Sony Perlman
Sony Perlman
The Hardest Working Therapist | With Dr. Debbie Ackerman
The Hardest Working Therapist | With Dr. Debbie Ackerman
The Hardest Working Therapist | With Dr. Debbie Ackerman
Saturday 3rd January 2026
Dr. Debbie Ackerman shares her journey from motherhood to addiction therapy, offering heartfelt stories and insights on recovery.
113 minutes
Inspiring
Informative
Compassionate
Hopeful
Authentic
About this podcast
Author:
Sony Perlman
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Body & Mind
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Relationships & Community
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Links:
Visit site
Episodes:
122 (View all)
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!The Hardest Working Therapist: A Journey with Dr. Debbie Ackerman
Episode Overview
- Dr. Ackerman shares her journey from motherhood to becoming a leading therapist.
- The importance of life experience in understanding addiction is discussed.
- Dr. Ackerman highlights the role of empathy and love in recovery.
- Differences between chemical and behavioural addictions are explained.
- Challenges faced by the orthodox Jewish community in addiction recovery are explored.
"No is a complete sentence."
What emotional and inspiring tales of recovery are out there? In this episode of BrainStorm with Sony Perlman, Dr. Debbie Ackerman, a powerhouse in the field of addiction and trauma therapy, shares her incredible journey from being a mother of 11 to becoming a leading therapist. The conversation is as delightful as it is deep, touching on topics like chemical and behavioural addictions, codependency, and the unique challenges faced by the orthodox Jewish community. Dr.
Ackerman’s personal experiences of trauma and loss add a poignant layer to her professional insights, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the human side of addiction recovery. Dr. Ackerman’s candidness about her early insecurities in the field—like not knowing what 'transference' was during her social work school days—adds a touch of humour and relatability. She discusses her path to becoming a certified sex addiction therapist and the importance of life experience in understanding addiction.
The duo also reminisces about their shared history and the evolution of their careers. Listeners will find value in Dr. Ackerman's perspective on the importance of empathy and understanding in addiction treatment. She believes that love and acceptance are crucial in helping individuals recover from addiction, a sentiment echoed by Sony Perlman. The episode is not just informative but also inspiring, offering hope and practical advice for those dealing with addiction or supporting someone who is.
So, how do individuals turn their lives around after addiction? Tune in to hear Dr. Ackerman’s heartfelt stories and valuable insights that might just change your perspective on recovery.