Juilliard Ballerina Finds Recovery From Alcoholism

“I just remember even in that drunken state just looking heavenward into the stars and just saying God I can’t do this anymore. I am an alcoholic, I admit it and I need help.” Kimberly Berlin LCSW

On the surface you would think my guest Kimberly Berlin had a fancy life of privilege growing up in the south of France, attending Juillard studying ballet, and traveling all over the world. But behind the veil, was a life of abuse, abandonment and addiction.

Today she will share her personal story of addiction, her moment of clarity and how she recovered. We get into some of the problems she encountered with someone at the first 12 step meeting she went to that kept her away for 7 years, but how she ultimately found her way back.

Kimberly is now a licensed integrated psychotherapist and IFS practitioner to help people overcome addiction and trauma. We’re going to get into what IFS is and how it works as a modality for trauma therapy. I’ve been doing it myself as a client, and I can personally vouch for how productive it can be at resolving long standing negative behavior patterns.

Before we jump in, as usual, I have a couple of announcements. The first one is there is a new guide at Sober Life School.com for those who are just starting their sober journey called “How to quit drinking: 30 Tips for Your First 30 Days”. It has advice on how to prepare your environment, how to navigate social situations and practical tips on how to prevent cravings or what to do when you feel tempted.

If you get it, you’ll also be added to my newsletter. I have a lot of big plans for 2024 and I can’t wait to share them with you! This includes partnerships with other well known teachers, including some NYT bestselling authors!

The newsletter is where I will be providing early access links to all the new classes and the Self-Help Junkie online meetings as well. I’ll announce it to people on my email list first, so make sure you get on it for early access and special bonuses.

That’s all for announcements, so without further delay, please enjoy this wide ranging conversation with Kimberly.

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Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podcast Addict, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform. You can watch the interview on YouTube here.