Addiction Is the Language of Pain with Psychotherapist Paula Williams

Join our Patreon: ⁠⁠https://patreon.com/SoberlySpeaking⁠ This week, I’m joined by award-winning psychotherapist Paula Williams to explore why we can continue behaviours we know aren’t good for us, even when we desperately want to change.Using Internal Family Systems (IFS), Paula explains the different parts of ourselves and why one part can want to let go while another still clings to a behaviour. We discuss people-pleasing, replacing one addiction with another, relapse and the ways addiction can shape an entire family system across generations.And what does recovery look like when sobriety is no longer the end goal, but the beginning?Disclaimer: The stories and experiences shared in this episode are personal accounts told in good faith. While we strive to present these narratives accurately, the views and claims expressed are those of the individuals involved and have not been independently verified. Soberly Speaking and its host, Julia Rangiheuea, do not take responsibility for the accuracy or validity of the information shared. Listener discretion is advised.This episode contains discussions of sexual assault, addiction, drug use, mental health, suicide and recovery. If this episode raises anything for you, please reach out to a trusted support person or contact a crisis support service in your area.The National Alcohol & Other Drug Hotline is a free and confidential 24/7 phone service that provides counselling, advice, and information for those struggling with addiction. Call 1800 250 015⁠https://toolkit.lifeline.org.au/articles/support/national-alcohol-other-drug-hotline⁠Lifeline Australia provides 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services. Call 13 11 14⁠https://www.lifeline.org.au⁠1800RESPECT provides support for people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence and abuse. Call 1800 737 732⁠https://www.1800respect.org.au⁠Creator & Host- Julia RangiheueaCreative Director - Beaudene PerussichImage & Logo- Jasmine RuleIn the spirit of reconciliation Soberly Speaking acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.