The Magdalen House
The Magdalen House
From the Vault: Hope for the Family with Kate Dorff
From the Vault: Hope for the Family with Kate Dorff
From the Vault: Hope for the Family with Kate Dorff
Wednesday 15th October 2025
Kate Dorff shares her journey of healing from her father's alcoholism and finding hope through understanding.
55 minutes
Inspiring
Healing
Compassionate
Informative
Hopeful
About this podcast
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The Magdalen House
Overview:
Categories:
Recovery Reimagined
Creative Recovery Journeys
Empowering Recovery Journeys
Family Recovery from Addiction
Sexual Empowerment & Identity
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Get the buttons here!Finding Hope Amidst Alcoholism: Kate Dorff's Story
Episode Overview
- Alcoholism impacts families deeply, leading to anger and confusion.
- Understanding alcoholism as a disease can shift perspectives.
- Forgiveness and grace can aid in emotional healing.
- Support systems like The Magdalen House offer valuable resources.
- Recovery is possible even after loss.
"He loved me in the only way he could."
How do people find hope in the darkest times? In this moving episode of The Magdalen House Podcast, Kate Dorff opens up about her emotional journey as a family member of an alcoholic. Kate, who serves as the Director of Development at The Magdalen House, shares the profound impact her father's alcoholism had on her life.
From growing up in a seemingly normal household to witnessing her father's struggles with alcohol, Kate recounts the pivotal moments that shaped her understanding of alcoholism as a disease. She describes how her father's drinking led to a family separation and eventually, a tragic end. Kate's story is one of anger, confusion, and ultimately, healing.
She candidly discusses her feelings of betrayal and her quest for approval from her father, while grappling with the notion that his love for alcohol overshadowed his love for his family. Through engaging anecdotes, Kate paints a vivid picture of her experiences, shedding light on the challenges faced by families dealing with alcoholism. Her turning point came through the teachings of Richard Rohr's 'Breathing Underwater,' which helped her grasp the concept of alcoholism as a disease rather than a choice.
With guidance from Lisa Kroenke, a recovered alcoholic, Kate learned to view her father's actions through a lens of compassion rather than anger. This shift in perspective allowed her to find peace and extend grace towards her father, even after his passing. Kate's journey highlights the importance of understanding alcoholism beyond the stigma and recognising the pain it inflicts on families. Her story serves as a reminder that recovery and healing are possible, even in the face of loss.
So, what lessons can we take from Kate's experience? And how can we support those affected by addiction in finding hope and healing?