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What if the parts of you that feel most damaged by trauma are also the parts capable of leading you toward healing?

Dr. Frank Anderson joins Abdullah Boulad on Living a Life in Balance to explore trauma, dissociation, and the body's role in healing, drawing on decades of work as a Harvard-trained psychiatrist and psychotherapist. In this conversation, Frank explains how his own traumatic childhood, including six years of conversion therapy, shaped both his personal understanding of pain and his professional path into psychiatry.

Together, Abdullah and Frank explore where trauma is actually stored in the body and brain, why a therapist's presence matters as much as any technique, and why healing depends on giving agency back to the client rather than keeping it inside the therapy room. Frank walks through the different forms trauma can take, from relational and cultural to systemic and institutional, and introduces the concept of passive abuse, how the inaction of a "safe" parent can be as damaging as direct harm.

The conversation goes further into what actually helps people heal, including EMDR, sensorimotor psychotherapy, and Internal Family Systems, and why an integrated approach across body and mind matters more than any single method. Frank also shares what led him to co-found a production company dedicated to trauma-informed storytelling, exploring how media, from Inside Out to social platforms, can either support or undermine mental health at scale.

Frank also shares his vision for healing beyond the therapy room, including the role of community in recovery, and the personal practices he relies on to stay balanced between his professional purpose and family life.

About Frank: Dr. Frank Anderson is a Harvard-trained psychiatrist, psychotherapist, and world-renowned trauma treatment expert. He is the acclaimed author of Transcending Trauma and the memoir To Be Loved: A Story of Truth, Trauma, and Transformation, and co-author of the Internal Family Systems Skills Training Manual. He is a lead trainer at the IFS Institute alongside Richard Schwartz and co-founder of Trauma-Informed Media, an organization dedicated to bringing trauma awareness and healing to a global audience. Frank believes that addressing traumatic events, rather than avoiding them, is what leads people toward genuine healing and forgiveness.

00:00:00 - Dr. Frank Anderson's Journey Into Trauma and Psychiatry
00:06:50 - Childhood Conversion Therapy and Its Lasting Impact
00:09:18 - Understanding Personal Trauma: Physical & Verbal Abuse
00:10:03 - Healing From Trauma: What Works (EMDR, IFS..)
00:13:21 - Where Trauma Lives in the Body and Brain
00:18:24 - Why Therapist Presence Is Essential to Trauma Healing
00:22:26 - Client Empowerment: Healing Happens Outside Therapy
00:27:47 - Different Types of Trauma: Relational, Cultural, Systemic
00:31:12 - The Power of Community-Based Trauma Healing
00:35:29 - Passive Abuse: How a "Safe" Parent Can Still Cause Harm
00:38:34 - Bringing Trauma-Informed Storytelling to Media and Film
00:43:50 - Movies Like "Inside Out" Shape Mental Health Awareness
00:51:03 - Social Media, Attention Spans, and Mental Health Content
01:00:02 - Balancing Career Purpose With Family and Well-Being
01:01:05 - What Drove Dr. Frank Anderson to Become a Psychiatrist
01:08:45 - Healing From Trauma Is Possible: A Message of Hope

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What if the different voices, emotions, and reactions inside you are not signs that something is wrong with you, but parts of you trying to protect you?

Richard C. Schwartz, Ph.D., joins Abdullah Boulad on Living a Life in Balance to explore Internal Family Systems (IFS), the therapeutic model he developed to help people understand and work with the different parts of themselves.

In this conversation, Richard explains how his early work with people struggling with eating disorders led him to discover the concept of parts, and how his own childhood experiences shaped his understanding of protection, fear, and emotional pain.

Together, Abdullah and Richard explore what IFS can teach us about protectors, exiles, and the Self, including why Richard believes there are “no bad parts” and how even the most difficult thoughts, emotions, and behaviors can have a protective intention.

Richard also guides Abdullah through a live IFS exercise, offering a practical glimpse into how the approach can help us connect with parts of ourselves that may have been carrying pain for years.

The conversation goes further into how IFS works in therapy, whether it can be practiced safely as a form of self-help, how it can be adapted for people who struggle to access their emotions, and the potential relationship between IFS and psychedelics such as MDMA and ketamine.

Richard also shares his vision for the future of IFS, including its potential applications in trauma recovery, prisons, and collective healing, as well as the personal practices he uses to stay balanced.

About Richard:
Dr. Schwartz is an American systemic family therapist, academic, author, and creator of the Internal Family Systems (IFS) branch of therapy. He developed his foundational work with IFS in the 1980s after theorizing that his clients were made up of many different parts of their “Self.” He teaches that “Our inner parts contain valuable qualities, and our core Self knows how to heal, allowing us to become integrated and whole.” In IFS, all parts are welcome.

00:00:00 - Podcast Introduction: Dr. Richard Schwartz & Internal Family Systems (IFS)
00:01:37 - Dr. Richard Schwartz’s Childhood, Family & Path to Psychotherapy
00:05:19 - How Internal Family Systems (IFS) Was Discovered
00:07:07 - Childhood Loneliness, Family Dynamics & Emotional Pain
00:09:17 - How Protective Parts Develop to Cope With Fear & Criticism
00:11:18 - Using IFS to Understand Our Own Family Dynamics
00:13:35 - Discovering the “Parts” Within Us
00:16:10 - IFS Explained: Protectors, Exiles & the Inner World
00:18:01 - “No Bad Parts”: Do All Parts Have a Positive Intention?
00:22:36 - Can Internal Family Systems Change Psychotherapy & Heal Conflict?
00:25:25 - LIVE IFS Demonstration: Connecting With a Part
00:33:10 - Managers vs. Firefighters: The Two Types of Protective Parts
00:38:58 - How IFS Therapy Works: Accessing & Healing Exiled Parts
00:41:41 - IFS, Rational Minds & Narcissistic Traits: Building Trust in Therapy
00:45:17 - Can You Practice IFS Without a Therapist?
00:49:32 - IFS & Psychedelics: MDMA, Ketamine & Accessing the Self
00:54:24 - The Future of IFS: Trauma, Prisons & Collective Healing
00:57:05 - How Dr. Schwartz Uses IFS to Stay Balanced
01:00:05 - A Message of Hope: No Bad Parts & the Healing Self

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How do trauma, addiction, and neurodivergence shape the course of a life, and what does real healing actually look like?

Araminta Jonsson, Founder and CEO of Masters Events and organiser of Europe's largest trauma conference at the University of Oxford, joins Abdullah Boulad for a deeply personal conversation about trauma, addiction recovery, autism, ADHD, resilience, and finding purpose after adversity.

Together, they explore Araminta's extraordinary journey, from being thrown out of home at 15, living homeless on the streets of Miami, and battling cocaine addiction, to receiving a late autism and ADHD diagnosis and becoming one of the leading voices bringing together the world's foremost trauma experts. She shares how addiction became a way of coping with undiagnosed neurodivergence and unresolved trauma, why recovery is about addressing the root cause rather than the symptom, and the lessons that transformed her life.

The conversation also explores the science of trauma healing, nervous system regulation, community, creative expression, and the importance of feeling safe to recover.

Drawing on insights from leading experts including Dr. Bessel van der Kolk and years of experience organising global trauma conferences, Araminta discusses the practices that support lasting healing, the power of connection, and why purpose plays such a vital role in recovery.

Whether you're navigating addiction, trauma, autism, ADHD, mental health challenges, or simply looking for a deeper understanding of healing and personal transformation, this episode offers honest insights into resilience, recovery, and what it truly means to build a life in balance.

About Araminta Jonsson:
Araminta is the Founder and CEO of Masters Events, the organisation behind Europe's largest trauma conference, Transforming Trauma, held at the University of Oxford. Through her work, she brings together many of the world's leading experts in trauma, addiction, neuroscience, and mental health to advance education, collaboration, and recovery. Drawing from her own lived experience of addiction, neurodivergence, and healing, Araminta is passionate about creating spaces where science, lived experience, and community come together to help people heal.

00:01:44 - Growing Up with Undiagnosed Autism & ADHD
00:03:19 - Homeless at 16: Living on the Streets of Miami
00:07:14 - Returning Home and Rebuilding Through Education
00:10:25 - The Journey to an Adult Autism & ADHD Diagnosis
00:12:32 - How a Late Neurodivergence Diagnosis Changed Everything
00:14:41 - Food, Cocaine & Relationship Addiction Explained
00:17:08 - Cocaine Addiction in Colombia: Hitting Rock Bottom
00:20:43 - Asking for Help and Beginning Addiction Recovery
00:23:45 - Pregnancy, Sobriety & Finding Hope Again
00:26:18 - Relapse, Rehab & Surviving an Abusive Relationship
00:29:35 - Teaching Creative Writing in Prisons After Addiction
00:34:25 - How Recovery Led to a Career in Mental Health Events
00:36:49 - From Addiction Conferences to Trauma Education
00:41:05 - Building One of the World's Biggest Trauma Events
00:42:10 - Launching the Transforming Trauma Conference at Oxford
00:49:29 - What the World's Leading Trauma Experts Teach
00:51:15 - Finding Purpose After Addiction and Trauma
00:53:25 - The Future of Trauma Education & Global Collaboration
00:56:00 - Daily Habits That Support Mental Health & Recovery
00:57:24 - Simple Wellbeing Tips Everyone Can Start Today

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Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by guests on Living A Life In Balance are their own and do not reflect the views of THE BALANCE Rehab Clinic or Abdullah Boulad. This content is for general information only and is not medical, psychological, or legal advice. Views shared reflect the guest's individual clinical experience and may differ from mainstream clinical consensus. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about your own circumstances.

Can we explore difficult mental health topics without shutting down the conversation?

Dr. Az Hakeem, Consultant Psychiatrist, Forensic Psychotherapist, and Group Analyst, joins Abdullah Boulad for a thought-provoking conversation about psychiatry, gender dysphoria, identity, trauma, psychotherapy, autism, burnout, and the importance of critical thinking in mental healthcare.

Drawing on decades of experience in both the NHS and private practice, Dr. Hakeem reflects on his work in forensic psychotherapy before discussing the gender dysphoria psychotherapy service he established in the UK. He shares his clinical approach to understanding gender distress, why he believes psychotherapy should play a central role before irreversible medical interventions, and how his views evolved through years of working closely with patients.

The conversation explores the relationship between biological sex and gender, the complexity of identity development, the role of autism and trauma in some patients presenting with gender dysphoria, and why Dr. Hakeem believes curiosity, careful assessment, and open dialogue remain essential in mental health practice. Abdullah and Dr. Hakeem also discuss parenting, supporting gender-questioning children, and the importance of creating space for conversations rather than rushing toward conclusions.

Beyond gender, the discussion examines forensic psychotherapy, the lasting psychological impact of trauma, sexual behavior, emotional development, and the realities of treating anxiety, depression, OCD, and burnout among high-performing professionals. Dr. Hakeem also shares practical advice on maintaining balance, protecting mental wellbeing, and avoiding the gradual path toward burnout.

Whether you are interested in psychiatry, psychotherapy, mental health, trauma, gender identity, parenting, emotional wellbeing, or psychological resilience, this episode offers an in-depth conversation on some of today's most challenging and widely debated topics through the lens of one clinician's decades of experience.

About Dr Az: Dr. Hakeem is a highly qualified Consultant Psychiatrist, Medical Psychotherapist, Group Analyst, and published author with over 25 years of experience. He completed his specialist training in Psychiatry, Forensic Psychiatry, and Psychotherapy at the Royal Free Hospital and the Portman Clinic (Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust). He also holds an MSc in Group Analysis (Distinction) from Birkbeck, University of London and is a qualified Group Analyst.

00:00:00 - Introduction to Dr. Az Hakeem
00:01:52 - From Art and Literature to Psychiatry
00:03:30 - Inside the World of Forensic Psychotherapy
00:06:24 - Childhood, Identity and Growing Up Different
00:08:13 - The Story Behind the Goth Aesthetic
00:18:08 - Understanding Biological Sex, Gender and Gender Identity
00:24:13 - Regret After Gender Transition: A Psychiatrist's Perspective
00:27:04 - Autism and Gender Dysphoria: Exploring the Connection
00:29:36 - The Tavistock Clinic Debate and Gender Care
00:34:05 - Group Therapy for Gender Dysphoria: An Alternative Approach
00:42:04 - Gender Medicine and the Debate Around Children
00:44:24 - Supporting Gender-Questioning Children: Advice for Parents
00:46:39 - Trauma, Sexual Development and Human Behavior
00:53:18 - The Role of Curiosity in Mental Health Treatment
00:56:42 - Why Every Story Deserves to Be Heard
01:00:45 - Parenting Without Labels or Judgment
01:06:14 - Burnout, Anxiety and Depression in High Performers
01:08:47 - Why 'Mindless TV' Can Help Mental Recovery
01:10:06 - Dr. Az Hakeem's Daily Habits for Balance
01:12:30 - Final Reflections on Mental Health and Human Behaviour

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Can childhood experiences shape the way we love, heal, and see ourselves as adults?

Jill Moore, Client Relations Director at THE BALANCE Rehab Clinic and Yoga Practitioner, joins Abdullah Boulad for an honest conversation about childhood trauma, emotional healing, mental health, yoga, healthy relationships, and personal transformation.

Together, they explore how early family experiences, emotional suppression, and the search for validation can influence self-worth and relationship patterns later in life. Jill opens up about surviving an abusive relationship, rebuilding her confidence, and how yoga, therapy, and somatic healing became essential parts of her recovery journey.

The conversation also examines the importance of healthy boundaries, vulnerability, family healing, and the realities of working in mental health. Jill shares what she has learned from supporting clients through recovery, why compassion and authenticity matter in healing, and how these experiences inspired her mission to help children and teenagers build emotional resilience through mindfulness and yoga.

Whether you're navigating trauma, healing from difficult relationships, interested in mental health, or simply looking for a deeper understanding of personal growth, this episode offers thoughtful insights into resilience, self-awareness, and what it truly means to create a life in balance.

About Jill Moore:
Jill is a Yoga Practitioner and Director of Experience & Admissions at THE BALANCE Rehab Clinic. Passionate about the connection between yoga, mindfulness, and mental health, she helps individuals develop greater self-awareness, emotional resilience, and balance. Inspired by her own healing journey, Jill advocates for a holistic approach to wellbeing and is dedicated to supporting people on their path toward recovery and personal growth.
 
00:00:00 - Introduction to Jill Moore's Journey
00:02:04 - The Childhood Trauma That Changed Everything
00:04:29 - Growing Up Without Emotional Safety
00:05:51 - Self-Worth, Family Expectations & Seeking Validation
00:10:46 - How Low Self-Esteem Led to a Toxic Relationship
00:12:19 - Surviving an Abusive Relationship
00:17:05 - The Life Lessons Hidden in Trauma
00:20:15 - Why We Try to Heal Other People
00:22:02 - How Yoga Became a Path to Healing
00:23:40 - Leaving Everything Behind to Become a Yoga Teacher
00:26:47 - Why Yoga Is More Than Physical Exercise
00:28:08 - Working in Mental Health at THE BALANCE Rehab Clinic
00:31:00 - Somatic Therapy and Releasing Stored Trauma
00:34:26 - Healing Family Relationships Through Honest Conversations
00:37:01 - Why Children Need Emotionally Available Parents
00:40:31 - The Challenges and Rewards of Helping Others Heal
00:44:52 - Jill's Mission to Help Children Build Emotional Resilience
00:48:22 - Daily Habits for Better Mental Health and Balance
00:50:01 - Why Animals Can Be Powerful for Emotional Healing
00:50:31 - Final Reflections on Healing, Purpose & Living in Balance
 
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Can horses help people heal from addiction, ADHD, trauma, and emotional challenges in a deeper, more connected way?

In this episode of Living A Life In Balance, Denise Stergoulis joins Abdullah Boulad, CEO of THE BALANCE Rehab Clinic, for a powerful conversation about equine therapy, addiction recovery, ADHD, mental health, trauma healing, relapse, personal growth, and the emotional connection between humans and horses.

Drawing from her own recovery journey, Denise shares how overcoming addiction led her to become an addiction therapist and equine therapy practitioner. She discusses growing up with undiagnosed ADHD and dyslexia, finding purpose later in life, and the lessons she has learned from helping people navigate recovery, relapse, trauma, and personal growth.

The episode explores how horses can act as powerful emotional mirrors, helping individuals build self-awareness, trust, confidence, and connection. Denise also explains why recovery is about much more than stopping a behavior, it is about addressing the deeper issues underneath and creating lasting change.

Whether you are interested in mental health, addiction recovery, ADHD, personal development, trauma healing, or equine-assisted therapy, this episode offers practical insights, hope, and inspiration.

About Denise:
Denise is an experienced Integrative therapist with specialist recognition in substance addiction. She combines her extensive experience with an incisive, challenging, and empowering style to maximize healing and growth. She combines traditional methods with specialist equine-assisted psychotherapy to develop a highly tailored plan for a wide variety of clients.
 

00:00:00 - From Addiction Recovery To Helping Others Heal
00:01:32 - The Power Of Hope In Recovery And Healing
00:03:11 - Growing Up With Undiagnosed ADHD And Dyslexia
00:04:52 - Leaving London To Find Purpose In Australia
00:07:39 - How An ADHD Diagnosis Changed Everything
00:09:50 - Why Horses Became A Lifelong Source Of Strength
00:12:17 - Building Confidence Through Horses And Purpose
00:14:19 - From Media Career To Motherhood And Identity Loss
00:18:59 - Reinventing Life After Raising Three Children
00:22:06 - From Patient To Addiction Therapist At The Priory
00:23:43 - Going Back To University Later In Life
00:26:41 - What Working In Addiction Recovery Taught Me
00:30:47 - Why Addiction Recovery Is Harder Than Most People Think
00:33:48 - The Habits Behind Long-Term Recovery Success
00:37:27 - How Equine Therapy Helps People Heal Faster
00:43:55 - How Horses Detect Human Emotions And Anxiety
00:47:34 - Why Equine Therapy Helps People Get Unstuck
00:50:27 - Inside An Equine Therapy Session
00:58:04 - Who Can Benefit Most From Horse-Assisted Therapy?
01:03:34 - Finding Purpose, Passion And Balance In Life

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#AddictionRecovery #EquineTherapy #HorseTherapy #MentalHealth #ADHD #RecoveryJourney #PersonalDevelopment #TraumaRecovery #Neurodiversity #AddictionTreatment #SelfAwareness #HealingJourney #LivingALifeInBalance #Podcast

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Work addiction, burnout, anxiety, and the inability to switch off are challenges many high-performing professionals quietly struggle with. But what if the problem is not simply working too much, but using work as a way to avoid what is happening beneath the surface?

In this episode of Living A Life In Balance, Obi Unaka, Addiction Therapist and Relapse Prevention Specialist, joins Abdullah Boulad, Founder and CEO of THE BALANCE Rehab Clinic, for an insightful conversation about work addiction, executive burnout, emotional regulation, recovery, and the hidden costs of high achievement.

Drawing from his own personal experience, Obi shares how a successful career in finance eventually led him to recognize that work had become more than a profession; it had become an addiction. After losing important relationships, experiencing severe stress-related symptoms, and struggling to disconnect from work, he began a journey of recovery that ultimately led him into the field of psychotherapy and addiction treatment.

Together, they discuss:

• How work can become a behavioural addiction similar to gambling or substance use
• The warning signs of executive stress, burnout, and emotional exhaustion
• Why many high performers struggle to switch off and find balance outside of work
• The connection between purpose, identity, achievement, and self-worth
• Cultural perspectives on mental health, addiction, and emotional well-being across different societies
• The importance of family, community, and support systems in long-term recovery

This is a thoughtful and honest conversation about success, resilience, mental health, and the often-overlooked challenges faced by ambitious individuals. It explores what happens when achievement comes at the expense of wellbeing, and why finding balance requires more than simply working less.

About Obi Unaka:
Obi is an Addiction Therapist, Psychotherapist, and Relapse Prevention Specialist with decades of experience working in the field of mental health and addiction treatment. After leaving a successful career in finance due to his own struggles with work addiction, he retrained as a therapist and has since dedicated his career to helping individuals overcome addiction, burnout, and behavioural health challenges. 

00:00:00 - From Work Addiction to Addiction Therapist: Obi Wan's Journey from Finance Burnout to Recovery
00:03:29 - What Is Work Addiction? Signs, Symptoms, and When Hard Work Becomes Unhealthy
00:05:32 - The Psychology of Work Addiction: Why High Achievers Struggle to Switch Off
00:06:58 - Burnout Warning Signs: How Therapy Helped Identify a Destructive Work Pattern
00:08:59 - Finding Purpose After Burnout: Transitioning from Finance to Mental Health
00:10:38 - High-Pressure Careers, Executive Stress, and the Risk of Work Addiction
00:12:02 - Executive Burnout, Substance Use, and Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms in High Performers
00:14:22 - What Causes Burnout? Perfectionism, Internal Pressure, and Emotional Exhaustion
00:16:21 - The Biopsychosocial Model: Balancing Mental Health, Relationships, Purpose, and Wellbeing
00:18:47 - Burnout Red Flags: Overworking, Digital Addiction, Control, and Inability to Delegate
00:22:04 - Technology Addiction, Constant Connectivity, and the Loss of Human Connection
00:23:43 - Mental Health Across Cultures: Comparing Nigeria, the UK, and India
00:26:01 - Mental Health Stigma in India: Family Expectations, Psychiatry, and Cultural Beliefs
00:34:55 - Family Support, Addiction Recovery, and Preventing Relapse Through Community
00:37:52 - What the Western World Can Learn About Community, Connection, and Mental Wellbeing
00:44:01 - Cultural Differences in Therapy: Why Mental Health Treatment Is Not One-Size-Fits-All
00:47:17 - How Therapists Avoid Burnout: Self-Care, Boundaries, Delegation, and Work-Life Balance

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#LivingALifeInBalance #WorkAddiction #Burnout #Stress #Sleep  #Support #Wellbeing #IntegrativeMedicine #MentalHealth #Podcast

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Brain fog, bloating, fatigue, poor sleep, inflammation, and constantly feeling “off” are symptoms many people silently live with every day. But what if these are not just normal parts of modern life, but signs that the body needs deeper attention?

In this episode of Living A Life In Balance, Dr. Leah Austin, GP and Nutritional Therapist, joins Abdullah Boulad, CEO of THE BALANCE Rehab Clinic, for a thoughtful conversation about gut health, the gut-brain connection, inflammation, stress, sleep, nutrition, and overall wellbeing.

Drawing from both her medical background and her own personal health struggles, Dr. Leah shares how years of dealing with bloating and allergies completely changed the way she understands medicine and patient care. After realizing that simply treating symptoms was not enough, she began exploring a more integrative approach focused on understanding the deeper causes behind physical and emotional symptoms.

Together, they discuss:

• Why bloating and digestive discomfort should not always be dismissed as “normal”
• The relationship between gut health, inflammation, mood, and brain fog
• How stress and poor sleep impact the body more than many people realize
• Simple habits that can support long-term wellbeing
• What it means to take a more integrative and holistic approach to health

This is a grounded and honest conversation about listening to the body more carefully, understanding the connection between physical and emotional wellbeing, and rethinking what health really means in modern life.

About Dr Leah:  Dr. Leah Austin brings a uniquely integrative approach to restorative health and wellbeing. A UK-trained GP and Naturopathic Nutritionist, she combines the precision of medical science with the depth of functional and lifestyle medicine. Her 360-degree assessments explore every aspect of an individual’s health, from genetics and hormone balance to gut integrity, nutrition, and toxic burden, to uncover root causes and create truly personalized pathways to recovery. 

00:00:00 - Why Dr. Leah Austin Moved Beyond Conventional Medicine
00:02:18 - Treating Root Causes Instead of Just Symptoms
00:03:27 - Dr. Leah Austin’s Personal Gut Health Struggles
00:04:42 - What an Integrative Health Consultation Looks Like
00:06:00 - How Stress and Modern Work Affect Health
00:07:15 - Why Chronic Bloating Should Never Be Ignored
00:08:29 - What Integrative Medicine Really Means
00:10:08 - Why Gut Health Affects the Entire Body
00:10:18 - Healing Chronic Sinus Issues Through Gut Health
00:13:55 - The Biggest Lifestyle Mistakes Harming Gut Health
00:16:07 - The Best Exercise for Metabolic Health and Longevity
00:18:13 - The Gut-Brain Connection and Brain Fog Explained
00:20:43 - What Brain Fog Really Feels Like
00:21:51 - The Long-Term Dangers of Chronic Inflammation
00:24:45 - Why Gut Health Should Come First
00:26:33 - How Gluten Sensitivity Affected Mood and Mental Health
00:30:28 - The Most Important Habits for Better Brain Health
00:33:06 - Environmental Toxins That May Be Affecting Your Health
00:38:44 - How to Improve Your Health Without Feeling Overwhelmed
00:58:12 - Why Proper Breathing Matters for Stress and Health

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You can order Abdullah’s books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BC9S5TCF?ccs_id=c64f2588-7eb1-4592-b4d1-647a0f379b51 

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 How do trauma, addiction, and family dysfunction shape recovery and emotional healing? 

Heather Hayes, internationally recognised interventionist, Licensed Counselor, and founder of Heather R. Hayes & Associates, joins Abdullah Boulad for a powerful conversation on addiction, trauma, recovery, and the hidden emotional struggles behind high-functioning families.

In this episode, Heather reflects on her personal journey through addiction and recovery, growing up in a chaotic family system despite material privilege, and how those experiences shaped her life’s work helping individuals and families navigate complex mental health and substance use challenges. Together, they explore the emotional roots of addiction, the impact of family dysfunction, sensitivity and self-esteem, and why unresolved trauma often sits beneath destructive behaviours.

The conversation also dives into the evolution of addiction interventions, the importance of compassion over blame, and the parallels between family intervention work and hostage negotiation. Heather shares insights from her experience training with FBI hostage negotiators, explaining how communication, emotional safety, and trust can transform difficult conversations and motivate change.

This episode offers a thoughtful perspective on addiction, trauma, emotional regulation, family systems, and the human side of recovery.

About Heather: Heather Hayes is a Licensed Counselor, Board Registered Interventionist, and founder of Heather R. Hayes & Associates, with more than 30 years of experience helping individuals and families navigate trauma, addiction, eating disorders, and complex mental health challenges.

00:00:00 - Growing Up in a Chaotic Family and the Early Roots of Addiction
00:02:28 - Heather’s Journey to Sobriety and Entering Rehab in 1982
00:03:35 - Why Heather Dedicated Her Life to Helping Others Recover
00:04:40 - How Wealth and Privilege Can Increase Addiction Risk
00:06:22 - The Emotional Instability Hidden Behind Material Success
00:09:05 - Toxic Family Dynamics and Their Impact on Mental Health
00:11:13 - Low Self-Esteem, Social Pressure, and Substance Abuse
00:14:19 - Why Highly Sensitive People Are More Vulnerable to Addiction
00:16:43 - Studying Psychology to Understand Addiction and Heal Herself
00:19:07 - The Breaking Point That Led Heather to Seek Treatment
00:20:58 - Working with Trauma, Eating Disorders, and Heroin Addiction
00:24:05 - The Evolution of Modern Addiction Interventions
00:26:10 - Inside Heather’s Training with FBI Hostage Negotiators
00:28:46 - The Biggest Mistakes Families Make During Interventions
00:32:12 - The Power of “I Feel” Statements in Difficult Conversations
00:35:52 - Addiction Intervention as a Form of Human Negotiation
00:39:06 - Why Family Denial Makes Recovery More Difficult
00:44:05 - What True Success in Addiction Recovery Really Looks Like
01:00:15 - Trauma Bonds, Stockholm Syndrome, and Dysfunctional Relationships
01:16:36 - Heather’s Message of Hope on Mental Health and Communication

Follow Abdullah Boulad: 
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Follow Heather Hayes:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-r-hayes/

You can order Abdullah’s books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BC9S5TCF?ccs_id=c64f2588-7eb1-4592-b4d1-647a0f379b51

Follow THE BALANCE Rehab Clinic: 
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Founder & CEO of THE BALANCE Rehab Clinic | Book Author & Podcast Host of "Living a Life in Balance" | Global Expert in Mental Health & Wellbeing

I lead one of the world’s most exclusive mental health and addiction treatment brands, helping global leaders, creatives, and high-net-worth individuals find deep healing and personal transformation. Through my podcast, I explore the intersection of psychology, purpose, and wellbeing.

This Podcast is dedicated to meaningful conversations about mental health, well-being, and the challenges we face today. It is part of my ongoing commitment to supporting people in navigating complex emotional and psychological struggles. Through open discussions with leading experts in the industry, I aim to break down barriers, challenge misconceptions, and offer valuable insights that can make a real difference.

https://thebalance.clinic