Allen Berger & Thom Rutledge
Allen Berger & Thom Rutledge
“Sobriety Didn’t Solve My Problems, It Exposed Them”
“Sobriety Didn’t Solve My Problems, It Exposed Them”
“Sobriety Didn’t Solve My Problems, It Exposed Them”
Thursday 24th July 2025
Explore how emotional sobriety complements the 12 Step program and discover the importance of inner child work in recovery.
38 minutes
informative
challenging
reflective
supportive
About this podcast
Author:
Allen Berger & Thom Rutledge
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Sexual Empowerment & Identity
Mindfulness & Emotional Wellbeing
Creative Recovery Journeys
Financial Health in Recovery
Links:
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Episodes:
206 (View all)
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Episode Overview
- Emotional sobriety is a complement to traditional recovery.
- Inner child work is crucial for self-care in recovery.
- Challenge resistance to deeper emotional exploration.
- The importance of working the steps in AA.
- Perfectionism as a barrier to emotional sobriety.
We don't grow in an echo chamber because then we're just hearing what we're already thinking and to be challenged and to look at things, which I thought it was great.
In this episode of Emotional Sobriety, The Next Step in Recovery, hosts Dr. Allen Berger and Tom Rutledge, along with guest Joe C., delve into the notion of emotional sobriety and its place within the framework of the 12 Step program. The discussion opens with a lighthearted chat about the challenges of dealing with a flea infestation, highlighting the importance of community and support even in everyday struggles.
The podcast addresses criticisms that emotional sobriety might be an alternative or even interruptive to a faithful, rigorous 12 Step program. However, Berger and Rutledge argue that emotional sobriety is not at odds with traditional recovery but rather complements it, providing a deeper understanding of the feelings beneath compulsions and the 'stuckness' that can hinder progress. A key theme is the resistance to exploring deeper emotional issues, which can create false ceilings in recovery.
The hosts stress the importance of challenging oneself and being open to new perspectives, whether through a spiritual journey or self-discovery. The episode also touches on the concept of AA fundamentalism, where some members adhere strictly to the original writings of Bill Wilson, eschewing newer insights into emotional sobriety. This leads to a discussion on the importance of not only attending meetings but actively working the steps to foster genuine recovery.
An upcoming workshop, 'Why Inner Child Work Matters,' is highlighted, emphasizing its role in self-care and recovery. Tom Rutledge shares his personal journey in rediscovering this therapeutic approach, noting its transformative impact. The episode concludes with an invitation to join a participatory session where listeners can engage directly with the hosts and discuss issues like perfectionism and its deceptive promise of emotional sobriety, encouraging active participation and community involvement.