Duane Osterlind, LMFT
Duane Osterlind, LMFT
TAM+ EP 101 Thinking in Gray: Transforming All-or-Nothing Mindsets in Addiction
TAM+ EP 101 Thinking in Gray: Transforming All-or-Nothing Mindsets in Addiction
TAM+ EP 101 Thinking in Gray: Transforming All-or-Nothing Mindsets in Addiction
Thursday 29th January 2026
Explore how shifting from black-and-white thinking can aid addiction recovery with practical steps from The Addicted Mind Podcast.
15 minutes
Inspiring
Informative
Encouraging
Hopeful
Supportive
About this podcast
Author:
Duane Osterlind, LMFT
Overview:
Categories:
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Sobriety Toolkit
Recovery from Trauma
Family Recovery from Addiction
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Links:
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Episodes:
515 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Transforming All-or-Nothing Thinking in Addiction Recovery
Episode Overview
- Recognise when you're using black-and-white thinking.
- Challenge your thoughts by considering multiple possibilities.
- Seek clarification from others to gain a broader perspective.
- Replace absolute terms with more moderate language.
- Focus on what you did right to encourage balanced thinking.
"Black and white thinking really can keep us stuck."
How do people find strength in their journey to sobriety? This episode of The Addicted Mind Podcast takes on the challenge of transforming all-or-nothing mindsets, which can be a significant roadblock in addiction recovery. Hosts Duane Osterlind and Eric Osterlind dive into the murky waters of black-and-white thinking, also known as dichotomous thinking, and its impact on emotional stability and progress.
With a mix of personal anecdotes and expert insights, they bring to light how this rigid mindset limits possibilities and stifles growth. Drawing from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), the episode offers practical steps to shift from extreme thinking to a more balanced, nuanced approach. The hosts highlight the importance of recognising when we fall into the trap of always or never, and how this affects our self-perception and relationships.
It's a candid discussion that many will find relatable, as we all have moments of seeing things as either perfect or disastrous. The podcast encourages listeners to slow down their thought processes, challenge their perspectives, and seek clarification from others to break free from the confines of black-and-white thinking. By sharing strategies like writing down multiple possibilities and replacing absolute terms with more moderate ones, the hosts provide actionable advice to foster a more realistic view of life.
This episode is not just about identifying a problem but also about finding solutions. It's an enlightening conversation that invites reflection and encourages listeners to consider how a shift in mindset could lead to greater emotional regulation and overall well-being. Are you ready to embrace the grey areas in life?