Natalie is a mom of two, a wife and a therapist specializing in treating trauma and substance use. Her use history is a little different from the things we usually see in outpatient therapy. She managed to skate by several therapists without getting honest about her addiction. Today we'll hear about how she found recovery and now helps others in their struggles.

What is normal marijuana use? How much should be used for medical purposes? We have a standard for alcohol, but we don't have a set standard yet. I'll talk about these things and share my opinion as it relates to how we do therapy.

Marijuana issues that impact therapy aren't just about our clients. Sometimes it's us that can't decide what we should do about marijuana. People are using it, should we do anything about that? Today we'll start the first part of a 2-part conversation about marijuana.

What is normal drinking? This is a very common question I've been asked over the years. In today's episode I'll talk about what government entities say is "moderate" and talk about a few common scenarios that come up in therapy. Check out this week's episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or at betsybyler.com/podcast.

Steps to take a substance use history can vary from therapist to therapist. Today I'll give you the things I focus on when I'm exploring someone's substance use history. Check out this week's episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or at betsybyler.com/podcast.

Helping an addicted loved one can be really difficult. What should a person do? What shouldn't they do? I had an opportunity to talk with Dr. Kate Watson of the podcast Only Trying to Help about this very thing. For this episode Kate asked me to come up with some tips for listeners about interacting with their loved one who is struggling with addiction.

Good therapy depends on both therapist and client to show up ready to work. Sometimes substance use can get in the way. We can do things to help make that hour more effective.

We already use a mental health lens, a trauma-informed lens and a lens for whatever our main theoretical orientation is. Today we'll talk about how things shift when we add a substance use lens.

Gabe is celebrating 16 years clean. The days when he was using feel like a long time ago. But his life really did take a turn for the worst and things could have gone very differently for him. Check out his story in this week's episode.

We have lots of difficult and sensitive conversations with our clients. Today we'll talk about how to prepare your client for the conversation about substance use. It will put them at ease and help encourage them to be more open.