Imagine growing up in a family where secrets are an everyday reality. Picture yourself being taught to rehearse stories and lies to mask the painful truth of addiction. That's the terrain we navigate in this powerful episode with our insightful guest, Kevin Petersen, a licensed marriage and family therapist, and founder of the Chronic Hope Institute. Kevin draws on his abundant experience to explain the detrimental effects secrets can have on families dealing with addiction. Together, we expose the debilitating shame and sickness that can result from misguided advice to keep secrets, and highlight the transformative power of telling your own story, not someone else’s.

But don't think we stop there. We're also wading through the murky waters of codependency. We're unmasking the art of setting boundaries for personal protection and establishing systems of rewards and consequences. We're emphasizing that therapy should focus on the system, not 'fixing' the other person. Additionally, we're laying bare family trauma, stressing the importance of self-care and understanding the varied impact of 'big T' and 'little T' traumas. This poignant discussion provides a guide for anyone struggling with addiction, codependency, or family trauma. Every issue, from the most urgent 'A-Basket' to the more manageable 'C-Basket', finds its place in our conversation, offering listeners valuable insights, guidance, and hope.

Music for Unshackling the Soul from Josh Woodward - Invisible Light (Instrumental Version)

Addiction and codependency go together like peanut butter and jelly according to this week's guest, Kevin Petersen.

So what does it mean to be co-dependent? Why do addicts and codependents go so well together?

This week we'll take a deep dive into codependency and what it has to do with family trauma.

A little bit about Kevin Petersen:

Kevin Petersen, MA, LMFT, is the founder of The Chronic Hope Institute, which provides family addiction coaching for families in crisis due to addiction and codependency. Kevin has published two books: Chronic Hope: Parenting the Addicted Child and Chronic Hope: Families & Addiction, which share an integrated, holistic approach to healing families in crisis due to addiction and codependency.

Kevin established The Chronic Hope Institute in 2020 with a mission to help families in crisis through family addiction coaching. Dedicated to strengthening the family system, Kevin turns helplessness into hope.

If you are struggling with an addict and need a plan, contact The Chronic Hope Institute at www.ChronicHope.us.

Music for Unshackling the Soul from Josh Woodward - Invisible Light (Instrumental Version)

What is it like to go from sitting on top of the world, to wondering if you even want to live another day?

Before Jason Hopcus was a champion and expert on mental health, he had to live through a very public mental breakdown. For the first time Jason shares his story, the work it took to get healthy and encouragement for anyone who is struggling in their own journey.

Jason Hopcus is founder of Connection Project, a for profit company and Connection Project Foundation a 501c3, co-founder of the High Wired a community of tailor made mastermind experiences and individual coaching for entrepreneurs, business owners and leaders who are seeking next level success and Hopcus serves as President/CEO of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) for Arapahoe and Douglas Counties in Colorado, a 501c3.

Music for Unshackling the Soul from Josh Woodward - Invisible Light (Instrumental Version)