In this episode of Success Is Subjective, drama therapist and trauma specialist Maya Kruger invites us into a story shaped by creativity, resilience, and a life-altering turning point. Raised in Israel by academic parents, Maya felt caught between expectations and her love for theater—until an unexpected event in her final year of high school changed everything. What followed was a journey through military service, an Outward Bound program in Colorado, and a leap of faith into NYU’s drama therapy program. Along the way, Maya discovered that true impact doesn’t require a spotlight—it requires presence, compassion, and emotional courage. Now a licensed therapist and mother of two, she blends artistry and trauma work to help others navigate their own breaking points. This conversation is a testament to the quiet power of reinvention and the many ways we define success beyond the stage.

Maya’s Resources:

Website

Instagram

Outward Bound

Connect with Joanna Lilley

Therapeutic Consulting Association

Lilley Consulting Website

Lilley Consulting on Facebook

Lilley Consulting on YouTube
Email joanna@lilleyconsulting.com

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On this episode of Success is Subjective, Joanna brings you another story from our special former participant series where she invites former participants to recount their personal journey. Today’s former participant is Holly Wilson. Raised in the tight-knit mountain town of Crested Butte, Colorado, the constant visibility of small-town life motivated Holly to stay on top of her game. A self-proclaimed “perfectionist” with a track record of exceptional performance and ambition, it came as no surprise when she was awarded a full-ride scholarship to the University of Colorado Boulder. As she transitioned into college life—where the external pressure to maintain perfection diminished—Holly discovered new dimensions of her identity beginning to surface. A different version of herself began to take shape: one that craved freedom and fun, often fueled by alcohol. This shift ultimately landed the once-driven student on academic probation during her very first semester. After switching majors, relocating to Los Angeles in pursuit of an acting career, and surviving a devastating and unforeseeable accident, Holly found herself with no more guardrails to stop her descent into full-blown addiction.

Embracing recovery wholeheartedly, Holly tackled the deep emotional work required for healing with resilience and clarity. On the other side of addiction, she uncovered a calling: to help establish a treatment center designed specifically for women’s unique needs. As the founder and Chief Empowerment Officer of Women’s Recovery in Denver, Holly brings a bold, forward-thinking voice to the conversation around mental health and substance use recovery, championing a vision for women to lead whole, healthy, and authentically integrated lives.

NOTE: The podcasts in this series can include sensitive subjects such as suicide, self-harm, substance abuse, hospitalizations, psychotic episodes, and other traumatic experiences which include parts of the treatment journey. No topic is off limits and not all stories are positive but they are real, raw, and transparent.

**Listener discretion is advised**

Holly’s Resources:

Women’s Recovery

Connect with Joanna Lilley

Therapeutic Consulting Association

Lilley Consulting Website

Lilley Consulting on Facebook

Lilley Consulting on YouTube
Email joanna@lilleyconsulting.com

#TherapeuticConsulting #LilleyConsulting #Successful #TherapeuticPrograms #Therapy #MentalHealthMatters #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #TheJourney #SuccessIsSubjectivePodcast #TheUnpavedRoad #PFCAudioVideo #AddictionRecovery #WomensRecovery #HealthyBoundaries #Recovery #TraumaRecovery #TherapyJourney

On this episode of Success is Subjective, Joanna brings you another story from our special former participant series where she extends the opportunity for former participants who feel comfortable sharing their journey with others. Today’s former participant is Phil Nutt. Phil grew up in Jackson, Mississippi, where by most standards, he had a relatively normal upbringing and was a fairly normal boy – minus anger issues that plagued him from a young age. By the time he was 15 years old, Phil became a full blown alcoholic and his addiction only got worse with time as drugs were thrown into the mix of his substances. Come freshman year of college, Phil’s life was spinning out of control as the decisions he made while under the influence became intensely dangerous. Phil shares with listeners an honest look at his off and on treatment journey and what ultimately gave him the desire and ability to maintain his sobriety. He also explains the meaningful work he does today as he helps young men who are in a similar position as he was when he was younger.

NOTE: The podcasts in this series can include sensitive subjects such as suicide, self-harm, substance abuse, hospitalizations, psychotic episodes, and other traumatic experiences which include parts of the treatment journey. No topic is off limits and not all stories are positive but they are real, raw, and transparent.

**Listener discretion is advised**

Phil’s Resources:

Choice House Addiction Treatment Center

Legacy Treatment Center

Jaywalker Lodge

The Retreat

The Bridge to Recovery

Connect with Joanna Lilley

Therapeutic Consulting Association

Lilley Consulting Website

Lilley Consulting on Facebook

Lilley Consulting on YouTube
Email joanna@lilleyconsulting.com

#TherapeuticConsulting #LilleyConsulting #Successful #YoungAdults #TherapeuticPrograms #Therapy #MentalHealthMatters #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #StudentMentalHealth #TheJourney #SuccessIsSubjectivePodcast #TheUnpavedRoad #PFCAudioVideo #SelfEsteem #ParentingAdvice #ParentingTeens #SuccessfullAdults #ChoiceHouse #Recovery #AddictionTreatment #RecoveryIsPossible