stemming from unresolved traumas. That’s why we’re here to discuss how identifying these patterns is the...
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— The richest aspects of the journey aren’t the big spiritual experiences. They’re where the mystery meets each moment of our daily lives. Experiencing deep healing and insight there doesn’t require practicing harder or longer. It just requires that we prioritize presence. Our practice comes alive when we prioritize presence above the deeply ingrained urges to self-protect. As each fear challenges us, we reassure ourselves that even if (or when) it came to pass, it could never take our connection to life itself. We will always have a home in awareness. No one and nothing can take that...
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— This episode explores the transformative journey of embodiment and nondual realization. These practices, when integrated into daily life, foster a deeper sense of wholeness and oneness. The journey is continuous, with senses becoming more refined, love and compassion more accessible, and the body finding greater balance and relaxation. Challenges like pain and emotional turbulence are natural, but resilience grows, enabling a return to comfort and safety. Embodiment is a gradual process, requiring consistent, mindful practice. This personal journey involves exploring inner depths and...
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— The deep emotional pain you carry seeps into every part of life - waves of intense sadness, anxiety, or sudden anger that leave you drained. Thoughts spin endlessly, relationships grow tense, and exhaustion becomes constant. At times, you no longer recognize yourself, as though something unseen is shaping your feelings. It feels like you're losing control of your own life, and no one truly understands the depth of your suffering. For others, the pain is in watching a loved one change before their eyes. A partner, child, or parent becomes withdrawn, irritable, or almost unrecognizable, and...
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— In the hustle and bustle of modern life, woman often find themselves disconnected from our true selves, entangled in the web of endless responsibilities and relentless stimuli. Yet, deep within, there is a yearning to return to Self, to a state of being where we are grounded and whole. This is an invitation to step back from the chaos and create a moment of stillness—a sanctuary where you can breathe deeply and feel your body’s gentle rhythms. It’s a call to journey inward, to the sacred center where your innate wisdom resides, and your soul's deepest memories and truths are kept....
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— Creative thinking enhances problem-finding, problem-solving, flexibility of thought, and the ability to see challenges from different perspectives. It also enhances emotional intelligence, and engaging in creative activities correlates with increased happiness. An all-around win-win! The power of this tool, for both coach and client, lies in its use of both deductive and intuitive thinking. By integrating creative techniques into your practice and thinking, you can offer clients not only improved outcomes but also a deeply engaging coaching experience conducive to powerful and efficient...
info_outlineA Quest for Well-Being
— Wellness is an embodied, ongoing practice that integrates body, mind, and habits. Recovery and growth arise from personalized, compassionate support, evidence-informed tools, and sustainable daily practices rather than one-size-fits-all solutions. Meaningful change is co-created: clients bring lived experience and goals; practitioners offer guidance, skill-building, and accountability. Reducing harm (including alcohol use), restoring balance, and cultivating resilience are interconnected aims best served by holistic interventions that honor individual values, foster agency, and prioritize...
info_outline— Wellness is an embodied, ongoing practice that integrates body, mind, and habits. Recovery and growth arise from personalized, compassionate support, evidence-informed tools, and sustainable daily practices rather than one-size-fits-all solutions. Meaningful change is co-created: clients bring lived experience and goals; practitioners offer guidance, skill-building, and accountability. Reducing harm (including alcohol use), restoring balance, and cultivating resilience are interconnected aims best served by holistic interventions that honor individual values, foster agency, and prioritize long-term wellbeing over quick fixes. Learning, reflection, and incremental action transform survival into thriving.
Valeria interviews Emma Gardner — She is a UK-based solopreneur and recovery catalyst, helping individuals reclaim well-being through evidence-based coaching, practical nervous-system tools, and transformative programs.
As founder of Evolve Recovery, Emma builds accessible resources—cards, journals, books, and courses—that support sustainable, compassionate change. With a background in addiction recovery, forensic science, and criminal justice, Emma blends science, lived experience, and practical strategies to guide listeners toward resilience. The work spans podcasting, course creation, and coaching, with a focus on trauma-informed, human-centered approaches that empower individuals and communities.
Notable achievements include the development of the Recovery Box and a silver award for Best Product at the Mental Health Awards, reflecting a commitment to quality, impact, and accessibility. Emma hosts The Healing Odyssey podcast, featuring expert guests and real-world insights on recovery, mindfulness, and personal growth. Emma has released her first book 'Life Re-imagined: A practical guide to recovery & growth' and soon to release her new book, showing the different therapies and personal stories out in the world for people to discover, as 'AA is not the only way'.
To learn more about Emma Gardner and her work, please visit: http://www.evolve-recovery.co.uk