• Equine-Assisted Therapy: How Horses Help People Heal | Denise Stergoulis
    Jun 24 2026

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    Can 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 Heal
    00:01:32 - The Power Of Hope In Recovery And Healing
    00:03:11 - Growing Up With Undiagnosed ADHD And Dyslexia
    00:04:52 - Leaving London To Find Purpose In Australia
    00:07:39 - How An ADHD Diagnosis Changed Everything
    00:09:50 - Why Horses Became A Lifelong Source Of Strength
    00:12:17 - Building Confidence Through Horses And Purpose
    00:14:19 - From Media Career To Motherhood And Identity Loss
    00:18:59 - Reinventing Life After Raising Three Children
    00:22:06 - From Patient To Addiction Therapist At The Priory
    00:23:43 - Going Back To University Later In Life
    00:26:41 - What Working In Addiction Recovery Taught Me
    00:30:47 - Why Addiction Recovery Is Harder Than Most People Think
    00:33:48 - The Habits Behind Long-Term Recovery Success
    00:37:27 - How Equine Therapy Helps People Heal Faster
    00:43:55 - How Horses Detect Human Emotions And Anxiety
    00:47:34 - Why Equine Therapy Helps People Get Unstuck
    00:50:27 - Inside An Equine Therapy Session
    00:58:04 - Who Can Benefit Most From Horse-Assisted Therapy?
    01:03:34 - Finding Purpose, Passion And Balance In Life

    Follow 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

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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • Work Addiction & Executive Burnout: Why High Achievers Can't Switch Off | Obi Unaka
    Jun 10 2026

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    Work 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 recovery

    This 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 Recovery
    00:03:29 - What Is Work Addiction? Signs, Symptoms, and When Hard Work Becomes Unhealthy
    00:05:32 - The Psychology of Work Addiction: Why High Achievers Struggle to Switch Off
    00:06:58 - Burnout Warning Signs: How Therapy Helped Identify a Destructive Work Pattern
    00:08:59 - Finding Purpose After Burnout: Transitioning from Finance to Mental Health
    00:10:38 - High-Pressure Careers, Executive Stress, and the Risk of Work Addiction
    00:12:02 - Executive Burnout, Substance Use, and Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms in High Performers
    00:14:22 - What Causes Burnout? Perfectionism, Internal Pressure, and Emotional Exhaustion
    00:16:21 - The Biopsychosocial Model: Balancing Mental Health, Relationships, Purpose, and Wellbeing
    00:18:47 - Burnout Red Flags: Overworking, Digital Addiction, Control, and Inability to Delegate
    00:22:04 - Technology Addiction, Constant Connectivity, and the Loss of Human Connection
    00:23:43 - Mental Health Across Cultures: Comparing Nigeria, the UK, and India
    00:26:01 - Mental Health Stigma in India: Family Expectations, Psychiatry, and Cultural Beliefs
    00:34:55 - Family Support, Addiction Recovery, and Preventing Relapse Through Community
    00:37:52 - What the Western World Can Learn About Community, Connection, and Mental Wellbeing
    00:44:01 - Cultural Differences in Therapy: Why Mental Health Treatment Is Not One-Size-Fits-All
    00:47:17 - How Therapists Avoid Burnout: Self-Care, Boundaries, Delegation, and Work-Life Balance

    Follow 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

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    50 mins
  • The Hidden Impacts of Gut Health: Brain Fog, Bloating, Fatigue, Inflammation & More
    May 27 2026

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    Brain fog, bloating, fatigue, poor sleep, inflammation, and constantly feeling “off” are symptoms many people silently live with every day. But what if these are not just normal parts of modern life, but signs that the body needs deeper attention?

    In this episode of Living A Life In Balance, Dr. Leah Austin, GP and Nutritional Therapist, joins Abdullah Boulad, CEO of THE BALANCE Rehab Clinic, for a thoughtful conversation about gut health, the gut-brain connection, inflammation, stress, sleep, nutrition, and overall wellbeing.

    Drawing from both her medical background and her own personal health struggles, Dr. Leah shares how years of dealing with bloating and allergies completely changed the way she understands medicine and patient care. After realizing that simply treating symptoms was not enough, she began exploring a more integrative approach focused on understanding the deeper causes behind physical and emotional symptoms.

    Together, they discuss:

    • Why bloating and digestive discomfort should not always be dismissed as “normal”
    • The relationship between gut health, inflammation, mood, and brain fog
    • How stress and poor sleep impact the body more than many people realize
    • Simple habits that can support long-term wellbeing
    • What it means to take a more integrative and holistic approach to health

    This is a grounded and honest conversation about listening to the body more carefully, understanding the connection between physical and emotional wellbeing, and rethinking what health really means in modern life.

    About Dr Leah: Dr. Leah Austin brings a uniquely integrative approach to restorative health and wellbeing. A UK-trained GP and Naturopathic Nutritionist, she combines the precision of medical science with the depth of functional and lifestyle medicine. Her 360-degree assessments explore every aspect of an individual’s health, from genetics and hormone balance to gut integrity, nutrition, and toxic burden, to uncover root causes and create truly personalized pathways to recovery.

    00:00:00 - Why Dr. Leah Austin Moved Beyond Conventional Medicine
    00:02:18 - Treating Root Causes Instead of Just Symptoms
    00:03:27 - Dr. Leah Austin’s Personal Gut Health Struggles
    00:04:42 - What an Integrative Health Consultation Looks Like
    00:06:00 - How Stress and Modern Work Affect Health
    00:07:15 - Why Chronic Bloating Should Never Be Ignored
    00:08:29 - What Integrative Medicine Really Means
    00:10:08 - Why Gut Health Affects the Entire Body
    00:10:18 - Healing Chronic Sinus Issues Through Gut Health
    00:13:55 - The Biggest Lifestyle Mistakes Harming Gut Health
    00:16:07 - The Best Exercise for Metabolic Health and Longevity
    00:18:13 - The Gut-Brain Connection and Brain Fog Explained
    00:20:43 - What Brain Fog Really Feels Like
    00:21:51 - The Long-Term Dangers of Chronic Inflammation
    00:24:45 - Why Gut Health Should Come First
    00:26:33 - How Gluten Sensitivity Affected Mood and Mental Health
    00:30:28 - The Most Important Habits for Better Brain Health
    00:33:06 - Environmental Toxins That May Be Affecting Your Health
    00:38:44 - How to Improve Your Health Without Feeling Overwhelmed
    00:58:12 - Why Proper Breathing Matters for Stress and Health

    Follow Abdullah Boulad:
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdullahboulad/
    https://www.instagram.com/abdullahboulad/

    Follow Dr Leah:
    https://www.instagram.com/dr.leahaustin/

    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 #GutHealth #BrainFog #Bloating #Fatigue #GutBrainConnection #Inflammation #Stress #Sleep #Nutrition #Wellbeing #HolisticHealth #IntegrativeMedicine #MentalHealth #Podcast #DrLeahAustin

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    1 hr
  • How Dysfunctional Families Shape Trauma and Addiction | Heather Hayes
    May 13 2026

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    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 Addiction
    00:02:28 - Heather’s Journey to Sobriety and Entering Rehab in 1982
    00:03:35 - Why Heather Dedicated Her Life to Helping Others Recover
    00:04:40 - How Wealth and Privilege Can Increase Addiction Risk
    00:06:22 - The Emotional Instability Hidden Behind Material Success
    00:09:05 - Toxic Family Dynamics and Their Impact on Mental Health
    00:11:13 - Low Self-Esteem, Social Pressure, and Substance Abuse
    00:14:19 - Why Highly Sensitive People Are More Vulnerable to Addiction
    00:16:43 - Studying Psychology to Understand Addiction and Heal Herself
    00:19:07 - The Breaking Point That Led Heather to Seek Treatment
    00:20:58 - Working with Trauma, Eating Disorders, and Heroin Addiction
    00:24:05 - The Evolution of Modern Addiction Interventions
    00:26:10 - Inside Heather’s Training with FBI Hostage Negotiators
    00:28:46 - The Biggest Mistakes Families Make During Interventions
    00:32:12 - The Power of “I Feel” Statements in Difficult Conversations
    00:35:52 - Addiction Intervention as a Form of Human Negotiation
    00:39:06 - Why Family Denial Makes Recovery More Difficult
    00:44:05 - What True Success in Addiction Recovery Really Looks Like
    01:00:15 - Trauma Bonds, Stockholm Syndrome, and Dysfunctional Relationships
    01:16:36 - Heather’s Message of Hope on Mental Health and Communication

    Follow 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-b4d1-647a0f379b51

    Follow 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

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    1 hr and 24 mins
  • Living a Life in Balance - Full Trailer
    May 9 2026

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    Founder & CEO of THE BALANCE Rehab Clinic | Book Author & Podcast Host of "Living a Life in Balance" | Global Expert in Mental Health & Wellbeing

    I 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

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    2 mins
  • Why Young Adults Struggle Today: From Childhood Trauma to Healthy Relationships
    Apr 29 2026

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    How much of our adult relationships are shaped by the families we grew up in?

    Fiona Yassin, psychotherapist and Founder of The Wave Clinic, joins Abdullah Boulad, Founder and CEO of THE BALANCE Rehab Clinic, for a grounded conversation on how early family experiences continue to influence the way we relate, communicate, and navigate relationships later in life.

    In this episode, Fiona shares personal reflections on childhood trauma, family secrecy, and the path that led her to psychotherapy. Together, they explore how trauma shapes family dynamics, the role of recovery in therapeutic work, and the model of Family Emotional Governance she developed to better understand complex family systems.

    The conversation moves into the realities couples and families face today; communication breakdowns, cultural differences, expectations in relationships, and the pressures of modern life. They also discuss practical tools such as reflective listening, the role of transparency in families, and how individuals can build healthier, more conscious relationships over time.

    This episode offers a thoughtful perspective on family systems, emotional patterns, and the work required to create lasting change.

    About Fiona: She is the founder and clinical director at The Wave Clinic. She is a U.K. and internationally registered Psychotherapist and Accredited Clinical Supervisor (U.K. and UNCG). Fiona is EMDR trained (EMDRIA) and a practicing Trauma therapist.

    00:00:00 - Childhood Trauma, Family Secrets & Early Life
    00:01:11 - Motivation to Become a Therapist & Path to Healing
    00:07:07 - Trauma’s Impact on Family Dynamics & Secrecy
    00:09:23 - Entering Recovery & Early Therapeutic Work
    00:10:52 - Recovery’s Influence on Therapy Practice & Approach
    00:12:57 - Developing a Unique Model: Family Emotional Governance
    00:15:56 - Case Study: Cultural Clashes, Loneliness & Infidelity
    00:19:18 - High-Stakes Family Crises & Intensive Interventions
    00:22:23 - Communication Breakdowns & Emotional Disconnection
    00:24:29 - Premarital Preparation & Understanding Family Backgrounds
    00:27:51 - Cultural Differences & Equality in Relationships
    00:30:07 - Individual vs Joint Therapy Approaches in Couples Work
    00:31:38 - Transparency, Secrets & Family Constellation Work
    00:36:14 - Gender Differences in Communication & Misunderstandings
    00:38:13 - Reflective Listening & Practical Communication Skills
    00:42:43 - Validation, Attention & Pressures of Modern Family Life
    00:45:04 - Swipe Culture vs Commitment & Value of Relationships
    00:47:49 - Managing Expectations & Embracing Imperfection
    00:51:21 - Self-Reflection, Growth & Lifelong Personal Development
    00:56:49 - Healthy vs Unhealthy Relationships & When to Walk Away

    Follow Abdullah Boulad:
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdullahboulad/
    https://www.instagram.com/abdullahboulad/

    Follow Fiona Yassin:
    https://fionayassin.com/

    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 #podcast #porn #communication #mentalhealthpodcast #wellness #wellnessjourney #health #healing #wellbeing #traumainformed #love #mentalhealth #recovery #support #addictionrecovery #interview #relationship #couple #families

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    1 hr and 34 mins
  • Why Relationships Fail: Family Trauma, Addiction & Communication Breakdowns
    Apr 15 2026

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    Family dynamics shape far more than we often realise. What is left unspoken, carried in silence, or hidden within a family system can continue to influence relationships, behaviour, and emotional patterns across generations.

    In many cases, people are not only responding to the present moment, but to histories that were never fully understood or expressed.

    In this episode of Living a Life in Balance, Abdullah Boulad is joined by Caroline Curtis Dolby for a grounded conversation on trauma, family systems, and the realities of relationships.

    Topics explored in this conversation include:

    • How early trauma, addiction, and secrecy shape family systems
    • Why people within the same family respond differently to the same experiences
    • The role of lived experience in shaping therapeutic work
    • Family Emotional Governance® and working with families as a system
    • Communication breakdown in couples and the impact of unspoken issues
    • Cultural differences and how they influence relationships
    • Why many couples operate as individuals instead of a partnership
    • Common relationship challenges including addiction, affairs, and conflict
    • What healthy relationships are built on: respect, loyalty, communication, and support
    • Why marriage requires responsibility and long-term commitment
    • The role of family rituals, shared time, and structure
    • The importance of continued self-awareness and personal growth

    This conversation offers a thoughtful perspective on relationships, not as something to perfect, but as something to understand, work through, and take responsibility for over time.

    About Caroline: London-based psychotherapist and founder of Belgravia Therapy, with extensive experience working with individuals, couples, and families. She specialises in complex family dynamics, including high-conflict divorce and parental alienation, and is also experienced in trauma and addiction.

    00:00:00 – Childhood Trauma, Family Secrets & Addiction
    00:01:11 – How Trauma Shaped Her Path to Therapy
    00:07:07 – Why Family Members Experience Trauma Differently
    00:09:23 – Recovery, Addiction & Early Work in Therapy
    00:10:52 – How Personal Recovery Shapes a Therapist
    00:12:57 – Family Emotional Governance® Explained
    00:15:56 – Relationship Crisis: Loneliness, Control & Infidelity
    00:19:18 – High-Conflict Families: Addiction, Gambling & Risk
    00:22:23 – Why Communication Breaks Down in Relationships
    00:24:29 – Why Couples Should Do Therapy Before Marriage
    00:27:51 – Cultural Differences & Relationship Conflict
    00:30:07 – Why Couples Need Individual + Joint Therapy
    00:31:38 – The Impact of Secrets & Hidden Family Histories

    00:36:14 – Men vs Women: Communication Differences Explained
    00:38:13 – How to Actually Listen in a Relationship
    00:42:43 – Validation, Pressure & Modern Relationship Stress
    00:45:04 – “Throwaway Culture” & Why Relationships Fail
    00:47:49 – Expectations vs Reality in Relationships
    00:53:26 – Marriage: Commitment, Reality & Misconceptions
    00:56:49 – Healthy vs Unhealthy Relationships: Key Signs

    Follow Abdullah Boulad:
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdullahboulad/

    Follow Caroline Curtis:
    https://www.instagram.com/lurleenshoo/

    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/

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    1 hr and 19 mins
  • Understanding Chronic Pain: And Its Role in the Opioid Epidemic
    Apr 1 2026

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    Chronic pain affects millions of people around the world. Yet many patients are still told that if scans look normal, the problem must be “in their head.”

    In reality, chronic pain is far more complex. It involves the brain, the nervous system, emotional regulation, and the way the body responds to stress and trauma.

    In this episode of Living a Life in Balance, Abdullah Boulad is joined by Dr. Mel Pohl for a deep conversation about chronic pain, addiction medicine, and the mind-body connection.

    Drawing on decades of clinical experience, Dr. Pohl explains why traditional medical models often struggle to treat chronic pain effectively. The discussion explores how addiction medicine intersected with pain treatment during the opioid epidemic, and why a deeper understanding of the nervous system is essential for long-term recovery.

    The conversation also examines how trauma, stress, loneliness, and emotional regulation influence pain perception. Dr. Pohl discusses the role of the vagus nerve, Polyvagal Theory, and why safety and co-regulation are critical factors in healing.

    Rather than focusing on quick fixes, this episode looks at the gradual process of restoring balance within the nervous system and helping individuals regain agency over their lives.

    Topics explored in this conversation include:

    • The evolution of addiction treatment and lessons from the opioid crisis
    • Why high-functioning professionals are not immune to addiction
    • The relationship between chronic pain, trauma, and the nervous system
    • How thoughts, stress, and attention shape the experience of pain
    • Polyvagal Theory and the role of the vagus nerve in healing
    • Why integrative approaches are changing how chronic pain is treated

    This conversation offers a thoughtful perspective on one of the most misunderstood conditions in modern medicine.

    About Dr. Mel Pohl: Dr. Mel is a physician specializing in addiction medicine and chronic pain treatment. With decades of clinical experience, his work focuses on the intersection between substance use disorders, pain management, and the nervous system, emphasizing integrative approaches that address both the biological and psychological dimensions of healing.

    00:00:00 — Dr. Mel Pohl’s Path into Addiction Medicine
    00:01:05 — Why Doctors Specialize in Addiction Treatment
    00:01:29 — Early Addiction Treatment and Aversion Therapy
    00:04:57 — The Opioid Epidemic and Chronic Pain
    00:05:35 — Addiction Among High-Functioning Professionals
    00:08:21 — Recovery Models and Alcoholics Anonymous
    00:10:27 — The Evolution of Addiction Treatment
    00:13:10 — Why There Are No Quick Fixes in Addiction Recovery
    00:13:41 — Dr. Mel Pohl’s Personal Experience with Chronic Pain
    00:16:06 — Why Back Surgery Often Fails Chronic Pain Patients
    00:18:29 — What Chronic Pain Really Is
    00:21:16 — How the Brain Influences Pain Perception
    00:25:07 — Psychological Approaches to Chronic Pain
    00:28:16 — The Vagus Nerve and Polyvagal Theory
    00:32:29 — Trauma, Co-Regulation, and the Nervous System
    00:34:28 — Placebo, Nocebo, and the Power of the Doctor-Patient Relationship
    00:39:19 — Integrative Medicine and the Mind-Body Connection
    00:42:50 — Self-Regulation Tools for Chronic Pain
    00:49:18 — Trauma, Stress, and Chronic Pain
    00:57:38 — The Future of Chronic Pain Treatment

    Follow Abdullah Boulad:
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdullahboulad/
    https://www.instagram.com/abdullahboulad/

    Follow Dr Mel Pohl:
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/mel-pohl-4b104914/

    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 #

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    1 hr and 14 mins