Ep 160. Finding Freedom in Recovery, with Ash Murray

In this special episode, Ash is joined by her longtime friend Ash Murray. For years, both women battled addiction silently, only sharing the full depths of their stories with one another after coming into recovery. Today, Ash Murray is the Eating Disorder Lead and Therapist at The Wave Clinic in Malaysia, with her expertise grounded not just in study, but in lived experience.Ash opens up about her personal journey through eating disorders and alcohol addiction, sharing what recovery has truly looked like beyond the surface. From the isolating depths of illness which nearly took her life, to the slow rebuilding of trust, self-worth, and connection, she reflects on the pivotal role that rehab, honesty, healing and self-care have played in finding lasting freedom.Together, they explore the intersection of therapy and lived experience, how vulnerability and empathy can become powerful tools for healing both self and others. They unpack the mental health challenges that intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the importance of ongoing support in maintaining balance and wellbeing.Episode chapter:00:00 Introduction to Ashley Murray's Journey02:57 Life in Malaysia and Work at the Wave Clinic05:46 Navigating COVID-19 in Treatment08:21 The Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health11:08 A Photo that Represents Struggles13:55 The Super Yacht Experience and Its Consequences16:27 The Turning Point: Seeking Help19:22 Life in Bali and the Struggle with Addiction22:16 The Rock Bottom Moment24:49 Desperation and the Path to Recovery27:08 The Turning Point: Reaching Out for Help31:53 Childhood Struggles: The Roots of Eating Disorders44:03 Escaping Reality: The Need to Hide48:25 Facing the Truth: A Journey of Self-Discovery54:28 The Struggle of Surrendering Control57:02 The Complexity of Eating Disorders59:13 The Power of Intervention01:00:41 Transformation Through Therapy01:04:11 Building Trust in Recovery01:06:15 The Importance of Honesty01:08:57 Setting Boundaries for Recovery01:13:03 Non-Negotiables for a Fulfilling LifeConnect with Ash through:https://thewaveclinic.com/https://www.instagram.com/thewaveclinic/Follow and connect with Ash on: ⁠Instagram⁠ @ashbutterssTikTok @behindthesmilewithashbWebsite⁠ www.ashbutterss.comUpcoming Workshops:A Return To You | One Day Retreat Sunday 22nd February, 2026Tickets available here. Join Ash on retreat in 2026!The Embodied Woman Retreat | Gold Coast | May 2026 Rest and Renew Holistic Retreat in Bali | August 2026Watch Ash’s TEDx Talk here! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.