In this episode, the Melanie Braswell Miller, LPC sits down with Erin Amundson, LPC, a sober psychotherapist who specializes in subconscious work and teaches an emotional sobriety curriculum. Together, they explore recovery for therapists and helping professionals; a population that often struggles quietly due to shame, professional identity, and fear of judgment.

The conversation was sparked by an anonymous therapist’s social media post about alcohol use that received both compassion and judgement, highlighting the complex reality clinicians face when seeking support. Erin shares her own experience navigating secrecy in early sobriety, including traveling long distances to recovery meetings to maintain privacy and avoid being recognized.

Melanie and Erin discuss why traditional recovery models such as AA are life-changing for many people yet may not feel aligned for everyone, especially women. Rather than dismissing any approach, the conversation centers on trusting inner guidance and finding recovery spaces that support autonomy, safety, and growth.

Listeners will hear practical strategies that have supported sobriety, including finding non-judgmental communities (Erin references Café RE), cultivating sober relationships, reconnecting with nature, and using consistent practices like yoga and movement to regulate the nervous system. Erin reflects on her year-by-year sobriety evolution — from finding safe spaces, to understanding the deeper drivers of drinking, to becoming more open about her recovery identity. You can learn more about Erin @ www.conscioussobercoach.com.

This episode is an invitation to expand the narrative around recovery for therapists and helping professionals.

00:00: Why We’re Rethinking Recovery for Therapists

01:01: “Who Helps the Helpers?” The Post That Sparked This Conversation

03:33: Shame, Secrecy, and the Fear of Being Found Out as a Clinician

05:17: Finding Safe Support: Confidential Help Beyond Public Recovery Spaces

07:13: Why AA Didn’t Fit

20:38: Women, Powerlessness, and Recovery Models Built for Men

26:40: Surrender Without Shame: What Finally Made Sobriety Stick

32:07: The Last Bender: Withdrawal, Hallucinations, and Asking for Medical Help

35:04 Alcohol Withdrawal Scare: Hallucinations, Seizure Fear

36:22 How Withdrawal Sneaks Up: Binge Drinking, Genetics & the “Gray Area” Warning

37:39: Finding Sober Community as an Introvert (and Laughing Through Recovery)

39:06: Nature + Yoga as a Recovery Program: Building Nervous System Stability

41:40: Early Sobriety Brain Changes: Pink Cloud vs Flatness & “Apathy

45:06: Rebuilding Life Without Alcohol: Triggers, New Rituals & Relearning Fun

47:30: Maintaining Sobriety Without AA: Year-by-Year Strategy & Getting Support

52:12: Why the Only Way Out Is Through

59:07: Choosing the Right Recovery Space: Flexibility, Relapse, and Avoiding Shame

01:03:06: Wrap-Up: Trust Your Path + Where to Find the Coach

Erin Amundson, LPC www.concioussobercoach.com

Melanie Braswell Miller is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Alcohol-Free Lifestyle Coach, and RYT-200 yoga teacher who helps women build a life they don’t need to escape from. Her approach centers on yoga philosophy, psychology and exploring the deeper layers of living alcohol-free, not just the “not drinking” part, but the identity shifts, self-trust, boundaries, nervous system regulation, and and all the internal work to become a person who no longer relies on alcohol to cope with life.