In this episode, I sit down with Paul Sunderland, an internationally respected addiction specialist and trainer. With decades of clinical experience on both sides of the Atlantic, Paul has become a leading voice on the often-hidden connection between complex PTSD, adoption, boarding school trauma, and addiction.

We explore:

• Paul’s personal story of addiction and recovery.
• Why early separation wounds are disguised traumas that shape lifelong patterns.
• The link between complex PTSD and addiction as an adaptive response.
• Why boarding school syndrome should be understood as a form of complex PTSD.
• Pathways to healing — from psychoeducation to co-regulation and trauma therapies.

Paul’s work is a reminder that beneath the pain of addiction often lies unacknowledged trauma — and that recovery is not about fixing overnight, but about finding safety, connection, and growth.

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Paul Sunderland is a renowned addiction specialist, consultant and trainer.

With over 35 years of experience, Paul’s ground-breaking work has especially illuminated the deep and often-overlooked links between adoption, trauma, and addictions. His powerful presentations available on YouTube have resonated with thousands around the world.

Questions for Paul:

1. How did you get into the work you now do?
2. Could you please talk me through Complex PTSD – what is it and how does it differ from PTSD?
3. Could you please talk about addictions. Why is addiction an adaptive response to complex PTSD?
4. How do addictions migrate?
5. Could you please speak to the disguised trauma of early boarders?
6. Could you also please speak to how adoptees are over represented in addiction treatment?
7. What are some of the techniques that you use for helping people recover from complex PTSD and addictions?
8. Could please speak to how mental and emotional health are relational?
9. How do people find out more about your work?

For Paul's TED X talk: https://youtu.be/liCfwTFUYNw?si=uYDWXQrO077TTVh7

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Piers is an author and a men's transformational coach and therapist who works mainly with trauma, boarding school issues, addictions and relationship problems.

He also runs online men's groups for ex-boarders, retreats and a podcast called An Evolving Man.

He is also the author of How to Survive and Thrive in Challenging Times. To purchase Piers first book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Survive-Thrive-Challenging-Times/dp/B088T5L251/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=piers+cross&qid=1609869608&sr=8-1

For more videos please visit: http://youtube.com/pierscross

For FB: https://www.facebook.com/pierscrosspublic

For Piers' website and a free training How To Find Peace In Everyday Life: https://www.piers-cross.com/community

Many blessings,

Piers Cross

http://piers-cross.com/