243 MIKE MILLER

243 MIKE MILLER

In this episode of the Weekend Ramble on the Ashes to Awesome Podcast, host Chuck LaFlange welcomes Mike Miller, the head clinician and co-founder of the Yatra Trauma Center in Krabi, Thailand. Mike returns to discuss the profound impact of grief and trauma, especially in the wake of the passing of their mutual friend, Devin McGuire, a giant in the recovery community. Grief is a complex emotion that can be particularly challenging for those in recovery or dealing with addiction.

Mike Miller shares insights into how EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy can be an effective tool in navigating grief. He explains how EMDR helps individuals process overwhelming feelings by shifting focus from the loss itself to the positive memories associated with the loved one. This therapeutic approach can free individuals from the emotional blockage that grief often creates, allowing them to access more adaptive understandings of their relationships.

The conversation also delves into the trauma experienced by family members of individuals with Substance Use Disorders (SUD). These loved ones often endure significant emotional turmoil, constantly scanning their environments for threats and living in survival mode. Mike emphasizes the importance of self-care and suggests that well-timed therapy can aid in the decision-making process, providing relief from feelings of guilt and enabling healthier coping mechanisms. Throughout the episode, Chuck and Mike reflect on the supportive nature of the recovery community.

They highlight the strength found in meaningful relationships and the shared journey towards healing. Mike, who is nearing his 21st year of sobriety, shares personal stories of transformation and the impact of seemingly small acts of kindness within the recovery community. Listeners are encouraged to engage with the podcast by liking, commenting, sharing, and subscribing, as these actions help spread the message of hope and recovery.

The episode closes with a heartfelt appeal to reach out to loved ones struggling with addiction, offering them a glimmer of hope through simple words of love and support.