Bookends of Recovery: Addiction, Betrayal Trauma & Healing

This week’s episode is focused on something I’m practicing this year: self-grace . It includes a workbook walkthrough. I talk about how easy it is to slip into comparison, even when we’re doing something good for ourselves, and how that can quietly drain motivation, joy, and emotional balance. Then I walk you through a Self-Grace Check-In you can do with me in real time. If you’ve been feeling “no...

As the new year begins, many of us start hearing the familiar question: Should I make resolutions or set intentions? They may sound similar, but they come from very different places. Which one works best for you? With this workbook walkthrough: GROW! And don't forget to join in on the AMA this week! If you have any questions, please let me know .  Sending everyone happy and healthy vibes, Lau...

I’ll be off work next week and thought this would be a good time to open the floor for an AMA on my Reddit page. If you’re newer here, I’m 30+ years clean from my drug of choice, married to someone recovering from PA/SLAA, and I’ve done my own healing after betrayal trauma. A lot of you are in one of those spaces…or going through more than one at the same time. So, from 12/29/25–1/2/26 , I’m hosti...

In this guided meditation, you’re invited to slow down, breathe deeply, and release the weight you’ve been carrying. I use gentle imagery and intentional breathing to help you exhale stress, let go of worries about the future, and loosen your grip on past regrets. There’s no pressure to fix anything and nothing to figure out, just a time to rest in the moment. This episode is especially supportive...

If you’ve ever felt like you’re living as different versions of yourself, this one’s for you. In this episode, I'm talking about compartmentalization and how it shows up in addiction and healing for both the person in recovery and the people who love them. Compartmentalization is a survival tool. It’s how we box off parts of ourselves to keep going when things feel overwhelming. Over time, th...

Stress sucks! Let's talk about ways to relieve it. This is part two of the walkthrough of my workbook , but don't worry, you do not need it in front of you to follow along. I’m going to walk you through the tools step by step, so you can just listen, or pause and write if you’d like. It covers gratitude, journaling, grounding exercises, boundaries, creating a safe space, and more! If you...

Dealing with stress? Who isn't right? This is part one of the walkthrough of my workbook , but don't worry, you do not need it in front of you to follow along. I’m going to walk you through the tools step by step, so you can just listen, or pause and write if you’d like. It covers why we have stress, where we carry it, and, of course, exercises: The 6-Step Self-Check-In (Guided), Two-min...

Gratitude isn’t about pretending everything’s fine. It’s about retraining your brain to notice what’s also true. It’s also about understanding, “Yes, this is hard , but look at all the good that’s still around me.” And that’s where the healing begins. Learn how in today's episode, including thought-provoking questions. If you have any questions, please let me know .  Sending everyone happy an...

Black-and-white thinking brings us comfort in a chaotic world. When life gets challenging, like it does in addiction or betrayal, gray feels like quicksand. It means we might have to sit in discomfort, hold conflicting truths, or accept that we don’t have all the answers. But we need gray thinking in our recovery and healing. Learn why! If you have any questions, please let me know .  Sending ever...

Boredom is the time to experiment, to rediscover what excites you when you’re not chasing a dopamine hit. And no offense to workout routines or organizing your junk drawer (again), but there’s a whole world beyond the usual “healthy hobbies” we all know and love. Learn some other ways to beat boredom that are a little weird, a little wonderful, and might just help you discover a new passion! If yo...

When stress hits, our bodies often go into fight, flight, fawn, or freeze mode. It can show up as a tight chest, racing thoughts, or shallow breathing. In this episode, we’ll slow it all down and practice three powerful breathwork tools: belly breathing , box breathing , and the breathing anchor. You’ll learn how to use your breath to calm your nervous system, manage triggers, and feel more ground...

Fear can stop us in our tracks, keeping us stuck in anxiety, overthinking, or avoidance. In this episode, I share two simple techniques: Play the Script to the End and Stop Sign methods. They help you quiet fear, calm your mind, and move forward with confidence. Whether you’re managing triggers in recovery, facing change, or learning to trust yourself again, these tools will help you reframe fear...

Boundaries aren’t about pushing people away, they’re about protecting your healing and recovery and honoring your worth. In this episode, I share core personal boundaries, why they matter, and reflection prompts you can use today. If you struggle with saying no or keeping your recovery space safe, this one’s for you. Remember, you are stronger and more valuable than you think. And of course, there...

Two simple tools to remind you why you’re showing up and where you want to go in your recovery and healing journey and keep you motivated. In this episode, I share my Recovery/Healing Mission Statement and W.H.Y. Statement. If you have any questions, please let me know .  Sending everyone happy and healthy vibes, Laura Please note: This podcast is for education only and is not a replacement for th...

Ready to take what you learned about the Window of Tolerance and put it into practice? In this episode, I’ll walk you through the companion workbook , step by step. Together we’ll map your own window, color-code your “too high” and “too low” states, and get curious about the signs your body and emotions give you. Whether you doodle, write, or just listen along, this guided walkthrough will help yo...

Ever feel like you’re bouncing between too much anxiety and total shutdown? That’s your nervous system leaving its “just right” zone. That's what therapists call the Window of Tolerance . In this episode, I’ll explain what that window actually is (without all the jargon), why it matters for your recovery and healing, and how to start noticing when you’re drifting too high or too low. Think of...

This calming guided meditation is designed to support anyone navigating betrayal trauma. I gently lead you through breath, grounding, and self-compassion practices to ease overwhelm, release tension, and reconnect with your inner strength. Whether you’re early in healing or rebuilding trust after relational trauma, this meditation offers a safe space to heal, breathe, and find peace in the present...

This guided meditation is created to support you in your recovery journey. Through simple breathing, grounding, and calming techniques, I help you release tension, quiet racing thoughts, and reconnect with your inner strength. Whether you’re new to sobriety or maintaining long-term recovery, this meditation offers a safe space to reset, refocus, and stay steady on your path to healing. If you have...

In addiction recovery and healing, the small, consistent habits matter more than the big breakthroughs. In this episode I share the underrated “boring” tools, like sleep routines, hydration, movement, breathing, and daily check-ins, that keep you grounded when life feels overwhelming. Whether you’re in addiction recovery or supporting a loved one, learn why these unsexy but powerful practices are...

Healing doesn’t have to be all tears and heavy talks. In this episode, I discuss why humor is a powerful tool in recovery, healing, and mental health, how laughter resets the nervous system, and why it’s okay to crack a smile even during challenging healing work. If you have any questions, please let me know .  Sending everyone happy and healthy vibes, Laura Please note: This podcast is for educat...

Just like the title says, I'm hosting an AMA today. I’ll be there 12:00 p.m.–2:00 PM EST to answer your questions live. After that, I’ll leave the post open and check back later. Ask me anything about: Addiction recovery (especially cocaine & pornography addiction) Healing from betrayal trauma Emotional sobriety (my biggest turning point) Navigating relationships when one/both partners ar...

Anxiety and triggers can hit fast, but you don’t have to get swept away. In this episode, I’m sharing unique, next-level grounding tools you can use anywhere to stay anchored in the present. From sensory tricks and vocal grounding to body-based techniques, these practical ideas provide your mind and body with a safe space when everything feels overwhelming. If you have any questions, please let me...

Ever wonder why you suddenly shut down, spiral, or snap, seemingly out of nowhere? In this episode, we unpack the difference between a trigger and a response, what your nervous system is trying to tell you, and how to ground yourself when you feel overwhelmed. Whether you’re healing from addiction, betrayal trauma, or both, these tools can help you reclaim your calm and choose how you show up. If...

Ever wonder why numbing out, whether with substances, scrolling, or people-pleasing, feels like the only way to survive? In this episode, I share how my own addiction began with a need for relief, not rebellion, and why so many of us learn to escape instead of cope. If you’re healing from betrayal trauma, addiction, or emotional overwhelm, this one’s for you. If you have any questions, please let...

Ever feel like you’re overreacting to something small, but deep down, you know it’s not about just that moment? You’re not broken. You’re wired that way because of what you’ve lived through. In this episode, I explain the real roots of emotional discomfort, how trauma gets stored in the body, and the small ways we can begin to rewire our responses and reclaim our peace. If you have any questions,...