Advice for Loved Ones with Addictions with Nicole Healy

Guest: Nicole Healy – Trauma-Informed Root Cause Therapist & Embodied Processing Therapist

Host: Melissa Hiemann

Description: In this episode, Melissa Hiemann welcomes Nicole Healy from Myndful Healing to discuss the emotional and psychological aspects of supporting a loved one through addiction. Drawing from personal experience and professional expertise, Nicole shares insights on navigating family dynamics, the importance of self-awareness, and tools for healing beyond addiction. Tune in to hear inspiring stories, practical advice, and strategies to empower yourself while supporting a loved one in their recovery journey.

Guest Information: Nicole Healy is a long-term student and friend of The Centre for Healing, leveraging her lived experience and training to support families impacted by addiction. She runs the Life Beyond Addiction program, designed for individuals with loved ones struggling with addiction.

Follow Nicole:
Instagram: @myndfulhealing

Key Topics & Chapters:

1. Navigating Addiction and Self-Healing
Nicole shares her personal journey with her husband's gambling addiction and how she shifted from trying to fix him to focusing on her own healing. Through self-work and trauma-informed approaches, she discovered the power of emotional regulation and self-awareness in improving relationships.

2. Understanding Gambling Addiction and Recovery
Nicole explains the emotional roots of gambling addiction, highlighting a case where a client associated gambling with connection to his father. The discussion explores the psychological triggers behind addictive behaviors and the role of emotional escape mechanisms.

3. Navigating Relationships with Loved Ones in Addiction
Nicole introduces her Life Beyond Addiction program, emphasizing the importance of self-care, empowerment, and setting healthy boundaries. Melissa and Nicole discuss why surrendering control and allowing loved ones to take responsibility for their choices is key to healing family relationships.

4. Navigating Parent-Child Relationships Through Transition
Nicole shares insights on maintaining a strong connection with adult children, especially during major life transitions like moving out. She reflects on her evolving relationship with her daughter and the role of emotional resilience in parenting.

5. Exploring Self-Awareness in Relationships
Melissa and Nicole discuss the role of self-awareness in fostering healthier interactions with loved ones. They explore how recognizing one’s own triggers and reactions can create a more open, judgment-free space for communication.

6. Podcast Discussion on Addiction and Mental Wellbeing
Nicole shares insights from the Addiction and Mental Wellbeing Unlimited podcast, discussing the importance of mental health support for families of those struggling with addiction. Melissa highlights the hopeful message of resilience and healing.

7. Discussion on Personal Growth and Professional Goals
Nicole opens up about her insecurities in explaining complex concepts and how she has learned to embrace her own unique approach. Melissa emphasizes the value of authenticity and personal experiences in trauma-informed work.

8. Discussion on Trauma-Informed Care and Personal Experiences
Nicole recounts a distressing experience involving a mental health crisis in her family and the lack of trauma-informed care available. The discussion underscores the need for more compassionate and supportive systems for individuals and families dealing with trauma.

Key Questions Answered in This Episode:

• How can family members effectively communicate their feelings to loved ones struggling with addiction?

• What are the long-term effects of addiction on family dynamics?

• What specific tools can be used to support individuals dealing with addiction?

• How can individuals support their loved ones who are struggling with addiction?

Resources & Links:

1. Life Beyond Addiction Program: @myndfulhealing

2. The Centre for Healing: Website