Why is it so hard to close the gap between knowing you should stop drinking and actually stopping? In this episode, we feature powerful sessions with Coach Cole and Sabine, and Coach Zoe and Mary. Coach Cole validates Sabine’s frustration, helping her realize that her goal isn't to get rid of the inner critic, but to listen to and validate all her internal "parts" so they can work together. These sessions reveal that lasting change comes not from fighting ourselves, but from deep self-understanding and compassion. Mary understands the content intellectually, but her body keeps pulling her back to the bottle. Coach Zoe explains that the common denominator in all her drinking—celebration, sadness, or boredom—is emotion. She provides Mary key tips to stop using alcohol to avoid feelings by building a "safety container" in the body, starting with simple sensations. In her session, Sabine opens up about her struggle with a critical "people-pleaser" voice that emerged during her move to a new country and a dysfunctional marriage.

In Sabine’s Session:

Parts work 101: letting people-pleaser and protector both be heard

How curiosity softens rumination after awkward interactions

Scripts to be factual and direct without labeling yourself “rude”

Re-building self-trust and everyday autonomy

Pause → notice → name the need before you reply

Reflection prompts—and tips to stop using alcohol to avoid feelings—and more

In Mary’s Session:

Why intellect can’t carry the whole day

“Sensations before emotions” (seat, breath, throat, stomach)

Micro-check-ins tied to routines (sitting, doorways, kettle)

Working gently with perfectionism and shame

Body-led evening plans that lower craving noise

Kind, doable next steps you can practice tonight—and more

Cole Harvey is a certified Naked Mind Senior Coach. For years, he felt lost and used alcohol as a way to cope, until he decided to go alcohol-free and focus on finding his purpose. Through curiosity, self-compassion, and adventure, he transformed his life. As a habit change and mindset coach, Cole helps young men understand themselves, build better habits, and find meaning.

Learn more about Coach Cole: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/cole-harvey/

Zoe Ewart is a Certified Naked Mind Senior Coach who brings her experience and understanding to help with the tricky parts of life’s big changes. Her coaching gives you an enjoyable, light-hearted, and safe environment to effortlessly take back control of alcohol so you can feel better physically, mentally, and spiritually. Zoe taught Pilates for 15 years. She has four adult children and more animals than the Ark ever had.

Learn more about Coach Zoe: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/zoe-ewart/ 

Episode links:
nakedmindpath.com

Related Episodes:

How do I handle cravings and people pleasing?-Reader Question-E272- https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-272-reader-question-how-do-i-handle-cravings-and-people-pleasing/

Why Do I Drink When I Know It’s Bad For Me?-Reader Question-E660- https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-660-readers-question-why-do-i-drink-when-i-know-its-bad-for-me/

The Path to Inner Clarity-Alcohol Freedom Coaching-E748- https://thisnakedmind.com/the-path-to-inner-clarity-alcohol-freedom-coaching-e748/

Ready to take the next step on your journey? 

Visit https://learn.thisnakedmind.com/podcast-resources for free resources, programs, and more. Until next week, stay curious!