Explore every episode of the podcast Living a Life in Balance - PODCAST
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How Grief Yoga Can Heal: And Where Trauma Lives in the Body
Paul Denniston, founder of Grief Yoga, joins Abdullah Boulad for a conversation that moves through grief, movement, identity, and the ways the body holds what the mind cannot always process.
Paul reflects on how his path began in places of anxiety, emotional suppression, and coping mechanisms that numbed rather than healed. He speaks openly about his childhood, his relationship with his sister, and the anticipatory grief that shaped so much of his inner world. From hitting rock bottom to entering recovery, he shares the moments and the people, who helped him find steadiness again.
Tune in for a thoughtful conversation about yoga, connection, healing, and the body’s role in emotional health.
About Paul: Paul Denniston is the founder of Grief Yoga, a therapeutic movement method that helps people express and process emotional pain through the body. With experience in yoga, breathwork, dance, and movement therapy, he has trained thousands of mental health professionals, hospice workers, and grief counselors worldwide.
00:00:00 – Discovering Yoga Through Grief and Anxiety 00:01:03 – Introduction to Paul Denniston 00:02:06 – Childhood, Religion, and Emotional Suppression 00:03:32 – Coping Mechanisms: Food, Substances, and Anxiety 00:04:44 – Yoga as a Gateway for Emotional Release 00:07:05 – Addiction and Rock Bottom 00:10:46 – Relationship with Sister and Anticipatory Grief 00:15:27 – The Wake-Up Call and Beginning Recovery 00:17:03 – Support Systems and Somatic Practice 00:21:01 – First Yoga Class and Impact of Kindness 00:25:04 – From Fitness to Deep Connection in Yoga 00:28:34 – Gender, Misconceptions, and Spiritual Identity 00:31:52 – Integrating Mind, Body, and Spirit 00:36:19 – Western vs. Eastern Yoga Approaches 00:41:37 – Redefining Grief as Unwanted Change 00:45:15 – The Grief Yoga Cycle of Transformation 00:48:41 – Where Trauma Lives in the Body 00:53:42 – Grief Brain and Emotional Fog 01:02:48 – Movement, Breath, and Voice Techniques 01:14:22 – Guided Laughter Yoga Practice 01:20:09 – Balance, Joy, and Closing Reflections
For further mental health information and support, visit The Balance RehabClinic website: https://balancerehabclinic.com/
Follow Abdullah Boulad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdullahboulad/ https://www.instagram.com/abdullahboulad/
Follow Paul Denniston: https://www.instagram.com/griefyoga/?hl=en
You can order Abdullah’s book, ‘Living A Life In Balance’, here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/...
Follow The Balance RehabClinic: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thebalancerehabclinic/
Bea Palya, singer, songwriter, and vocal artist, joins Abdullah Boulad on Living a Life in Balance for a heartfelt conversation about healing, creativity, and the power of the human voice.
Speaking with honesty and clarity, Bea reflects on the profound shifts that followed her divorce and the pain that took her to a very low point. She shares how music became the light she held onto, and how writing songs and using her voice helped her move through grief, rebuild her inner world, and reconnect with herself. Her story is a reminder that the darkest moments can become the ground where something new and meaningful begins to grow.
🔗 Tune in for a gentle and deeply authentic exploration of the voice as a healing tool, the resilience that emerges in difficult times, and the unexpected ways creativity can guide us back to balance.
About Bea: Bea Palya is a Hungarian singer and vocal artist known for her emotionally rich sound and her ability to weave personal storytelling with profound musical expression. Through decades of performance, teaching, and artistic exploration, she has developed a unique approach to voice work that blends music, embodiment, and emotional honesty. Her work continues to inspire people to use their own voice as a pathway to healing, freedom, and inner connection.
00:00:00 – Welcome and Introduction to Bea Palya 00:01:46 – Musical Childhood and Folk Rituals 00:02:30 – First Breakup and Therapeutic Singing 00:05:11 – Songwriting and Emotional Expression 00:06:22 – Creating the “Sing Yourself to Freedom” Method 00:07:34 – From Performer to Teacher 00:08:43 – Singing in Community and Connection 00:09:17 – Emotional Resonance of Folk Songs 00:10:53 – Music’s Physical Impact 00:11:51 – Divorce, Rebirth, and Writing Anthems 00:15:24 – Covid, Growth, and Online Teaching 00:17:34 – Fear of Success and Expanding Reach 00:19:38 – Roots, Loneliness, and Ambition 00:23:50 – The 4 Pillars of Her Voice Method 00:29:55 – Breaking Perfectionism Through Singing 00:36:21 – Voice, Sexuality, and Energy Work 00:55:56 – Using Voice in Trauma Recovery 01:27:47 – Live Song Performance and Final Reflection
For further mental health information and support, visit The Balance RehabClinic website: https://balancerehabclinic.com/
Follow Abdullah Boulad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdullahboulad/ https://www.instagram.com/abdullahboulad/
In this deeply honest episode, Jacobo Rengifo Cavestany, Relapse Prevention Therapist at The Balance, shares his personal journey through addiction, grief, and recovery. He speaks about the shame of hiding his struggles, the impact of losing his sister, and the spiral into depression that followed.
Jacobo opens up about what it really means to hit rock bottom—manipulation, relapse, and suicidal thoughts—while also reflecting on the moments that helped him begin to heal: therapy, trust, and learning to face emotions rather than escape them.
Today, as a practitioner, Jacobo transforms his lived experience into guidance for others. He explains why empathy, honesty, and individualized recovery are at the heart of his work, and what long-term healing really looks like: imperfect, non-linear, but deeply human.
🔗 Tune in for an unfiltered conversation about addiction, loss, and recovery—and the strength it takes to start again.
About Jacobo: Having walked the path of addiction and recovery himself, Jacobo brings a unique blend of lived experience and therapeutic expertise to his work. He understands the complexity of relapse, the weight of shame, and the courage it takes to heal. Through empathy and authenticity, he helps others find their own way forward.
00:00:00 – Early Addiction & Shame 00:00:53 – Introduction & Episode Overview 00:02:06 – Hiding Addiction & Family Discovery 00:04:52 – Gambling, Confession & Sister’s Suicide 00:06:07 – Grief, Depression & Emotional Collapse 00:08:35 – Tools for Coping with Depression 00:09:13 – First Addictions, Emotional Avoidance & Early Exposure 00:10:50 – Childhood, Genetics & Environment 00:12:05 – Behavioral vs. Substance Addiction 00:14:04 – Losing Control & Emotional Numbing 00:19:15 – Stealing, Manipulation & Rock Bottom 00:22:58 – Substance Use & Suicidal Thoughts 00:24:00 – Bullying, Isolation & Social Challenges 00:25:38 – Rehab, Resistance & Starting Recovery 00:28:43 – Time, Motivation & Individualized Recovery 00:32:43 – Addiction as the Only Light Left 00:34:04 – Relapse, Guilt & Learning Through Failure 00:38:13 – Trust, Therapy & Emotional Healing 00:41:05 – Emotional Education, Honesty & Technology’s Impact 00:44:11 – Storytelling, Empathy & Sister’s Memory 00:51:58 – Processing Loss & Unanswered Questions 00:53:22 – From Patient to Practitioner: Why He Now Helps Others 00:57:13 – Therapy Models & Building Trust with Clients 01:08:17 – Preparing for Life After Rehab 01:13:42 – Substituting Addictions & What Recovery Really Means 01:25:32 – Long-Term Recovery & Final Advice
For further mental health information and support, visit The Balance RehabClinic website: https://balancerehabclinic.com/
Follow Abdullah Boulad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdullahboulad/ https://www.instagram.com/abdullahboulad/
You can order Abdullah’s book, ‘Living A Life In Balance’, here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/...
Follow The Balance RehabClinic: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thebalancerehabclinic/ https://www.instagram.com/thebalancerehabclinic/
The Balance RehabClinic in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, has been named Winner in the Interior – Healthcare category at the ICONIC Award 2025. In this episode, anySCALE founders Karin Hepp and Andreas Thomczyk share the vision behind the clinic’s design—how architecture, flow, and holistic principles came together to create a healing environment. From privacy and sensory design to natural light and garden spaces, they reveal how thoughtful design can support mental health and redefine healthcare.
🔗 Tune in for an inspiring conversation on creating spaces that ground us, restore balance, and transform the way we live.
About anySCALE: An international architecture and design firm with a diverse portfolio of projects that showcase innovation, sustainability, and a strong design ethos. With passionate and resilient teams based in Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Mallorca, and Singapore, anySCALE continues to push boundaries in creating spaces that inspire and endure.
00:00:00 – Introduction & Award Announcement 00:01:32 – Meet Karin Hepp and Andreas Thomczyk; Founders of anySCALE 00:04:54 – The Architects’ Journey: Vienna to Mallorca 00:10:59 – Choosing Mallorca & Shifting to Private Projects 00:15:12 – Meeting Abdullah & The Balance Vision 00:17:36 – Designing for Therapy, Staff & Multidimensional Use 00:18:16 – User-Centred Design: Listening First 00:21:13 – Layout, Flow & Custom Furniture 00:26:33 – Integrating Feng Shui & Holistic Design 00:28:47 – Material Choices, Color Debates & Local Influence 00:31:47 – Centred Energy: A Space That Grounds You 00:33:01 – Architecture as Mental Health Support 00:34:57 – Privacy, Sensory Design & Safe Therapeutic Spaces 00:39:48 – Outdoor Spaces, Natural Light & the Garden Feeling 00:41:45 – Beyond the Hospital: A New Model for Healthcare Spaces 00:44:29 – Creating Comfort & Breaking Hierarchies 00:47:56 – Modest Luxury: Simplicity, Materials & Sensory Depth 00:51:06 – Winning the ICONIC Award: What It Means 00:56:37 – Design Tips: How to Create Balance in Your Space, Your Home Environment
For further mental health information and support, visit The Balance RehabClinic website: https://balancerehabclinic.com/
Fernanda Lima Sento Sé, Clinical Dietitian and Nutritionist at The Balance RehabClinic, shares her powerful journey of healing and how food, lifestyle, and mindful choices can transform our relationship with the body. From a health crisis that sparked her anti-inflammatory path to years of studying nutrition, she explores the deep connection between what we eat, how we live, and how we feel, highlighting the profound impact of inflammation and gut health on overall well-being through the lens of functional medicine.
In this episode, Fernanda opens up about her early medical struggles, the role of genetics and environment, and how nutrition became both a tool for recovery and a lifelong mission. With a grounded and compassionate approach, she reflects on the influence of processed foods, stress, hydration, and cultural habits, while offering insights into the microbiome, toxins, and the delicate gut-brain connection.
🔗 Tune in for a real conversation on the small, sustainable shifts that can create lasting wellness.
About Fernanda: Rooted in both science and lived experience, Fernanda integrates research on microbiome diversity, epigenetics, and lifestyle medicine into her work. Through education and personalized guidance, she helps others navigate complex health challenges while cultivating balance, vitality, and long-term resilience.
00:00:00 – Fernanda’s Health Crisis & the Start of Her Anti-Inflammatory Journey 00:01:23 – Episode Overview: Inflammation, Gut Health & Functional Nutrition 00:02:42 – A Healthy Childhood, Medical Struggles & Early Nutrition Curiosity 00:08:10 – Allergies, Autoimmunity & the Role of Environment and Diet 00:09:57 – Genetics, Epigenetics & Lifestyle Choices 00:12:41 – Choosing Nutrition: University Crisis & Transformational Diet Changes 00:15:52 – Developing Protocols & Learning from Scleroderma 00:18:45 – Functional Medicine & Precision Nutrition Influence 00:19:43 – Understanding Inflammation: Acute, Chronic & Silent 00:23:07 – Recognizing Inflammation: Physical Symptoms & Root Causes 00:26:40 – Water, Hydration & the Inflammation Connection 00:31:03 – Hydration Habits, Soft Drinks & Cultural Shifts 00:36:33 – Processed Foods, Stress, Sleep & Gut Health 00:38:58 – Toxins, Microbiome Diversity & Immune Resilience 00:41:54 – Microbiome Development: Birth, Breastfeeding & Early Life 00:44:15 – Chemical Exposure, Beauty Trends & Traditional Practices 00:48:33 – Macronutrients: Proteins, Carbs, and the Pitfalls of Diet Trends 00:51:03 – Keto, Elimination Diets & the Importance of Personalization 00:56:56 – Stress, Individualized Diets & When to Refer to Psychologists 01:03:29 – Local, Seasonal Eating & Practical Travel Tips 01:15:11 – Fruits, Juicing & the Truth About Sugar Detoxes 01:20:58 – IBS, Microbiome, and Digestive Resilience 01:33:16 – Fecal Transplants, Microbiome Therapy & Mental Health Links 01:40:49 – Gut-Brain Axis: Stress, Diaphragm & Physical Gut Tension 01:43:18 – Gut Health Assessment: Stool Testing & Scientific Limits 01:51:39 – Treating IBS, Histamine Intolerance & Leaky Gut Protocols 02:06:41 – Supplement Strategy: When, Why & What to Use 02:14:49 – Fernanda’s Daily Habits & Final Wellness Advice
For further mental health information and support, visit The Balance RehabClinic website: https://balancerehabclinic.com/
Follow Fernanda Lima Sento Sé: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernanda-lima-sento-se/
Follow Abdullah Boulad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdullahboulad/ https://www.instagram.com/abdullahboulad/
You can order Abdullah’s book, ‘Living A Life In Balance’, here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/...
Follow The Balance RehabClinic:
The Power of YOGA: Raising Frequency Through Breath, Movement, and Sound Healing
Estela Garcia, Yoga Teacher, Breathwork and Mindfulness Facilitator, shares how presence, movement, and healing practices can help us reconnect with ourselves and navigate life’s challenges with grace. Drawing from a deeply personal journey, Estela explores how yoga became her anchor during times of grief, identity shifts, and transformation.
In this episode, Estela opens up about her path from the world of acting to becoming a teacher of yoga and sound healing. She reflects on the power of community, the impact of emotional loss, and how presence can become a tool for both healing and empowerment. With insights on breathwork, nervous system regulation, and how to approach yoga without ego, Estela offers a grounded, compassionate perspective on inner growth.
🔗 Tune in for a grounded conversation on reclaiming purpose, practicing stillness, and using yoga and sound to raise your frequency.
About Estela: Estela Garcia is a yoga teacher, breathwork, mindfulness and sound healing practitioner. With a background in acting and a life shaped by travel, culture, and artistic expression, she brings a rich, embodied wisdom to her work. Through movement, sound, and presence, Estela helps others reconnect to their inner peace and navigate life with more clarity, calm, and emotional resilience.
00:00:00 — Introduction 00:02:02 — Estela’s Journey: From Acting to Yoga 00:04:16 — Yoga as a Functional Tool for Daily Life 00:06:16 — Losing Her Father & Choosing Passion Over Security 00:09:09 — Overcoming Fear & Reclaiming Purpose 00:11:27 — The Power of Community & Hope in NYC 00:15:05 — Abdullah’s Story: Loss, Authenticity & Emotional Legacy 00:16:11 — A Childhood of Art, Travel & Backstage Lessons 00:21:35 — Cultural Exposure, Belonging & Teenage Challenges 00:25:30 — Yoga as a Lifeline During Divorce & Personal Pain 00:28:02 — Becoming a Yoga Teacher & Defining Yoga as Presence 00:31:51 — Spiritual Roots of Yoga & Becoming the Observer 00:35:09 — Experiencing Moments of Presence Through Practice 00:39:28 — Breath, Nervous System & Scientific Side of Yoga 00:44:36 — How to Start Yoga Without Ego or Pressure 00:48:37 — Integrating Presence into Everyday Life 00:51:04 — Responding vs. Reacting: Emotional Flexibility 00:54:19 — Simplicity, Stillness & Reducing Mental Noise 00:55:25 — How Estela Structures a Class Based on Energy 00:59:10 — Introduction to Sound Healing & Crystal Bowls 01:05:52 — Live vs. Recorded Frequencies & The Power of Humming 01:09:23 — Guided Sound Healing: Entering Theta State 01:21:02 — Singing Bowls, Frequency & Optimal Session Length 01:23:49 — Raising Frequency Through Breath, Movement & Gratitude 01:28:27 — Yoga & Sound Healing for Anxiety, Depression & Safety 01:32:01 — Client Transformations & Ongoing Balance 01:38:23 — Final Advice: Follow Your Passion & Befriend Yourself
For further mental health information and support, visit The Balance RehabClinic website: https://balancerehabclinic.com/
Steve, Health Coach and Kinesiologist at The Balance, offers a clear perspective on how mindset, training, and rest play essential roles in reaching your full potential. Drawing from years of experience, he breaks down common misconceptions about the body’s limits and explains why trusting yourself is key to progress.
In this episode, Steve discusses how strength training, recovery, and mental beliefs intertwine to shape not just physical results but overall well-being. He shares advice on structuring workouts, embracing rest, and tapping into the body’s natural ability to adapt and grow stronger.
🔗 Watch now for a practical conversation about training smarter, resting better, and unlocking your true potential.
About Steve: Steve is a certified Personal Trainer, Health Coach, and Kinesiologist with over 15 years of professional experience. As a passionate athlete, he helps individuals build healthier, fitter lifestyles through personalized coaching. His expertise spans functional fitness, athletic training, kinesiology, injury prevention, and nutrition. Steve’s commitment to quality and the results his clients achieve continue to drive his work forward.
00:00:00 — Introduction to Kinesiologist & Personal Trainer Steve Linzer 00:04:13 — Assessing Clients & Personalizing Their Training Plans 00:05:33 — What Is Kinesiology? Understanding the Triad of Health 00:08:15 — How Muscle Testing Reveals Stress, Beliefs & Posture Issues 00:11:15 — Energy Flow, Skepticism & How the Body Gives Feedback 00:13:42 — Why Practitioner Testing Is More Effective Than Self-Testing 00:15:05 — Trauma, Subconscious Blocks & Physical Symptoms 00:17:51 — Steve’s Injury Story: Healing Emotional Stress in the Body 00:20:02 — The ESR Technique: Emotional Stress Release in Action 00:23:36 — Neurovascular & Neurolymphatic Points for Energy Balance 00:25:13 — Supporting Self-Healing & Preventive Kinesiology 00:27:20 — Commitment in Personal Training Starts with Assessment 00:30:28 — Structuring a Training Plan for Long-Term Progress 00:34:53 — Why Strength Training Beats Cardio for Weight Loss 00:37:44 — Protecting Joints & Training for Your Personal Goals 00:41:06 — Progression, Motivation & Starting with Small Wins 00:48:28 — Full Body vs. Split Training: How to Choose 00:51:16 — Recovery Matters: The Dangers of Overtraining 00:53:13 — Breaking Limits: The True Value of a Personal Trainer 00:56:10 — The Best Time to Train Based on Hormones & Lifestyle 00:58:08 — Ideal Workout Flow: Warm-Up, Main, Cooldown 01:01:42 — Strength, Aging & Bone Density Protection 01:04:06 — Debunking Strength Training Myths 01:06:15 — Movement Should Be Fun: Padel, Sports & Play 01:16:33 — Steve’s Personal Balance Routine & Final Advice
For further mental health information and support, visit The Balance RehabClinic website: https://balancerehabclinic.com/
Follow Steve Linzer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-linzer-61a37b192/
Follow Abdullah Boulad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdullahboulad/ https://www.instagram.com/abdullahboulad/
You can order Abdullah’s book, ‘Living A Life In Balance’, here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BC9S5TCF
Follow The Balance RehabClinic: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thebalancerehabclinic/ https://www.instagram.com/thebalancerehabclinic/
Elke Bilger, therapist at The Balance RehabClinic, shares a practical and honest look at how the body holds stress, tension, and past experiences. With years of experience in physiotherapy, she talks about the importance of movement, alignment, and safety in the healing process.
In this episode, Elke explains how daily stress, poor posture, surgeries, and emotional experiences can all show up in the body. She walks us through her hands-on approach — combining muscle release, alignment work, and real lifestyle change — to help people reconnect with their bodies and feel more at ease.
Healing, as Elke reminds us, isn’t just about treating pain. It’s about listening to the body, supporting it in the right way, and creating long-term balance from the inside out.
🔗 Watch now for a grounded conversation on movement, healing, and what it means to truly feel well in your body.
About Elke: Elke’s path into physiotherapy was driven by a deep curiosity about the human body and a genuine passion for movement, health, and healing. Since qualifying in 2001, she has developed a specialized focus on massage therapy, recognizing its often underestimated power. Her clinical experience taught her that true physical wellbeing comes not just from treating symptoms, but from restoring muscle health, balance, and relaxation at the root. For Elke, massage isn’t just a technique—it’s a vital tool for long-term recovery, strength, and resilience.
00:00:00 — Introduction & Why Safety Matters in Healing 00:02:36 — Elke’s Journey into Physiotherapy 00:05:09 — Fascination with the Body & Developing Sensitivity 00:06:52 — Manual Techniques & Discovering the Dorn Method 00:10:14 — Assessing and Correcting Misalignments 00:11:26 — Rigidity, Aging & the Importance of Movement 00:12:14 — Deep Tissue, Lymphatic Drainage & Massage Types 00:13:22 — Preventing Tension with Regular Treatments 00:14:07 — Posture, Alignment & Compensation Patterns 00:20:05 — Chronic Misalignment & Habitual Stress 00:21:11 — Anatomy, Muscle Function & Interconnectedness 00:26:07 — Muscle Tension, Behavior & Environmental Stress 00:28:24 — Injury vs. Chronic Issues & Impact of Surgeries 00:30:46 — Pain Patterns, Realignment & Whole-Body Approach 00:36:05 — Emotional Trauma, Brain Alignment & Healing 00:41:28 — Processing Emotion After Injury or Surgery 00:46:06 — Elke’s Realignment & Muscle Release Method 00:50:15 — Home Care, Lifestyle Change & Long-Term Results 00:55:09 — Misalignment, Stress & Societal Influence 01:01:25 — Learning from Animals: Movement & Recovery 01:05:27 — Back Pain, Inflammation & Medication Overuse 01:13:07 — Spinal Health, Nerve Function & Self-Healing 01:17:09 — Preventative Care from Childhood to Adulthood 01:34:11 — Flexibility, Strength & Aging Gracefully
For further mental health information and support, visit The Balance RehabClinic website: https://balancerehabclinic.com/
Follow Elke Bilger: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elke-bilger-7441a4172/
Follow Abdullah Boulad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdullahboulad/ https://www.instagram.com/abdullahboulad/
You can order Abdullah’s book, ‘Living A Life In Balance’, here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BC9S5TCF
Follow The Balance RehabClinic: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thebalancerehabclinic/ https://www.instagram.com/thebalancerehabclinic/
Dr. Sarah Boss, Clinical Director at The Balance RehabClinic, offers a profound look into the hidden challenges that come with wealth and privilege. Behind the surface of success lies a complex struggle—constant pressure, easy access to substances, and the risk of losing balance in a world flooded with extremes. She explains how true healing goes beyond quick fixes and requires deep understanding of the nervous system and early life experiences.
Structure and healthy boundaries become essential tools, especially when freedom can easily lead to chaos. Dr. Sarah also highlights the importance of honest relationships—people who say no and hold others accountable—in a culture where yes-saying often dominates. Healing, she reminds us, is not about thinking our way out of pain, but about creating safety, connection, and resilience. This episode invites us to rethink what it means to live authentically and find lasting balance amid life’s pressures.
🔗 Watch now for a revealing conversation that challenges the myths of wealth, uncovers the unseen struggles behind success, and explores the path to genuine balance and recovery.
About Dr. Sarah Boss: With extensive training in psychiatry, psychotherapy, neuromodulation, and functional medicine, Dr. Boss combines cutting-edge science with a holistic approach to treat clients comprehensively.
00:00 — Introduction 02:06 — Dr Boss’s Experience: Psychiatry from Homeless Shelters to Royalty 03:53 — Do the Rich Struggle More? 05:07 — Money Doesn’t Guarantee Happiness 06:03 — Wealth as a Mental Health Risk Factor 08:40 — How Much Money is Too Much? 10:16 — Public Perception, Jealousy & Social Media 12:08 — No Structure, No Stability 15:41 — Success and Social Isolation 18:46 — Work-Life Imbalance and Burnout 28:39 — Planning Major Life Transitions 30:47 — Replacing Work with Extremes 32:10 — Do the Wealthy Have a Right to Care? 34:17 — Barriers to Getting Help When You’re Rich 40:39 — Loneliness, Identity & Fame 48:39 — How Children of the Wealthy Suffer 1:00:20 — Boundaries Raise Resilience 1:10:44 — Preventing Entitlement in Children 1:17:02 — Substance Abuse in the Ultra-Rich 1:20:14 — The Problem with Celebrity “Yes Sayers” 1:22:17 — Addiction & Reward System Breakdown 1:27:53 — What Real Recovery Looks Like 1:34:09 — Therapy Must Be Empathic & Real 1:39:07 — You Deserve Help
For further mental health information and support, visit The Balance RehabClinic website: https://balancerehabclinic.com/
Follow Dr Sarah Boss: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-med-univ-sarah-boss-881761105/
Follow Abdullah Boulad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdullahboulad/ https://www.instagram.com/abdullahboulad/
You can order Abdullah’s book, ‘Living A Life In Balance’, here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BC9S5TCF
Follow The Balance RehabClinic: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thebalancerehabclinic/ https://www.instagram.com/thebalancerehabclinic/
Dr. Indhira Ghyssaert, family doctor and nutritionist at The Balance, shares why modern medicine must slow down to truly heal. Drawing from years of experience and global practice, she makes a compelling case for longer consultations, explaining why a one-hour first assessment isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.
Dr. Indhira reveals how a truly holistic approach goes far beyond prescriptions, diving into lifestyle, mindset, and even the subtle ways stress shows up in lab results. From empowering patients to take ownership of their health, to why some popular medications like GLP-1 don’t work for everyone, this conversation is a call for a more human, personalized model of care. She also shares real-life success stories—like the patient whose PMDD symptoms were transformed, and the woman who recovered through targeted supplementation—highlighting the potential of natural, evidence-informed interventions. And if you’ve ever wondered about the best supplements for menopause or low testosterone, Dr. Indhira offers practical, honest guidance based on clinical experience.
🔗 Watch now for a compassionate discussion that will change how you think about the doctor-patient relationship—and what true healing really requires.
About Dr. Indhira Ghyssaert: Dr. Indhira is a family doctor and nutritionist with a passion for natural, holistic care. After studying dietetics in Toulon and medicine in Brussels, she expanded her training to include homeopathy, hypnosis, and gentle therapies like ozone treatment. She believes true health comes from balance—supporting the body with the right food, movement, and mindset to prevent illness before it starts. Her approach is warm, thoughtful, and deeply rooted in understanding the everyday stresses that quietly impact our well-being.
00:00:00 – Time Constraints in Medical Practice 00:02:08 – Dr. Ghyssaert’s Journey to Family Medicine 00:03:23 – The Heart of Patient Care 00:07:05 – Nutrition as a Foundational Tool 00:10:06 – Prevention, Medicine & Specialization 00:14:23 – Evidence-Based Practice & Lifelong Learning 00:19:13 – The Modern Family Doctor’s Role 00:22:05 – Systemic Pressures vs. Holistic Care 00:26:23 – What is Holistic & Integrative Medicine? 00:29:10 – Empowering Through Education & Time 00:34:56 – Working with Specialists & Mental Health 00:36:25 – Doctor-Patient Relationships Across Cultures 00:40:19 – Initial Testing & Personalized Parameters 00:46:18 – Heavy Metals, Microplastics & the Microbiome 00:54:37 – Rebalancing Biochemistry with Supplements & Diet 00:57:54 – Smart Supplementation: Myths, Food Quality & Bioavailability 01:04:07 – Case Study: Supplement Success Story 01:06:51 – Supplement Quality & Regulation 01:07:42 – GLP-1 Medications & Metabolic Health 01:14:23 – Nutrient Deficiencies & Monitoring on GLP-1s 01:17:17 – Insulin Resistance, Blood Sugar & Diets 01:21:48 – Wearables & Glucose Monitoring 01:24:13 – Stress, Cortisol & Hormonal Health 01:28:05 – Women’s & Men’s Health: Hormones, Menopause & More 01:41:39 – AI in Medicine & the Future of Healthcare 01:46:59 – Final Reflections & Advice
For further mental health information and support, visit The Balance RehabClinic website: https://balancerehabclinic.com/
Follow Dr Indhira: https://www.linkedin.com/in/indhira-ghyssaert-078a106a/
Follow Abdullah Boulad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdullahboulad/ https://www.instagram.com/abdullahboulad/
You can order Abdullah’s book, ‘Living A Life In Balance’, here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/...
Follow The Balance RehabClinic: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thebalancerehabclinic/ https://www.instagram.com/thebalancerehabclinic/
#heal
STOP FEARING FOOD: Debunking Nutrition Myths, Fasting Trends & the Truth About Gut Health
Anna Lena Middeldorf, Nutritionist at The Balance, shares her deeply personal story of suddenly losing hearing in one ear overnight—a profound experience that reshaped her understanding of health beyond the surface. As a nutritionist, she explains why it’s time to stop fearing food and reveals the powerful connection between the microbiome and mental health, emphasizing that we truly are what we absorb. Anna Lena also discusses why fasting during certain menstrual phases can do more harm than good, and why mental and physical health must be addressed together for lasting well-being.
🔗 Watch now for a conversation that will change the way you see the powerful connection between nutrition, mental health, and overall well-being.
About Anna: Anna-Lena Middeldorf is an academically trained Rehabilitation Pedagogue (BA) specializing in psychosocial rehabilitation and holds a Master’s degree in Human Nutrition (MHSc). She offers individualized, evidence-based nutrition and lifestyle counseling that considers each person’s lifestyle, preferences, and possibilities. Anna works holistically to gently reshape diet and habits in a way that fits seamlessly into everyday life for lasting change. Her goal is to provide emotional support and professional guidance to help maintain long-term physical and mental health.
00:00 – Nutrition Myths & Mindful Eating 00:46 – Meet Anna: From Rehab to Nutrition Counselling 01:42 – Fertility Clinic Work & Motivations for Change 05:06 – A Health Crisis That Changed Everything 09:19 – How Illness Built Empathy & Insight 10:33 – Busting Common Nutrition Myths 11:45 – The Role of Social Media in Food Confusion 12:56 – Why One-Size-Fits-All Nutrition Doesn’t Work 14:20 – Intermittent Fasting: What You Should Know 16:48 – Coffee on an Empty Stomach & Breakfast Timing 20:07 – Glucose Spikes, Mood, & Energy 23:59 – Gut Health: Microbiome & Mental Wellness 25:59 – Nutrition Foundations Over Food Trends 28:11 – Mindful Eating & Digestion 33:09 – Cultural Eating Orders & Glucose Regulation 35:27 – Glucose, Insulin, & Mental Health Links 41:15 – Gender Differences in Nutrition 44:57 – Nutrition for Aging & Menopause 48:47 – Stress, Cortisol & Libido 51:20 – Essential Nutrients: Vitamin D, Omega-3s & More 58:04 – Nutrition & Mental Health in Detox 01:08:11 – Emotional Roots of Disordered Eating 01:11:29 – Gut-Brain Healing & Empowered Clients 01:18:00 – Daily Practices: Planning, Gratitude & Mindfulness
For further mental health information and support, visit The Balance RehabClinic website: https://balancerehabclinic.com/
Follow Anna Lena: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-lena-middeldorf/
Follow Abdullah Boulad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdullahboulad/ https://www.instagram.com/abdullahboulad/
You can order Abdullah’s book, ‘Living A Life In Balance’, here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BC9S5TCF
Follow The Balance RehabClinic: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thebalancerehabclinic/ https://www.instagram.com/thebalancerehabclinic/
Petró Kohut, Rolfing & Somatic Trauma Therapist at The Balance, brings a grounded, compassionate approach to healing that goes beyond just relieving pain. In this episode, he opens up about the ways our bodies carry stress, hold memories, and reflect the stories we’ve lived—often without us even realizing it. Through touch, movement, and deep listening, Petró helps people reconnect with themselves, release long-held tension, and move toward real, lasting change. It’s a powerful reminder that healing doesn’t just happen in the mind—it lives in the body too.
🔗 Watch now for a conversation that will shift how you think about the body’s role in emotional and mental well-being.
About Petro: Petró Kohut has spent over two decades in the helping field, offering a deep and evolving blend of manual therapy, bodywork, Rolfing®, and trauma healing. His work focuses on addressing the root causes of tension and pain—posture, movement patterns, and unresolved trauma—through hands-on techniques that engage the body’s myo-fascial system. With a strong foundation in Remedial and Sports Massage, he has expanded his practice to include Structural Integration and is currently training in Somatic Experiencing. Passionate about men’s work and human potential, Petró creates sessions that are not only physically transformative but often emotionally profound.
[00:00:00] – Introduction: Feeling Emotions and Reconnecting with the Body [00:02:44] – Petro’s Journey in Bodywork [00:06:00] – Understanding the Body-Mind Connection [00:09:41] – Building Real Awareness in the Body [00:12:24] – Intellectual Responses vs. Emotional Presence [00:16:20] – What Causes Disconnection? Trauma, Pressure, and Upbringing [00:18:20] – Emotional Impact of Boarding Schools and Lack of Safety [00:21:26] – Personal Growth Through Trauma and Reconnection [00:22:39] – What Is Rolfing? Petro’s Introduction to Structural Realignment [00:24:17] – The Method Behind Rolfing: Realigning the Body’s Integrity [00:26:26] – Movement as Integration: How the Body Learns to Feel Safe [00:29:05] – Addressing Long-Held Patterns Stored in the Body [00:31:40] – Simple Practices to Support Body Awareness Daily [00:34:31] – The Therapist’s Role in Guiding Embodied Healing [00:37:00] – Why Mind and Body Must Be Treated Together [00:41:12] – Inside a Somatic Experiencing Session [00:44:11] – Grounding Through Sensation: Using Anchors for Presence [00:48:39] – How Somatic Work Transforms Long-Term Mental Health [00:52:19] – Stories of Healing: Witnessing Deep Body-Mind Shifts [01:03:00] – Maintaining Personal Balance
For further mental health information and support, visit The Balance RehabClinic website: https://balancerehabclinic.com/
Follow Petro Kohut: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petr%C3%B3-kohut-91412672/
Follow Abdullah Boulad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdullahboulad/ https://www.instagram.com/abdullahboulad/
You can order Abdullah’s book, ‘Living A Life In Balance’, here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BC9S5TCF
Follow The Balance RehabClinic: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thebalancerehabclinic/ https://www.instagram.com/thebalancerehabclinic/
Cheryl Donaldson, MA, LMFT, LPC, Founder of Helping Families Flourish, LLC, joins Abdullah Boulad on Living a Life in Balance for an honest and practical conversation about emotional growth, family dynamics, and the inner world of children and adolescents.
Drawing from her own early struggles, academic challenges, and family experiences, Cheryl reflects on the moments that shaped her understanding of resilience and motivation. She shares how the coping mechanisms she developed as a young person now guide the way she supports parents, teens, and families in her clinical work.
🔗 Tune in for a wise, supportive, and deeply human exploration of what it means to grow, parent, and find balance in an ever-changing world.
About Cheryl: Cheryl is a seasoned mental health clinician with over 20 years of experience supporting families, parents, and teenagers through modern challenges. She holds a Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Wheaton College and began her career serving at the American International School in Vienna. Today, her focus is on empowering families and adolescents with guidance that fosters confidence, resilience, and lasting well-being.
00:00:00 – Early Struggles and Motivation 00:03:27 – Academic Challenges and Family Dynamics 00:06:00 – Coping Mechanisms and Emotional Growth 00:10:37 – Parenting, Learning Styles, and Strengths 00:14:48 – Emotional Intelligence and Adolescent Support 00:18:45 – Cheryl’s Clinical Practice and Common Issues 00:21:15 – Helping Children Manage Anxiety and Friendship 00:24:57 – Social Struggles, Bullying, and Resilience 00:28:28 – Family Moves and Emotional Adaptation 00:33:40 – Career, Identity, and Purpose Abroad 00:42:08 – Building Connection and Navigating EXPAT Life 00:47:17 – Family Bonds, Friendship, and Finding Home 00:51:44 – Introduction to Internal Family Systems (IFS) 00:53:39 – Soul Work, Spirituality, and Self-Compassion 00:58:41 – Integrating Soul into Clinical Practice 01:04:44 – Leadership, IFS Principles, and Organizational Culture 01:10:54 – Communication, Curiosity, and Workplace Wellness 01:20:01 – Balance Practices and Final Wisdom
For further mental health information and support, visit The Balance RehabClinic website: https://balancerehabclinic.com/
Follow Abdullah Boulad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdullahboulad/ https://www.instagram.com/abdullahboulad/
David Cornwell, psychotherapist at The Balance, specializing in depression, trauma, and nervous system healing, breaks down the subtle yet powerful ways the body holds and processes our experiences. In this episode, he explores how awareness, presence, and somatic practices can lead to real transformation. From the irony of wealth to the wisdom of the nervous system, David invites us to slow down, feel more deeply, and reconnect with what truly matters.
🔗 Watch now for a conversation that just might change the way you think about the connection between your body, mind, and emotions.
About David: David Cornwell is an accredited psychotherapist with a Master’s in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy from Oxford and over 25 years of personal mindfulness practice. He specializes in body-centered approaches to healing trauma, depression, and chronic stress, combining talk therapy with somatic techniques and EMDR. After living with asthma for 35 years, David developed a program that helped him become completely medication-free — an experience that deeply informs his work. Today, at The Balance, he supports clients in releasing long-held tension and reconnecting with their innate capacity to heal, blending psychotherapy, mindfulness, and body awareness into a truly integrative path to transformation.
[00:00:00] – What Is Meditation? A Simple Introduction [00:02:12] – How Therapy and Meditation Changed David’s Life [00:04:25] – Healing Trauma Through Mind-Body Integration [00:06:58] – Training in Mindfulness-Based Psychotherapy Explained [00:08:19] – Learning from Chris Cullen and Oxford’s Influence [00:09:31] – The Neuroscience Behind Mindfulness and Healing [00:12:00] – Personal Growth: How Meditation Shapes the Self [00:16:18] – Regulating Emotions Through Early Meditation Practice [00:20:33] – Finding Joy and Presence Through Various Meditations [00:24:28] – Building Body Awareness Through Mindfulness Practices [00:27:17] – The Roots and Rise of Mindfulness-Based Psychotherapy [00:30:05] – Transforming Pain: Mindfulness as a Structured Path [00:34:02] – Unpacking Childhood Patterns Through Mindful Therapy [00:36:27] – Trauma Awareness and the Power of Being Present [00:40:22] – Everyday Mindfulness Across Cultures and Routines [00:41:01] – The Science of Mindful Eating and Neural Shifts [00:44:57] – How to Stay Mindful in the Chaos of Daily Life [00:46:48] – Recognising Autopilot Mode and Creating New Experiences [00:51:56] – Understanding Processing Styles, Decisions, and Low Mood [00:55:53] – Deepening Embodied Awareness Through Breathwork [00:58:36] – Guided Practice: Creating Space from Emotions [01:06:00] – Mindfulness for Simplicity and High-Pressure Lifestyles [01:13:01] – Somatic Therapy and Stories of Deep Transformation [01:20:22] – Rediscovering Joy and Creativity After Trauma [01:25:47] – Redefining Masculinity: Mental Health and Vulnerability [01:30:56] – Daily Practices and Global Well-Being Advice
For further mental health information and support, visit The Balance RehabClinic website: https://balancerehabclinic.com/
Follow David Cornwell https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-ernest-cornwell/
Follow Abdullah Boulad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdullahboulad/ https://www.instagram.com/abdullahboulad/
You can order Abdullah’s book, ‘Living A Life In Balance’, here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BC9S5TCF
Follow The Balance RehabClinic: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thebalancerehabclinic/ https://www.instagram.com/thebalancerehabclinic/
Enrique Balasch Torres, Addiction Therapist at The Balance, breaks down what it truly means to recover from addiction—not just physically, but emotionally and mentally.
In this episode of Living A Life In Balance, Enrique shares his deeply personal journey from battling addiction to becoming a therapist dedicated to helping others heal. With raw honesty and compassion, he speaks about the inner struggles of addiction, the fear of facing oneself, and the courage it takes to change.
🔗 Watch now for a real conversation that challenges the way we view addiction.
About Enrique Balasch: Enrique is an experienced Addiction Specialist and Behavioral Therapist at The Balance, with over 10 years of hands-on work in group therapy and individual recovery support. His approach combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, life coaching, and tailored addiction treatment to meet each client’s unique journey. Enrique’s work is grounded in real-life understanding, making him a trusted guide for those navigating the path to lasting recovery.
Alcohol and the Origins of Addiction (00:00:00) What Is Addiction? My Personal Story (00:05:24) Use, Abuse, Dependence: The Progression (00:10:04) Relapse and Triggers: The Brain’s Reward System (00:19:50) Inner Conflict and Surrendering to Recovery (00:26:07) Surrender, Denial, and the Illusion of Control (00:30:15) Shame, Action, and the Neuroscience of Addiction (00:33:51) How Addiction Affects the Brain (00:36:19) Breaking the Cycle Through Trust and Surrender (00:42:24) Personal Stories and the Power of Neuroplasticity (00:48:11) Overstimulation and Modern Life (00:53:19) Awareness and Family Roles in Recovery (00:59:06) Understanding the Addicted Mind and Timing Interventions (01:03:16) Tough Love and Effective Communication (01:11:01) Why Professional Interventionists Matter (01:19:04) The Process of Relapse and How to Prevent It (01:24:32) Staying Connected with Clients in Recovery (01:28:02) Focus on the Present: One Step at a Time (01:31:19) Accepting Limits and the Realities of Recovery (01:36:14) Final Thoughts: Seeking Help and Moving Forward (01:37:22)
For further mental health information and support, visit The Balance RehabClinic website: https://balancerehabclinic.com/
Gita Chaudhuri, Head of Psychotherapy at The Balance RehabClinic, breaks down the importance of understanding our emotions and the role they play in signaling our needs. She explores how modern society struggles with discomfort, the nature of obsessive overthinking, and the deep connection between trauma and childhood attachment. Drawing from her personal journey, she shares how early experiences shaped her path as a therapist and offers insights on finding balance, fulfillment, and true happiness in the present moment.
🔗 Watch now for a conversation that just might change the way you think about mental health.
About Gita Chaudhuri: With over 20 years of experience, Gita has dedicated her career to psychotherapy and counselling, offering compassionate, expert care in Mallorca since 2002. Her holistic approach integrates diverse therapeutic disciplines, emphasizing the deep connection between mental, emotional, and physical well-being. As a Head Therapist at The Balance and a lecturer in systemic therapy, she is committed to empowering clients and sharing her expertise to support lasting transformation.
[00:00:00] - Introduction to Emotions [00:01:29] - Gita’s Journey to Becoming a Therapist [00:04:22] - Understanding Childhood Trauma [00:05:30] - Support Systems and Sibling Connection [00:06:17] - Life Experience vs. Clinical Education [00:07:57] - Overcoming Trauma & Finding Resilience [00:09:08] - The Modern Mental Health Crisis [00:10:55] - Digital Connections vs. Real Emotion [00:13:49] - Disconnection from the Body & Emotions [00:15:10] - How Tech Impacts Emotional Awareness [00:16:52] - The Pressure to Perform in Today’s Society [00:18:46] - Emotional Regulation in a Digital Age [00:20:07] - Attachment Theory & Emotional Growth [00:24:03] - What Therapy Really Offers [00:26:59] - Breaking the Stigma Around Therapy [00:31:02] - What is Integrative Psychotherapy? [00:34:37] - Building a Holistic Therapy Toolbox [00:44:02] - Understanding the Nature of Trauma [00:50:56] - Attachment in Family & Relationships [00:57:10] - How to Navigate Narcissistic Dynamics [01:06:22] - Managing Obsessive Overthinking [01:11:25] - Eating Disorders & Social Media Pressure [01:17:33] - Supporting Loved Ones with Eating Disorders [01:21:29] - Defining Happiness vs. Fulfillment [01:33:28] - Final Wisdom: The Power of Self-Awareness
For further mental health information and support, visit The Balance RehabClinic website: https://balancerehabclinic.com/
Dr. Sarah Boss, Clinical Director at The Balance RehabClinic breaks down what’s missing in mental health today—why over-diagnosis is rising, how therapy goes beyond just talking, and what science tells us about trauma and resilience. From the gut-brain connection to the future of psychiatry, this conversation dives deep into the complexities of modern mental health care—what’s working, what’s not, and where we go from here.
🔗 Watch now for a conversation that just might change the way you think about mental health.
About Dr. Sarah Boss: With extensive training in psychiatry, psychotherapy, neuromodulation, and functional medicine, Dr. Boss combines cutting-edge science with a holistic approach to treat clients comprehensively.
[00:00:00] - Dr. Sarah - Clinical Director [00:00:47] - Dr. Boss’s Journey & Motivation [00:02:30] - The Evolving Field of Psychiatry & Holistic Training [00:06:56] - Misconceptions About Psychiatry & When to Seek Help [00:10:12] - Preventative Approaches, Cultural Differences & Society’s Impact on Mental Health [00:17:09] - Understanding Different Mental Health Specialties [00:22:20] - Loneliness, Community & the Role of Social Support [00:29:35] - Genetics, Epigenetics & Intergenerational Trauma [00:32:56] - Misconceptions About Mental Health & Empowerment Through Neuroplasticity [00:40:33] - Root Causes of Symptoms & The Risk of Quick Fixes [00:45:42] - Integrative Psychiatry, Nervous System Regulation & Holistic Approaches [00:53:41] - Challenges in Healthcare & The Role of General Practitioners [00:57:02] - Understanding Trauma: Self-Regulation, Balance & Safe Healing Environments [01:09:48] - Combining Therapies for Better Outcomes [01:12:10] - Neuromodulation, TMS & Neurofeedback for ADHD [01:20:16] - The Power of Individualized Mental Health Care [01:25:39] - Group Therapy vs. Individual Therapy: Benefits and Considerations [01:27:16] - Book Recommendation: The Anxious Generation [01:29:00] - Technology’s Growing Impact on Mental Health [01:32:14] - Lessons from Clients & Personal Growth [01:34:51] - Dr Sarah Boss’s #1 Advice for Mental Well-being
For further mental health information and support, visit The Balance RehabClinic website: https://balancerehabclinic.com/
Follow Dr Sarah Boss: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-med-univ-sarah-boss-881761105/
Follow Abdullah Boulad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdullahboulad/ https://www.instagram.com/abdullahboulad/
You can order Abdullah’s book, ‘Living A Life In Balance’, here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BC9S5TCF
Follow The Balance RehabClinic: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thebalancerehabclinic/ https://www.instagram.com/thebalancerehabclinic/
Founder & CEO of THE BALANCE RehabClinic | 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://balancerehabclinic.com
From Trauma to Purpose: Sat Dharam Kaur's Spiritual Wisdom & Compassionate Inquiry with Gabor Maté
Sat Dharam Kaur, ND, joins Abdullah Boulad on Living a Life in Balance for a deeply human conversation about healing, purpose, and spiritual growth.
From her early family challenges to her transformative meeting with Dr. Gabor Maté, Sat Dharam shares how her personal journey gave rise to Beyond Addiction and Compassionate Inquiry, both program rooted in compassion, awareness, and community. She reflects on the ways trauma shapes our lives, and how practices like Kundalini Yoga and naturopathy can help restore balance to the nervous system and reconnect us with our true selves.
🔗 Tune in for a heartfelt exchange on resilience, purpose, and the path toward inner balance.
About Sat: Sat Dharam Kaur is a renowned Naturopathic Doctor, Kundalini Yoga teacher, and author who has dedicated her life to helping others heal and transform. A long-time student of Yogi Bhajan since 1976, she has trained countless teachers and practitioners through her programs. She is also the visionary creator of Beyond Addiction and The Healthy Breast Program, two holistic approaches that integrate yoga, meditation, and lifestyle medicine to support emotional resilience and vibrant wellbeing.
00:00:00 – Motivation and Early Influences 00:01:00 – Meeting Gabor Maté and Launching Beyond Addiction 00:02:10 – Personal Background and Early Family Challenges 00:03:40 – Mother’s Trauma, Addiction, and Family Dynamics 00:05:00 – Becoming a Helper and Finding Purpose 00:06:12 – Creativity, Learning, and Academic Struggles 00:08:22 – Coping Mechanisms and Emotional Support 00:11:17 – Reading, Philosophy, and Intellectual Curiosity 00:12:29 – Discovering Kundalini Yoga and Naturopathy 00:14:25 – First Spiritual Experience and Awakening 00:16:46 – Yoga as a Tool for Emotional Healing 00:17:53 – The History and Philosophy of Kundalini Yoga 00:22:20 – Demonstration and Benefits of Yogic Movement 00:27:39 – Regulating the Nervous System through Yoga 00:30:32 – Trauma, Adaptability, and the Body 00:31:02 – Sikhism, the Turban, and Spiritual Identity 00:33:07 – Sikh Philosophy and Living in Harmony 00:43:53 – Nature, Permaculture, and Embodied Living 00:48:31 – Creating Compassionate Inquiry with Gabor Maté 00:53:26 – Therapist Presence and the Importance of Self-Work in Healing 01:04:53 – Somatic Practices and Building Supportive Communities 01:15:18 – Purpose, Passion, and the Evolution of Consciousness
For further mental health information and support, visit The Balance RehabClinic website: https://balancerehabclinic.com/
Follow Abdullah Boulad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdullahboulad/ https://www.instagram.com/abdullahboulad/
Follow Sat Dharam Kaur: https://satdharamkaur.com/ https://www.instagram.com/satdharamkaur/?hl=en
You can order Abdullah’s book, ‘Living A Life In Balance’, here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/...
Follow The Balance RehabClinic: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thebalancerehabclinic/
Dr. Brian Pennie joins Abdullah Boulad on Living a Life in Balance to share an inspiring story of recovery, awareness, and transformation.
After more than fifteen years of heroin addiction, Brian reached a point of complete collapse, a moment that marked the beginning of his awakening. In this conversation, he opens up about his childhood trauma, the cycle of addiction, and the neuroscience of change.
Together, they explore the connection between the brain, body, and behavior, touching on the biology of trauma, the power of acceptance, and the science of happiness, resilience, and human connection.
🔗 Tune in for a powerful reminder that even in our darkest moments, transformation is possible.
About Dr Pennie: Brian is a neuroscientist and resilience specialist, and also works as an advisor and business coach to some of Ireland’s leading CEOs. Through a combination of his own inspiring story alongside the application of proven tools and techniques, he is determined to identify and unleash the hidden potential in others.
00:00:00 – Introduction & Meet Dr Brian Pennie 00:02:25 – Motivation and Lightbulb Moment 00:03:31 – Childhood Trauma and Family Environment 00:06:55 – Progression into Addiction 00:09:41 – Heroin Use and Functionality 00:12:04 – Collapse and Tipping Point 00:13:03 – Detox and Surrender 00:16:10 – Neuroscience of Seizures 00:19:35 – Rock Bottom and Spiritual Shift 00:22:55 – Minor Relapse and Redefining Recovery 00:26:44 – Language, Self-Talk, and Recovery 00:29:12 – Addiction, Motivation, and Visibility 00:31:55 – Substance Use and Brain Development 00:34:37 – Hope and Brain Rewiring 00:36:08 – Support Systems and Ireland’s Addiction Services 00:38:19 – Homelessness and Addiction Cycle 00:39:13 – Societal Change and Hope 00:40:54 – Awareness as Catalyst for Change 00:43:26 – Values-Based Living 00:45:29 – Neuroscience of Happiness 00:48:09 – Balance, Pleasure, and Moderation 00:50:06 – Social Homeostasis and Connection 00:52:28 – Listening to the Body and Inner Voice 00:55:58 – Acceptance as a “Biohack” 00:57:50 – Observer Mindset and Detachment 01:00:52 – Therapies & Biology of Trauma 01:11:34 – Safety, Connection, and Isolation 01:14:44 – Brain Health Fundamentals 01:24:11 – Exercise, Sport, and Longevity 01:37:01 – Language, Self-Talk, and Affirmations 01:50:27 – Media, Social Media, and Children’s Brains 02:00:38 – Daily Balance Practices 02:04:01 – Final Advice: Action Over Knowledge
For further mental health information and support, visit The Balance RehabClinic website: https://balancerehabclinic.com/
Follow Abdullah Boulad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdullahboulad/ https://www.instagram.com/abdullahboulad/
Follow Dr Brian Pennie: https://brianpennie.com/ https://www.instagram.com/brianpennie78
You can order Abdullah’s book, ‘Living A Life In Balance’, here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/...
Follow The Balance RehabClinic: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thebalancerehabclinic/
Licia Sky, Co-Founder and Global Ambassador of the Trauma Research Foundation, which she leads alongside her husband, Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, joins Abdullah Boulad on Living a Life in Balance to explore how healing begins when we reconnect with the body and learn to hold both joy and grief with compassion.
Licia shares moments from her own journey, including a near-death experience that transformed her understanding of life, love, and presence. She reflects on the power of embodied awareness, how the body remembers what the mind forgets, and why slowing down is essential to finding balance.
Together, they discuss the future of psychedelic therapy, the importance of integration and guidance, and how music, movement, and community can help us return to ourselves.
🔗 Tune in for a deeply human conversation about embodiment, trauma, and the art of coming back to balance.
About Licia: A somatic educator, artist, and bodyworker, she guides individuals and trains professionals in using movement, voice, mindfulness, and creative expression as tools for healing and connection. With over 40 years of experience as an artist, musician, and therapist, her approach weaves together polyvagal theory, parts work, and the latest research on trauma and the body.
00:00:00 – Early Trauma and Spiritual Experience 00:02:06 – Journey into Trauma Work and Meeting Bessel van der Kolk 00:04:24 – Intuition and Listening in Healing 00:05:58 – Childhood Mysticism 00:07:34 – Multicultural Upbringing and Identity 00:12:03 – Generational Trauma and Family History 00:14:16 – Spiritual Experience at Age 12 00:22:34 – Integration and Search for Understanding 00:26:16 – Improvisation, Self-Learning, and Creativity 00:27:34 – Bodywork, Flashbacks, and Validation 00:30:40 – Working with Challenging Clients 00:33:48 – Lessons in Humility and Human Connection 00:35:04 – Intuitive Bodywork and Therapeutic Boundaries 00:36:47 – Meeting Bessel van der Kolk and Relationship 00:43:28 – Role at the Trauma Research Foundation 00:46:50 – Psychedelics and Ketamine Therapy 00:53:37 – Importance of Integration and Individualised Care 00:58:16 – Cultural Differences in Mental Health 01:05:05 – Singing, Vulnerability, and Healing
For further mental health information and support, visit The Balance RehabClinic website: https://balancerehabclinic.com/
Follow Abdullah Boulad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdullahboulad/ https://www.instagram.com/abdullahboulad/
Follow Licia Sky: https://liciasky.com/index.html
You can order Abdullah’s book, ‘Living A Life In Balance’, here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/...
Follow The Balance RehabClinic: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thebalancerehabclinic/
In this episode of Living a Life in Balance, Abdullah Boulad sits with Emi Lizuka, Mindfulness and Somatic Experiencing Therapist at The Balance, to explore how awareness, compassion, and safety shape the way we heal.
Emi shares her personal journey of overcoming narcissistic abuse and single motherhood, and how those experiences led her to teach mindfulness and trauma-informed practices. She explains how self-compassion, co-regulation, and body awareness can transform the nervous system and rebuild a sense of connection to ourselves and to those around us.
Together, they discuss what safety truly means, how empathy works in the brain, and why being authentic with ourselves is the foundation of emotional healing.
🔗 Tune in for a heartfelt conversation on trauma, mindfulness, and the gentle power of presence.
About Emi: Emi is an experienced mindfulness and somatic therapist. Her work integrates neuroscience, compassionate inquiry, and trauma-informed care to help individuals reconnect with their bodies, cultivate self-compassion, and restore balance through awareness and understanding.
00:00:00 Introduction & Emi’s Healing Philosophy 00:02:01 Self-Compassion & Mindfulness Practice 00:08:15 Surviving Narcissistic Abuse & Single Motherhood 00:14:24 Post-Separation Healing 00:15:55 Becoming a Mindfulness Teacher 00:17:53 Neuroscience of Empathy 00:21:54 Defining Mindfulness 00:24:24 Trauma Studies & Co-Regulation 00:28:31 Essence of Compassionate Inquiry 00:31:53 Triggers, Social Media, and Public Life 00:38:56 Somatic Experiencing & Safety 00:42:13 Defining Safety & Connection 00:45:27 Trauma, Ownership, and Empowerment 00:48:07 Cultural Differences in Connection 00:51:09 Self-Authenticity 01:00:45 Practicing Self-Compassion 01:05:15 Why We’re Hard on Ourselves 01:06:32 Parenting, Vulnerability, and Holding Space 01:14:19 Mindful Communication & Presence 01:22:04 Client Transformations 01:24:25 Final Wisdom: Savour the Moment
For further mental health information and support, visit The Balance RehabClinic website: https://balancerehabclinic.com/
Follow Abdullah Boulad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdullahboulad/ https://www.instagram.com/abdullahboulad/
In this episode of Living a Life in Balance, Abdullah Boulad sits with Dr. Simon Feldhaus, Medical Doctor at The Balance, to explore the link between the gut, brain, and overall health.
Dr. Feldhaus shares how functional and micronutrient medicine can prevent disease, slow aging, and support the body’s natural healing ability. He explains how stress, sleep, diet, and mindset influence our biology and why empathy and education are key to true wellbeing.
🔗 Tune in for a grounded conversation on prevention, vitality, and the future of health.
About Dr. Feldhaus: Simon is a highly qualified specialist in general medicine with certifications in Phytotherapy and Interventional Pain Therapy. He has been trained in both modern and complementary medicine, allowing him to utilize a breadth of experience in both fields. His therapeutic approach focuses on Regulatory Medicine, Orthomolecular Medicine, Mitochondrial Medicine, Phytotherapy, Complementary Oncology, Integrative Sports Care, and Health Prevention.
Introduction and the Gut-Brain Connection (00:00:00) What Motivated Simon to Become a Doctor (00:02:25) Medical Training and Functional Approach (00:04:12) Empowering People Through Education (00:06:09) What Is Functional Medicine? (00:08:37) The Role of Empathy in Healthcare (00:12:08) The Body’s Self-Healing Potential (00:15:05) The Mind, Brain, and Gut Axis (00:16:18) The Power of Gratitude and Positive Thinking (00:24:03) Mindfulness and Being Present (00:26:14) Toxicity, Micronutrients, and Environment (00:28:08) The Microbiome and Mental Health (00:33:04) Gut Diversity, Diet, and Individualization (00:41:35) Autoimmunity, Allergies, and the Gut (00:49:05) Genetics vs. Epigenetics (00:52:32) Chronic Stress and Biological Aging (00:59:00) Fight-or-Flight and Modern Disorders (01:02:21) Information Overload and Stress in Children (01:14:33) Sleep, Brain Detox, and Recovery (01:25:08) Therapeutic Sugars and Brain Energy (01:32:17) Longevity and the Future of Prevention (01:59:51)
For further mental health information and support, visit The Balance RehabClinic website: https://balancerehabclinic.com/
Follow Abdullah Boulad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdullahboulad/ https://www.instagram.com/abdullahboulad/
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You can order Abdullah’s book, ‘Living A Life In Balance’, here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/...
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In this insightful episode, Saskia van Houten, Psychotherapist at The Balance, explores what it truly means to heal from the inside out. She shares how therapy helps shift the body from survival to safety, why belonging and connection are vital to our wellbeing, and how unspoken pain often hides behind competence and control. With honesty and grace, Saskia reflects on her own journey through loss and transformation, reminding us that healing is not a straight path but a process of rediscovering safety, love, and meaning.
As a psychotherapist, she bridges neuroscience, emotion, and lived experience—showing that when the mind feels safe, the heart begins to open.
🔗 Tune in for an honest conversation about trauma, belonging, and the courage to heal.
About Saskia: Clinical and organizational psychologist with a private practice where she supports clients both online and in person. Holding two master’s degrees, she originally specialized in eating disorders and self-image, later expanding her expertise through postgraduate training in trauma treatment, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Schema Therapy. Beyond her clinical work, Saskia is a published author and a frequent contributor to Dutch television and radio, where she shares her insights on mental health and emotional wellbeing.
Personal Crisis and Growth (00:00:00) Saskia’s Motivation and Career Path (00:02:13) Therapeutic Training and Modalities (00:05:27) Child and Adolescent Specialization (00:08:52) Therapeutic Techniques and Customization (00:09:48) Multiple Facets of Personality (00:12:26) Self-Esteem and Relationship Dynamics (00:16:16) Attachment, Guilt, and Repetition of Patterns (00:20:07) Creating Safe Therapeutic Environments (00:22:24) Repairing Childhood Wounds in Therapy (00:27:13) Processing Childhood Experiences (00:29:48) Inner Child Work and Imagery Rescripting (00:32:20) Social Belonging and Fear of Rejection (00:37:04) Self-Esteem, Public Perception, and Criticism (00:41:37) Therapist’s Role: Past the Protector Part (00:46:15) Comparison, Success, and Personal Values (00:48:34) Self-Love, Boundaries, and Intentions (00:53:02) Letting Go and Seasons of Life (01:03:20) Therapist’s Personal Story: Twin Identity (01:05:17) High-Functioning Depression and Autism (01:08:30) Self-Image, Mirror Exercise, and Self-Love (01:13:33) Happiness, Self-Love, and Life’s Ups and Downs (01:24:05) Parenting, Reflection, and Imperfection (01:27:21) Personal Setbacks and Recovery (01:30:45) Post-Traumatic Growth and Choice (01:40:35)
For further mental health information and support, visit The Balance RehabClinic website: https://balancerehabclinic.com/
Follow Abdullah Boulad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdullahboulad/ https://www.instagram.com/abdullahboulad/
Follow Saskia Van Houten: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saskiageraertsvanhouten/ https://www.instagram.com/psycholoog_saskia/
You can order Abdullah’s book, ‘Living A Life In Balance’, here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/...
Follow The Balance RehabClinic: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thebalancerehabclinic/
In this compassionate and thought-provoking episode, Gita Chaudhuri, Director of Psychotherapy at The Balance, guides us through the complex terrain of grief. From personal loss to collective mourning, Gita offers a grounded and deeply human understanding of what it means to grieve.
She explores the difference between normal and complicated grief, how pain is not a problem to be fixed but a reflection of love, and why rituals, both personal and cultural, matter in our healing process. With warmth and clinical clarity, Gita shares how therapy can help us navigate the chaos of loss, make space for transformation, and carry forward what we’ve lost without letting it define us.
As a psychotherapist, Gita combines psychological depth with spiritual insight, holding space for grief in all its forms, from the death of a loved one to sudden trauma to the quieter, everyday losses that shape our lives.
🔗 Tune in for an honest conversation about grief, love, and the long, winding road toward healing.
About Gita: Gita Chaudhuri is the Director of Psychotherapy at The Balance, where she leads a multidisciplinary team supporting clients through trauma, grief, and emotional recovery. With over 20 years of experience, Gita brings a rare ability to hold emotional depth, cultural nuance, and therapeutic precision—all in service of helping people find meaning in their pain and the courage to move forward.
What Is Grief? (00:00:00) The Stages of Grief: Messy, Nonlinear & Unique (00:02:58) When Grief Becomes Complicated (00:06:00) Losing a Parent vs. Losing a Child (00:08:27) How Therapy Helps Us Grieve (00:11:15) Denial, Oscillation & Emotional Protection (00:13:06) Grief Across Cultures: Rituals & Expression (00:14:24) Personal Story: Abdullah on Losing His Father (00:17:23) Children & Grief (00:20:30) How Grief Transforms Us (00:23:01) Grief in the Body: Physical & Cognitive Effects (00:26:21) Crying, Cultural Norms & Emotional Release (00:30:46) Traumatic Loss, Anniversaries & Long-Term Support (00:39:12) Guilt, Forgiveness & the Grief Journey (00:42:41) How Attachment Shapes Our Grief (00:47:16) Stuck Grief, Obsession & When to Seek Help (00:50:07) Sudden Death vs. Anticipated Death (00:54:19) Suicide, Terminal Illness & Self-Determined Death (01:02:09) Rituals, Religion & Making Meaning After Loss (01:11:06) When to Seek Therapy: Normal vs. Complicated Grief (01:23:03) Religion, Spirituality & Signs from the Beyond (01:27:04) Energy, Afterlife & Legacy: What Remains After Loss (01:32:02) Final Words: Grief as Transformation & Trusting the Process (01:38:13)
For further mental health information and support, visit The Balance RehabClinic website: https://balancerehabclinic.com/
Follow Abdullah Boulad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdullahboulad/ https://www.instagram.com/abdullahboulad/
Dr. Louise Stanger, a licensed clinical social worker with more than 35 years of experience, author, and global parenting expert, joins Abdullah Boulad for a deeply human conversation on grief, resilience, family patterns, and the moments that quietly shape our lives.
She reflects on losing a child to SIDS, the sudden death of her spouse, and the painful silence surrounding her father’s passing. Louise speaks about unanswered questions, generational wounds, and how the body often carries what the mind is not yet ready to hold.
This episode offers perspective for anyone navigating loss, supporting someone through grief, or trying to understand how our histories influence the way we love, parent, and build relationships.
About Dr Louise Dr Louise Stanger is a respected clinician, interventionist, educator, and author who has supported families through addiction, trauma, and major life transitions. Her approach blends research, empathy, and practical guidance to help people strengthen relationships, rebuild trust, and create meaningful change with compassion.
00:00:00 – Introducing Dr Louise Stanger 00:01:47 – A Life’s Mission Born From Grief 00:02:11 – Generational Trauma and Family History 00:02:33 – Losing a Child to SIDS 00:03:44 – Sudden Loss of a Spouse 00:06:13 – Her Father’s Suicide and Childhood Silence 00:07:33 – Education, Mentors, and Becoming a Social Worker 00:09:43 – Learning the Truth About Her Father 00:12:01 – First Teaching Job and Early Encouragement 00:12:33 – Grief, Secrecy, and Maternal Support 00:14:40 – Teenage Turmoil and Emotional Survival 00:16:41 – The Power of Safe Havens and Mentors 00:17:40 – What Makes a Safe Space Safe? 00:21:33 – How Grief Shaped Her Parenting and Marriage 00:25:29 – Coping Through Friendship and Creativity 00:30:31 – Learning to Be Present Again 00:31:32 – How She Defines Grief Today 00:34:09 – From Pain to Resilience and Choice 00:41:40 – Debunking Myths About Grief 00:44:02 – Interventions, Family Portraits, and New Beginnings 00:47:04 – Portraiture, Mapping, and Systemic Insight 00:51:44 – Family Interventions and Long-Term Change 00:55:25 – What “Invitation to Change” Really Means 01:02:35 – Reflections at 79: Staying Present 01:14:40 – Final Wisdom: Keep Falling Up
For further mental health information and support, visit The Balance RehabClinic website: https://balancerehabclinic.com/
Follow Abdullah Boulad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdullahboulad/ https://www.instagram.com/abdullahboulad/
Follow Dr Louise Stanger: https://www.instagram.com/drlouisestanger/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlouisestanger/
You can order Abdullah’s book, ‘Living A Life In Balance’, here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/...
Follow The Balance RehabClinic: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thebalancerehabclinic/