Episode Description
Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of suicide, mental health crises, domestic violence, & family trauma.
How do you build the desire to stop drinking when alcohol feels like your only escape from an overwhelming life? Richard shares his struggle with using alcohol to cope with family challenges, including his son's mental health crisis and decades of marital strife, while Stephanie uncovers a deep-rooted fear that she must be "everything her husband needs" or risk losing him. Both face the uncomfortable truth that alcohol has become essential to their coping and connection. Coach Soraya helps Richard explore activities that bring him joy outside his difficult home environment, while Coach Hayley guides Stephanie through layers of guilt and self-blame to discover an empowered path forward.
In Richard’s Session:
Naming the “pit in my stomach” & why alcohol feels like quick relief
Caregiver stress, court dates, & how trauma at home boosts cravings
Swimming, hot–cold routines, & finding joy outside the house
Mapping resentment in a long marriage without shaming himself
Health signals that matter: rising blood pressure & honest tracking
Practical ways to build the desire to stop drinking when life is chaotic
…and more topics on coping, boundaries, & self-compassion
In Stephanie’s Session:
“We connected over wine”—grieving old rituals without glamorizing them
The “chameleon” habit & learning to be herself in her marriage
Reframing guilt into an empowered decision to grow
Talking intimacy without alcohol
Expecting discomfort, choosing compassion, building new cues for connection
Tiny experiments that strengthen how to build the desire to stop drinking at home
…and more insights on mindset, identity, & shared change
Soraya Odishoo is a compassionate Certified This Naked Mind Coach who blends somatic healing with therapeutic models to support recovery. She serves people who feel disconnected from their true selves and want freedom from substances or behaviors that no longer serve them. Her collaborative heart-centered, trust-based trauma-informed approach has a strong focus on accessibility for BIPOC & LGBTQIA+ communities. Soraya’s passion is guiding clients back to their personal power so they can find peace, purpose, & lasting healing.
Learn more about Coach Soraya: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/soraya-arjan-odishoo-alpc/
Hayley Scherders is a certified TNM Coach with training from the Canadian Addiction and Mental Health Association. Drawing from personal experiences, Hayley understands how tough change can be & provides a safe, compassionate, & judgment-free space where her clients can feel supported. She believes that with the right mindset, anyone can change their life at any time.
Learn more about Coach Hayley: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/hayley-scherders/
Episode links:
Related Episodes:
Getting Past Emotional Drinking Triggers | Reader’s Question | E616 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-616-readers-question-getting-past-emotional-drinking-triggers/
Is Motivation Alone Enough? Alcohol Freedom Coaching | E774 - https://thisnakedmind.com/is-motivation-alone-enough-alcohol-freedom-coaching-e774/
Finding Hope for Long-time Drinkers | Reader’s Question | E600 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-600-reader-question-finding-hope-for-long-time-drinkers/
Ready to take the next step on your journey?
Visit https://learn.thisnakedmind.com/podcast-resources for free resources, programs, & more. Until next week, stay curious!
Quince: Go to Quince.com/naked for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns
Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box + a free item for life at Hungryroot.com/mind with code mind
BetterHelp: BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com/nakedmind
Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at Shopify.com/mind