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Can 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 Journey
00:02:04 - The Childhood Trauma That Changed Everything
00:04:29 - Growing Up Without Emotional Safety
00:05:51 - Self-Worth, Family Expectations & Seeking Validation
00:10:46 - How Low Self-Esteem Led to a Toxic Relationship
00:12:19 - Surviving an Abusive Relationship
00:17:05 - The Life Lessons Hidden in Trauma
00:20:15 - Why We Try to Heal Other People
00:22:02 - How Yoga Became a Path to Healing
00:23:40 - Leaving Everything Behind to Become a Yoga Teacher
00:26:47 - Why Yoga Is More Than Physical Exercise
00:28:08 - Working in Mental Health at THE BALANCE Rehab Clinic
00:31:00 - Somatic Therapy and Releasing Stored Trauma
00:34:26 - Healing Family Relationships Through Honest Conversations
00:37:01 - Why Children Need Emotionally Available Parents
00:40:31 - The Challenges and Rewards of Helping Others Heal
00:44:52 - Jill's Mission to Help Children Build Emotional Resilience
00:48:22 - Daily Habits for Better Mental Health and Balance
00:50:01 - Why Animals Can Be Powerful for Emotional Healing
00:50:31 - Final Reflections on Healing, Purpose & Living in Balance

Follow Abdullah Boulad:
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You can order Abdullah’s books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BC9S5TCF?ccs_id=c64f2588-7eb1-4592-b4d1-647a0f379b51

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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:
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#AddictionRecovery #EquineTherapy #HorseTherapy #MentalHealth #ADHD #RecoveryJourney #PersonalDevelopment #TraumaRecovery #Neurodiversity #AddictionTreatment #SelfAwareness #HealingJourney #LivingALifeInBalance #Podcast

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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/
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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:
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#LivingALifeInBalance #WorkAddiction #Burnout #Stress #Sleep #Support #Wellbeing #IntegrativeMedicine #MentalHealth #Podcast

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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:
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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

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

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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/
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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:
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#LivingALifeInBalance #podcast #trauma #communication #mentalhealthpodcast #wellness #wellnessjourney #health #healing #wellbeing #traumainformed #love #mentalhealth #recovery #support #addictionrecovery #interview #relationship #couple #families

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