Living a Life in Balance - PODCAST

Send us Fan MailWhat if the different voices, emotions, and reactions inside you are not signs that something is wrong with you, but parts of you trying to protect you?Richard C. Schwartz, Ph.D., joins Abdullah Boulad on Living a Life in Balance to explore Internal Family Systems (IFS), the therapeutic model he developed to help people understand and work with the different parts of themselves.In this conversation, Richard explains how his early work with people struggling with eating disorders led him to discover the concept of parts, and how his own childhood experiences shaped his understanding of protection, fear, and emotional pain.Together, Abdullah and Richard explore what IFS can teach us about protectors, exiles, and the Self, including why Richard believes there are “no bad parts” and how even the most difficult thoughts, emotions, and behaviors can have a protective intention.Richard also guides Abdullah through a live IFS exercise, offering a practical glimpse into how the approach can help us connect with parts of ourselves that may have been carrying pain for years.The conversation goes further into how IFS works in therapy, whether it can be practiced safely as a form of self-help, how it can be adapted for people who struggle to access their emotions, and the potential relationship between IFS and psychedelics such as MDMA and ketamine.Richard also shares his vision for the future of IFS, including its potential applications in trauma recovery, prisons, and collective healing, as well as the personal practices he uses to stay balanced.About Richard:Dr. Schwartz is an American systemic family therapist, academic, author, and creator of the Internal Family Systems (IFS) branch of therapy. He developed his foundational work with IFS in the 1980s after theorizing that his clients were made up of many different parts of their “Self.” He teaches that “Our inner parts contain valuable qualities, and our core Self knows how to heal, allowing us to become integrated and whole.” In IFS, all parts are welcome.00:00:00 - Podcast Introduction: Dr. Richard Schwartz & Internal Family Systems (IFS)00:01:37 - Dr. Richard Schwartz’s Childhood, Family & Path to Psychotherapy00:05:19 - How Internal Family Systems (IFS) Was Discovered00:07:07 - Childhood Loneliness, Family Dynamics & Emotional Pain00:09:17 - How Protective Parts Develop to Cope With Fear & Criticism00:11:18 - Using IFS to Understand Our Own Family Dynamics00:13:35 - Discovering the “Parts” Within Us00:16:10 - IFS Explained: Protectors, Exiles & the Inner World00:18:01 - “No Bad Parts”: Do All Parts Have a Positive Intention?00:22:36 - Can Internal Family Systems Change Psychotherapy & Heal Conflict?00:25:25 - LIVE IFS Demonstration: Connecting With a Part00:33:10 - Managers vs. Firefighters: The Two Types of Protective Parts00:38:58 - How IFS Therapy Works: Accessing & Healing Exiled Parts00:41:41 - IFS, Rational Minds & Narcissistic Traits: Building Trust in Therapy00:45:17 - Can You Practice IFS Without a Therapist?00:49:32 - IFS & Psychedelics: MDMA, Ketamine & Accessing the Self00:54:24 - The Future of IFS: Trauma, Prisons & Collective Healing00:57:05 - How Dr. Schwartz Uses IFS to Stay Balanced01:00:05 - A Message of Hope: No Bad Parts & the Healing SelfFollow Abdullah Boulad:https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdullahboulad/   https://www.instagram.com/abdullahboulad/    Follow Richard:https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-schwartz-0a9a1b203 You can order Abdullah’s books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BC9S5TCF?ccs_id=c64f2588-7eb1-4592-b4d1-647a0f379b51 Follow THE BALANCE Rehab Clinic:https://www.linkedin.com/company/thebalancerehabclinic/https://www.instagram.com/thebalancerehabclinic/

Send us Fan MailDisclaimer: The opinions expressed by guests on Living A Life In Balance are their own and do not reflect the views of THE BALANCE Rehab Clinic or Abdullah Boulad. This content is for general information only and is not medical, psychological, or legal advice. Views shared reflect the guest's individual clinical experience and may differ from mainstream clinical consensus. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about your own circumstances.Can we explore difficult mental health topics without shutting down the conversation?Dr. Az Hakeem, Consultant Psychiatrist, Forensic Psychotherapist, and Group Analyst, joins Abdullah Boulad for a thought-provoking conversation about psychiatry, gender dysphoria, identity, trauma, psychotherapy, autism, burnout, and the importance of critical thinking in mental healthcare.Drawing on decades of experience in both the NHS and private practice, Dr. Hakeem reflects on his work in forensic psychotherapy before discussing the gender dysphoria psychotherapy service he established in the UK. He shares his clinical approach to understanding gender distress, why he believes psychotherapy should play a central role before irreversible medical interventions, and how his views evolved through years of working closely with patients.The conversation explores the relationship between biological sex and gender, the complexity of identity development, the role of autism and trauma in some patients presenting with gender dysphoria, and why Dr. Hakeem believes curiosity, careful assessment, and open dialogue remain essential in mental health practice. Abdullah and Dr. Hakeem also discuss parenting, supporting gender-questioning children, and the importance of creating space for conversations rather than rushing toward conclusions.Beyond gender, the discussion examines forensic psychotherapy, the lasting psychological impact of trauma, sexual behavior, emotional development, and the realities of treating anxiety, depression, OCD, and burnout among high-performing professionals. Dr. Hakeem also shares practical advice on maintaining balance, protecting mental wellbeing, and avoiding the gradual path toward burnout.Whether you are interested in psychiatry, psychotherapy, mental health, trauma, gender identity, parenting, emotional wellbeing, or psychological resilience, this episode offers an in-depth conversation on some of today's most challenging and widely debated topics through the lens of one clinician's decades of experience.About Dr Az: Dr. Hakeem is a highly qualified Consultant Psychiatrist, Medical Psychotherapist, Group Analyst, and published author with over 25 years of experience. He completed his specialist training in Psychiatry, Forensic Psychiatry, and Psychotherapy at the Royal Free Hospital and the Portman Clinic (Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust). He also holds an MSc in Group Analysis (Distinction) from Birkbeck, University of London and is a qualified Group Analyst.00:00:00 - Introduction to Dr. Az Hakeem00:01:52 - From Art and Literature to Psychiatry00:03:30 - Inside the World of Forensic Psychotherapy00:06:24 - Childhood, Identity and Growing Up Different00:08:13 - The Story Behind the Goth Aesthetic00:18:08 - Understanding Biological Sex, Gender and Gender Identity00:24:13 - Regret After Gender Transition: A Psychiatrist's Perspective00:27:04 - Autism and Gender Dysphoria: Exploring the Connection00:29:36 - The Tavistock Clinic Debate and Gender Care00:34:05 - Group Therapy for Gender Dysphoria: An Alternative Approach00:42:04 - Gender Medicine and the Debate Around Children00:44:24 - Supporting Gender-Questioning Children: Advice for Parents00:46:39 - Trauma, Sexual Development and Human Behavior00:53:18 - The Role of Curiosity in Mental Health Treatment00:56:42 - Why Every Story Deserves to Be Heard01:00:45 - Parenting Without Labels or Judgment01:06:14 - Burnout, Anxiety and Depression in High Performers01:08:47 - Why 'Mindless TV' Can Help Mental Recovery01:10:06 - Dr. Az Hakeem's Daily Habits for Balance01:12:30 - Final Reflections on Mental Health and Human BehaviourFollow Abdullah Boulad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdullahboulad/    https://www.instagram.com/abdullahboulad/   Follow Dr Az:https://thebalance.clinic/about/team/psychiatrists/az-hakeem/ You can order Abdullah’s books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BC9S5TCF?ccs_id=c64f2588-7eb1-4592-b4d1-647a0f379b51 Follow THE BALANCE Rehab Clinic: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thebalancerehabclinic/    https://www.instagram.com/thebalancerehabclinic/

Send us Fan MailCan childhood experiences shape the way we love, heal, and see ourselves as adults?Jill Moore, Client Relations Director at THE BALANCE Rehab Clinic and Yoga Practitioner, joins Abdullah Boulad for an honest conversation about childhood trauma, emotional healing, mental health, yoga, healthy relationships, and personal transformation.Together, they explore how early family experiences, emotional suppression, and the search for validation can influence self-worth and relationship patterns later in life. Jill opens up about surviving an abusive relationship, rebuilding her confidence, and how yoga, therapy, and somatic healing became essential parts of her recovery journey.The conversation also examines the importance of healthy boundaries, vulnerability, family healing, and the realities of working in mental health. Jill shares what she has learned from supporting clients through recovery, why compassion and authenticity matter in healing, and how these experiences inspired her mission to help children and teenagers build emotional resilience through mindfulness and yoga.Whether you're navigating trauma, healing from difficult relationships, interested in mental health, or simply looking for a deeper understanding of personal growth, this episode offers thoughtful insights into resilience, self-awareness, and what it truly means to create a life in balance.About Jill Moore:Jill is a Yoga Practitioner and Director of Experience & Admissions at THE BALANCE Rehab Clinic. Passionate about the connection between yoga, mindfulness, and mental health, she helps individuals develop greater self-awareness, emotional resilience, and balance. Inspired by her own healing journey, Jill advocates for a holistic approach to wellbeing and is dedicated to supporting people on their path toward recovery and personal growth. 00:00:00 - Introduction to Jill Moore's Journey00:02:04 - The Childhood Trauma That Changed Everything00:04:29 - Growing Up Without Emotional Safety00:05:51 - Self-Worth, Family Expectations & Seeking Validation00:10:46 - How Low Self-Esteem Led to a Toxic Relationship00:12:19 - Surviving an Abusive Relationship00:17:05 - The Life Lessons Hidden in Trauma00:20:15 - Why We Try to Heal Other People00:22:02 - How Yoga Became a Path to Healing00:23:40 - Leaving Everything Behind to Become a Yoga Teacher00:26:47 - Why Yoga Is More Than Physical Exercise00:28:08 - Working in Mental Health at THE BALANCE Rehab Clinic00:31:00 - Somatic Therapy and Releasing Stored Trauma00:34:26 - Healing Family Relationships Through Honest Conversations00:37:01 - Why Children Need Emotionally Available Parents00:40:31 - The Challenges and Rewards of Helping Others Heal00:44:52 - Jill's Mission to Help Children Build Emotional Resilience00:48:22 - Daily Habits for Better Mental Health and Balance00:50:01 - Why Animals Can Be Powerful for Emotional Healing00:50:31 - Final Reflections on Healing, Purpose & Living in Balance Follow Abdullah Boulad:https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdullahboulad/   https://www.instagram.com/abdullahboulad/    Follow Jil:https://www.instagram.com/moorechill.byjilmoore/ You can order Abdullah’s books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BC9S5TCF?ccs_id=c64f2588-7eb1-4592-b4d1-647a0f379b51 Follow THE BALANCE Rehab Clinic:https://www.linkedin.com/company/thebalancerehabclinic/ https://www.instagram.com/thebalancerehabclinic/

Send us Fan MailCan horses help people heal from addiction, ADHD, trauma, and emotional challenges in a deeper, more connected way?In this episode of Living A Life In Balance, Denise Stergoulis joins Abdullah Boulad, CEO of THE BALANCE Rehab Clinic, for a powerful conversation about equine therapy, addiction recovery, ADHD, mental health, trauma healing, relapse, personal growth, and the emotional connection between humans and horses.Drawing from her own recovery journey, Denise shares how overcoming addiction led her to become an addiction therapist and equine therapy practitioner. She discusses growing up with undiagnosed ADHD and dyslexia, finding purpose later in life, and the lessons she has learned from helping people navigate recovery, relapse, trauma, and personal growth.The episode explores how horses can act as powerful emotional mirrors, helping individuals build self-awareness, trust, confidence, and connection. Denise also explains why recovery is about much more than stopping a behavior, it is about addressing the deeper issues underneath and creating lasting change.Whether you are interested in mental health, addiction recovery, ADHD, personal development, trauma healing, or equine-assisted therapy, this episode offers practical insights, hope, and inspiration.About Denise:Denise is an experienced Integrative therapist with specialist recognition in substance addiction. She combines her extensive experience with an incisive, challenging, and empowering style to maximize healing and growth. She combines traditional methods with specialist equine-assisted psychotherapy to develop a highly tailored plan for a wide variety of clients. 00:00:00 - From Addiction Recovery To Helping Others Heal00:01:32 - The Power Of Hope In Recovery And Healing00:03:11 - Growing Up With Undiagnosed ADHD And Dyslexia00:04:52 - Leaving London To Find Purpose In Australia00:07:39 - How An ADHD Diagnosis Changed Everything00:09:50 - Why Horses Became A Lifelong Source Of Strength00:12:17 - Building Confidence Through Horses And Purpose00:14:19 - From Media Career To Motherhood And Identity Loss00:18:59 - Reinventing Life After Raising Three Children00:22:06 - From Patient To Addiction Therapist At The Priory00:23:43 - Going Back To University Later In Life00:26:41 - What Working In Addiction Recovery Taught Me00:30:47 - Why Addiction Recovery Is Harder Than Most People Think00:33:48 - The Habits Behind Long-Term Recovery Success00:37:27 - How Equine Therapy Helps People Heal Faster00:43:55 - How Horses Detect Human Emotions And Anxiety00:47:34 - Why Equine Therapy Helps People Get Unstuck00:50:27 - Inside An Equine Therapy Session00:58:04 - Who Can Benefit Most From Horse-Assisted Therapy?01:03:34 - Finding Purpose, Passion And Balance In LifeFollow Abdullah Boulad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdullahboulad/    https://www.instagram.com/abdullahboulad/   Follow Denise:https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-stergoulis-mbacp-accred-714187104/You can order Abdullah’s books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BC9S5TCF?ccs_id=c64f2588-7eb1-4592-b4d1-647a0f379b51 Follow THE BALANCE Rehab Clinic: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thebalancerehabclinic/    https://www.instagram.com/thebalancerehabclinic/    #AddictionRecovery #EquineTherapy #HorseTherapy #MentalHealth #ADHD #RecoveryJourney #PersonalDevelopment #TraumaRecovery #Neurodiversity #AddictionTreatment #SelfAwareness #HealingJourney #LivingALifeInBalance #Podcast

Send us Fan MailWork addiction, burnout, anxiety, and the inability to switch off are challenges many high-performing professionals quietly struggle with. But what if the problem is not simply working too much, but using work as a way to avoid what is happening beneath the surface?In this episode of Living A Life In Balance, Obi Unaka, Addiction Therapist and Relapse Prevention Specialist, joins Abdullah Boulad, Founder and CEO of THE BALANCE Rehab Clinic, for an insightful conversation about work addiction, executive burnout, emotional regulation, recovery, and the hidden costs of high achievement.Drawing from his own personal experience, Obi shares how a successful career in finance eventually led him to recognize that work had become more than a profession; it had become an addiction. After losing important relationships, experiencing severe stress-related symptoms, and struggling to disconnect from work, he began a journey of recovery that ultimately led him into the field of psychotherapy and addiction treatment.Together, they discuss:• How work can become a behavioural addiction similar to gambling or substance use• The warning signs of executive stress, burnout, and emotional exhaustion• Why many high performers struggle to switch off and find balance outside of work• The connection between purpose, identity, achievement, and self-worth• Cultural perspectives on mental health, addiction, and emotional well-being across different societies• The importance of family, community, and support systems in long-term recoveryThis is a thoughtful and honest conversation about success, resilience, mental health, and the often-overlooked challenges faced by ambitious individuals. It explores what happens when achievement comes at the expense of wellbeing, and why finding balance requires more than simply working less.About Obi Unaka:Obi is an Addiction Therapist, Psychotherapist, and Relapse Prevention Specialist with decades of experience working in the field of mental health and addiction treatment. After leaving a successful career in finance due to his own struggles with work addiction, he retrained as a therapist and has since dedicated his career to helping individuals overcome addiction, burnout, and behavioural health challenges. 00:00:00 - From Work Addiction to Addiction Therapist: Obi Wan's Journey from Finance Burnout to Recovery00:03:29 - What Is Work Addiction? Signs, Symptoms, and When Hard Work Becomes Unhealthy00:05:32 - The Psychology of Work Addiction: Why High Achievers Struggle to Switch Off00:06:58 - Burnout Warning Signs: How Therapy Helped Identify a Destructive Work Pattern00:08:59 - Finding Purpose After Burnout: Transitioning from Finance to Mental Health00:10:38 - High-Pressure Careers, Executive Stress, and the Risk of Work Addiction00:12:02 - Executive Burnout, Substance Use, and Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms in High Performers00:14:22 - What Causes Burnout? Perfectionism, Internal Pressure, and Emotional Exhaustion00:16:21 - The Biopsychosocial Model: Balancing Mental Health, Relationships, Purpose, and Wellbeing00:18:47 - Burnout Red Flags: Overworking, Digital Addiction, Control, and Inability to Delegate00:22:04 - Technology Addiction, Constant Connectivity, and the Loss of Human Connection00:23:43 - Mental Health Across Cultures: Comparing Nigeria, the UK, and India00:26:01 - Mental Health Stigma in India: Family Expectations, Psychiatry, and Cultural Beliefs00:34:55 - Family Support, Addiction Recovery, and Preventing Relapse Through Community00:37:52 - What the Western World Can Learn About Community, Connection, and Mental Wellbeing00:44:01 - Cultural Differences in Therapy: Why Mental Health Treatment Is Not One-Size-Fits-All00:47:17 - How Therapists Avoid Burnout: Self-Care, Boundaries, Delegation, and Work-Life BalanceFollow Abdullah Boulad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdullahboulad/    https://www.instagram.com/abdullahboulad/   Follow Obi:https://www.linkedin.com/in/obi-unaka-4715141b/ You can order Abdullah’s books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BC9S5TCF?ccs_id=c64f2588-7eb1-4592-b4d1-647a0f379b51 Follow THE BALANCE Rehab Clinic: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thebalancerehabclinic/    https://www.instagram.com/thebalancerehabclinic/    #LivingALifeInBalance #WorkAddiction #Burnout #Stress #Sleep  #Support #Wellbeing #IntegrativeMedicine #MentalHealth #Podcast

Send us Fan Mail How do trauma, addiction, and family dysfunction shape recovery and emotional healing? Heather Hayes, internationally recognised interventionist, Licensed Counselor, and founder of Heather R. Hayes & Associates, joins Abdullah Boulad for a powerful conversation on addiction, trauma, recovery, and the hidden emotional struggles behind high-functioning families.In this episode, Heather reflects on her personal journey through addiction and recovery, growing up in a chaotic family system despite material privilege, and how those experiences shaped her life’s work helping individuals and families navigate complex mental health and substance use challenges. Together, they explore the emotional roots of addiction, the impact of family dysfunction, sensitivity and self-esteem, and why unresolved trauma often sits beneath destructive behaviours.The conversation also dives into the evolution of addiction interventions, the importance of compassion over blame, and the parallels between family intervention work and hostage negotiation. Heather shares insights from her experience training with FBI hostage negotiators, explaining how communication, emotional safety, and trust can transform difficult conversations and motivate change.This episode offers a thoughtful perspective on addiction, trauma, emotional regulation, family systems, and the human side of recovery.About Heather: Heather Hayes is a Licensed Counselor, Board Registered Interventionist, and founder of Heather R. Hayes & Associates, with more than 30 years of experience helping individuals and families navigate trauma, addiction, eating disorders, and complex mental health challenges.00:00:00 - Growing Up in a Chaotic Family and the Early Roots of Addiction00:02:28 - Heather’s Journey to Sobriety and Entering Rehab in 198200:03:35 - Why Heather Dedicated Her Life to Helping Others Recover00:04:40 - How Wealth and Privilege Can Increase Addiction Risk00:06:22 - The Emotional Instability Hidden Behind Material Success00:09:05 - Toxic Family Dynamics and Their Impact on Mental Health00:11:13 - Low Self-Esteem, Social Pressure, and Substance Abuse00:14:19 - Why Highly Sensitive People Are More Vulnerable to Addiction00:16:43 - Studying Psychology to Understand Addiction and Heal Herself00:19:07 - The Breaking Point That Led Heather to Seek Treatment00:20:58 - Working with Trauma, Eating Disorders, and Heroin Addiction00:24:05 - The Evolution of Modern Addiction Interventions00:26:10 - Inside Heather’s Training with FBI Hostage Negotiators00:28:46 - The Biggest Mistakes Families Make During Interventions00:32:12 - The Power of “I Feel” Statements in Difficult Conversations00:35:52 - Addiction Intervention as a Form of Human Negotiation00:39:06 - Why Family Denial Makes Recovery More Difficult00:44:05 - What True Success in Addiction Recovery Really Looks Like01:00:15 - Trauma Bonds, Stockholm Syndrome, and Dysfunctional Relationships01:16:36 - Heather’s Message of Hope on Mental Health and CommunicationFollow Abdullah Boulad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdullahboulad/  https://www.instagram.com/abdullahboulad/  Follow Heather Hayes:https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-r-hayes/You can order Abdullah’s books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BC9S5TCF?ccs_id=c64f2588-7eb1-4592-b4d1-647a0f379b51Follow THE BALANCE Rehab Clinic: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thebalancerehabclinic/   https://www.instagram.com/thebalancerehabclinic/  #LivingALifeInBalance #podcast #trauma #communication #mentalhealthpodcast #wellness #wellnessjourney #health #healing #wellbeing #traumainformed #love #mentalhealth #recovery #support #addictionrecovery #interview #relationship #couple #families

Send us Fan MailFounder & CEO of THE BALANCE Rehab Clinic | Book Author & Podcast Host of "Living a Life in Balance" | Global Expert in Mental Health & WellbeingI lead one of the world’s most exclusive mental health and addiction treatment brands, helping global leaders, creatives, and high-net-worth individuals find deep healing and personal transformation. Through my podcast, I explore the intersection of psychology, purpose, and wellbeing.This Podcast is dedicated to meaningful conversations about mental health, well-being, and the challenges we face today. It is part of my ongoing commitment to supporting people in navigating complex emotional and psychological struggles. Through open discussions with leading experts in the industry, I aim to break down barriers, challenge misconceptions, and offer valuable insights that can make a real difference.https://thebalance.clinic