Maddie Corman on Being Accidentally Brave
Beyond Theory
In this special episode of Beyond Theory, host Dominic Lawson sits down with Maddie Corman, creator of the film "Accidentally Brave," to discuss her harrowing experience as the partner of a sex addict. Maddie vulnerably shares her story of the day her world shattered when her husband was arrested for possession of child pornography. She details the trauma, shame, and confusion she and her children faced in the aftermath, and the long journey of recovery and healing her whole family has undertaken. Maddie emphasizes the importance of partners of sex addicts having their voices heard and...
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S6 E13: Dr. Kevin McCauley on Unraveling the Neuroscience of Addiction
Beyond Theory
In the season finale of Beyond Theory, host Dominic Lawson engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Dr. Kevin McCauley, a senior fellow at Meadows Behavioral Healthcare, about the latest findings in the neuroscience of addiction. The conversation delves into the complex interplay between brain chemistry, substance abuse, and the journey to recovery. Dr. McCauley shares his insights on how addiction hijacks the brain's reward system, particularly the dopamine pathways responsible for assessing value and survival importance. He explains that in addiction, this system becomes...
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S6 E12: Dr. Claudia Black on Navigating the Complexity of Trauma
Beyond Theory
In this episode of Beyond Theory Powered by Meadows Behavioral Healthcare, host Dominic Lawson engages in a compelling conversation with Dr. Claudia Black, a renowned expert in the field of addiction and trauma. The discussion delves into the far-reaching impact of addiction and trauma on families and individuals, offering valuable insights for those seeking to understand and heal from these experiences. Dr. Black emphasizes the importance of addressing the effects of addiction and trauma on the entire family system, rather than focusing solely on the individual. She explains how...
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S6 E11 Dr. Dr. Tian Dayton on Healing Trauma and Addiction with Sociometrics and Psychodrama
Beyond Theory
In this episode of "Beyond Theory," Dominic Lawson interviews Dr. Tian Dayton, a senior fellow at Meadows Behavioral Healthcare, about the therapeutic methods of sociometrics and psychodrama in treating trauma and addiction. Dr. Dayton emphasizes the significance of embodied therapy, as feelings are experienced within the body. She developed "floor checks" as a psychoeducational exercise to teach group dynamics and interpersonal skills undermined by trauma. Floor checks enable participants to tolerate challenging emotions, articulate them, share with others, and listen without...
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S6 E10: Dr. Stefanie Carnes on Compulsive and Addictive Sexual Behavior
Beyond Theory
In this episode of Beyond Theory, Dr. Stephanie Carnes, a leading expert in the field of sexual health and addiction and Senior Fellow at The Meadows, discusses the recently recognized diagnosis of Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder (CSBD) and the often-overlooked issue of sexual anorexia. The conversation sheds light on the importance of distinguishing between healthy sexual behaviors and problematic compulsivity, as well as the role of complex trauma in the development of these conditions. Dr. Carnes explains that the World Health Organization's decision to include CSBD in...
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S6 E9: Sean Walsh on the Future of Behavioral Health
Beyond Theory
In this episode of Beyond Theory, Sean Walsh, CEO of Meadows Behavioral Healthcare, discussed the organization's approach to providing comprehensive, specialized behavioral health treatment. The Meadows has a 45-year history of partnering with thought leaders and industry experts to design innovative programs and train staff, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based care. Walsh emphasized the importance of expanding access to behavioral health services by bringing their specialized treatment programs to communities nationwide. The Meadows aims to establish a presence in...
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Erie Hebert on Navigating Trauma to Redemption (Part 2)
Beyond Theory
In the second installment of a two-part series, the Beyond Theory podcast, powered by Meadows Behavioral Healthcare, continues the inspiring conversation with Erie Hebert, Director of the Meadows Outpatient Services facility in Austin, Texas. This episode delves deep into Erie's personal journey of resilience and his dedication to helping others heal from mental health challenges and addiction. Key highlights: 1. Overcoming adversity: Erie's story showcases the power of resilience in the face of trauma, substance abuse, and personal loss. His journey from struggling with...
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S6 E7: Erie Hebert on Navigating Trauma to Redemption (Part 1)
Beyond Theory
In this compelling two-part episode of the Beyond Theory Podcast, we dive deep into the inspiring story of Erie Hebert, a behavioral health professional who has overcome immense adversity to help others heal. Part 1 explores Erie's challenging upbringing in New Orleans, his struggles with addiction and trauma, and his journey towards recovery and resilience. Erie's childhood was marked by limited experiences and unhealthy relationships. Introduced to alcohol and cocaine at a young age by family members, Erie turned to substance abuse as a coping mechanism for the abuse and lack of...
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S6 E6: Jack Register on Confronting Toxic Masculinity
Beyond Theory
In this episode of the Beyond Theory podcast, host Dominic Lawson and guest Jack Register dive deep into the impact of toxic masculinity on men's mental health and emotional well-being. Drawing from personal experiences and his work as a clinical director in addiction recovery, Register highlights the harmful effects of rigid gender roles and societal pressures that prevent men from expressing vulnerability and seeking help. Lawson shares a poignant story from his childhood, illustrating how the pressure to "man up" can lead to physical and emotional trauma. Register, who grew up with...
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S6 E5: Mike Gurr on the Role of Parents in Teen Mental Health
Beyond Theory
In this episode of the Beyond Theory podcast, host Dominic Lawson interviews Mike Gurr, Executive Director of the Meadows Adolescent Center (TMAC), about the escalating mental health crisis among teenagers and the crucial role of specialized treatment programs in providing hope and healing for struggling adolescents and their families. The conversation delves into the unique challenges of parenting teens with mental health issues, including the painful reality of watching a child make poor decisions and feeling powerless to help. Mike shares key signs that a teen may require a higher...
info_outlineIn this episode of Beyond Theory, host Dominic Lawson interviews Dr. Elisa Hallerman, author of "Soul-briety: A Plan to Heal Your Trauma, Overcome Addiction and Reconnect with Your Soul." The discussion delves into the importance of inner work and soul-centered healing for achieving long-term addiction recovery and personal fulfillment.
Dr. Hallerman shares her personal journey from a successful Hollywood agent to a depth psychologist specializing in addiction recovery. She highlights how her own experiences with workaholism and disconnection led her to recognize the deeper roots of addiction and the need for a more holistic approach to healing.
The episode explores the concept of "soul-briety," which involves reconnecting with one's inner compass and finding meaning and purpose beyond just abstaining from substance use. Dr. Hallerman emphasizes the role of storytelling, symbols, and archetypes in accessing the wisdom of the unconscious and facilitating the recovery process.
The discussion also touches on the spectrum of addiction and trauma, noting that individuals don't need to hit an extreme "rock bottom" to suffer and require help. Sharing one's recovery story, even anonymously, is presented as a transformative and empowering act that can inspire others and reaffirm one's own values and journey.
Dr. Hallerman's book "Soul-briety" is introduced as a roadmap for the inner recovery journey, providing guidance on developing the "deep listening" skills needed to access one's own inner wisdom and find lasting healing and fulfillment.
Key Takeaways:
1. Soul-briety: A holistic approach to addiction recovery that emphasizes reconnecting with one's inner compass, passions, and sense of meaning.
2. Inner work: Engaging in deep psychological and spiritual self-exploration is crucial for lasting healing and personal growth beyond mere sobriety.
3. Roots of addiction: Workaholism, disconnection from one's authentic self, and unresolved trauma can be underlying causes of substance abuse and behavioral addictions.
4. Storytelling and the imaginal: Engaging with storytelling, symbols, and archetypes can help individuals access the wisdom of their unconscious and facilitate the recovery process.
5. Spectrum of addiction and trauma: Addiction and trauma exist on a spectrum, and individuals don't need to hit an extreme "rock bottom" to suffer and require help.
6. Power of vulnerability: Sharing one's recovery story, even anonymously, can be a transformative and empowering act that inspires others and reaffirms one's own journey.
7. Roadmap for inner recovery: "Soul-briety" offers a guide for developing the deep listening skills needed to access one's inner wisdom and find lasting healing and fulfillment.
Throughout the episode, key themes and insights are presented in a way that is engaging, informative, and relevant to a behavioral health audience. The discussion offers valuable perspectives on addiction recovery, trauma healing, personal growth, and the importance of connecting with one's authentic self.