In this special episode, Ash is joined by her longtime friend Ash Murray. For years, both women battled addiction silently, only sharing the full depths of their stories with one another after coming into recovery. Today, Ash Murray is the Eating Disorder Lead and Therapist at The Wave Clinic in Malaysia, with her expertise grounded not just in study, but in lived experience.

Ash opens up about her personal journey through eating disorders and alcohol addiction, sharing what recovery has truly looked like beyond the surface. From the isolating depths of illness which nearly took her life, to the slow rebuilding of trust, self-worth, and connection, she reflects on the pivotal role that rehab, honesty, healing and self-care have played in finding lasting freedom.

Together, they explore the intersection of therapy and lived experience, how vulnerability and empathy can become powerful tools for healing both self and others. They unpack the mental health challenges that intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the importance of ongoing support in maintaining balance and wellbeing.

Episode chapter:

00:00 Introduction to Ashley Murray's Journey

02:57 Life in Malaysia and Work at the Wave Clinic

05:46 Navigating COVID-19 in Treatment

08:21 The Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health

11:08 A Photo that Represents Struggles

13:55 The Super Yacht Experience and Its Consequences

16:27 The Turning Point: Seeking Help

19:22 Life in Bali and the Struggle with Addiction

22:16 The Rock Bottom Moment

24:49 Desperation and the Path to Recovery

27:08 The Turning Point: Reaching Out for Help

31:53 Childhood Struggles: The Roots of Eating Disorders

44:03 Escaping Reality: The Need to Hide

48:25 Facing the Truth: A Journey of Self-Discovery

54:28 The Struggle of Surrendering Control

57:02 The Complexity of Eating Disorders

59:13 The Power of Intervention

01:00:41 Transformation Through Therapy

01:04:11 Building Trust in Recovery

01:06:15 The Importance of Honesty

01:08:57 Setting Boundaries for Recovery

01:13:03 Non-Negotiables for a Fulfilling Life

Connect with Ash through:

https://thewaveclinic.com/

https://www.instagram.com/thewaveclinic/

Follow and connect with Ash on: 

⁠Instagram⁠ @ashbutterss

TikTok @behindthesmilewithashb

Website⁠ www.ashbutterss.com

Upcoming Workshops:

A Return To You | One Day Retreat 

Sunday 22nd February, 2026

Tickets available here. 

Join Ash on retreat in 2026!

The Embodied Woman Retreat | Gold Coast | May 2026 

Rest and Renew Holistic Retreat in Bali | August 2026

Watch Ash’s TEDx Talk here!

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