"The Addicted Mind Podcast" offers hope, understanding, and guidance for those dealing with addiction, with real stories and research to inspire and show the jo...
TAM+ EP 60: Rewiring Your Recovery: The Power of a Growth Mindset
Have you ever thought, "I've tried recovery before and failed—why try again?" or "This is just who I am"? These beliefs might be the biggest barrier to lasting recovery.
In this solo episode, licensed therapist Duane Osterlind shares how a growth mindset can transform your recovery journey. Drawing from Dr. Carol Dweck's research, Duane explains how viewing your abilities and capacity for recovery as things that can grow and change (rather than fixed traits) makes all the difference.
Recovery is rarely a straight path. For many, it's a series of hopeful starts followed by setbacks. Each relapse can make doubt grow louder: "Maybe I'm not strong enough," or "Maybe I'll always be this way." These thoughts aren't just discouraging—they actively harm recovery.
When we believe change isn’t possible, we avoid challenges, give up easily, and see effort as pointless. This mindset isn’t just psychological—it impacts physical health, increases stress, and perpetuates addiction.
But there is another way. A growth mindset recognizes that your brain is neuroplastic—able to form new pathways throughout life. The same neuroplasticity that allowed addiction to take hold can help you build healthier habits. Through this lens, relapse becomes valuable data, not failure, offering insights about triggers and strategies for meaningful change.
Duane shares practical steps to build this mindset, like becoming aware of your self-talk, reframing challenges, embracing "the power of yet," and celebrating effort over outcomes. Recovery becomes about resilience and growth, not perfection.
Ready to change your approach?
Download the free growth mindset worksheet in the show notes.
Download The Worksheet
Join The Addicted Mind Plus Community for more support.
Join The Community
Key Topics:
The difference between fixed mindset and growth mindset in recovery
How neuroplasticity makes lasting change possible in addiction
Viewing relapses as learning opportunities rather than failures
Practical techniques to develop a growth mindset in recovery
The importance of celebrating effort over perfect outcomes
How seeking feedback strengthens your recovery journey
Finding inspiration in others who have successfully changed
Episode Timestamps:
[00:00:54] Introduction to growth mindset in addiction recovery
[00:04:21] The research behind mindset theory and Dr. Carol Dweck's work
[00:07:00] Understanding brain neuroplasticity in addiction and recovery
[00:09:39] Actionable steps to develop a growth mindset in recovery
[00:12:31] The power of adding "yet" to negative self-statements
[00:14:05] The importance of seeking constructive feedback
[00:16:00] Closing thoughts: "Becoming is better than being"
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20:08
324: Breaking Free from High-Functioning Codependency with Terri Cole
High-functioning codependency takes center stage as we welcome licensed psychotherapist and boundary expert Terri Cole to the Addicted Mind podcast. With a unique journey from a talent agent to a psychotherapist, Terri shares her personal experiences and insights from her book, "Too Much: A Guide to Breaking the Cycle of High-Functioning Codependency." We dive into the world of individuals who seem to manage life with ease yet secretly bear the weight of excessive responsibilities. Terri provides valuable strategies to help listeners recognize and break free from these patterns, offering a path towards healthier relationships and personal well-being.
The episode also shines a light on the connection between highly sensitive people and high-functioning codependency. Terri and I explore the challenges of managing the instinct to control others' emotions and the importance of setting healthy boundaries. Personal anecdotes bring these discussions to life, including the struggle to support a loved one while respecting their autonomy. By acknowledging the discomfort of letting go, listeners can learn to empower others to be the heroes of their own stories, fostering genuine connection and intimacy.
In this episode, you will hear:
High-functioning codependency and its hidden struggles explored with Terri Cole
Transition from talent agent to psychotherapist; insights from Terri's book "Too Much"
Connection between highly sensitive people and high-functioning codependency
Strategies for setting boundaries and fostering healthier relationships
Embracing vulnerability and authenticity as part of recovery
Importance of self-discovery and courage to disappoint for personal growth
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
NovusMindfulLife.com
Instagram: Terri Cole (@terricole)
Book: Too Much https://www.terricole.com/
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
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35:39
TAM+ EP 59: Rewire Your Brain: The Power of Personal Mantras for Recovery
Imagine this: You're in the middle of a stressful moment. Your heart races, shame creeps in, and that familiar voice in your head starts up again: "I'm a failure. I'll never change." What if you could stop this spiral with just a few powerful words?
In this episode of The Addicted Mind Plus, hosts Duane and Eric explore how creating a personal positive mantra can transform your recovery journey. These simple phrases aren't just feel-good statements—they're powerful tools backed by science that can literally rewire your brain.
Our hosts break down how negative automatic thoughts become hardwired through repetition, creating harmful cycles that feel impossible to escape. But there's hope! Using the concept of neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to form new connections—they explain how intentionally shifting these thoughts with personal mantras can change how you feel and respond to stress, shame, and cravings.
The episode offers a practical three-step process to create your own personal mantra: identify your automatic negative thoughts, challenge them with more realistic perspectives, and craft a simple, memorable mantra you can use in tough moments. Examples like "This feeling will pass" and "I am stronger than this moment" show how these short phrases can become powerful anchors when you need them most.
Duane and Eric emphasize that recovery isn't something we do alone—it's a journey we take together. They share how these mantras, when practiced regularly, become stronger with each use—like doing one rep at the gym.
Whether you're new to recovery or looking to strengthen your journey, this episode provides a simple yet powerful tool to help you navigate stress, regulate emotions, and stay grounded when you need it most.
Rewire Your Brain: The Power of Personal Mantras for Recovery Worksheet
Join The TAM+ Community >> Here
Key Topics
The science behind automatic negative thoughts and how they become hardwired in our brains
How neuroplasticity allows us to create new thought patterns through intentional practice
Three-step process to create your personal coping mantra
Why writing down negative thoughts is crucial to identifying them
The importance of personalizing mantras to make them more effective
How to practice and implement your mantra in daily life
Why community support enhances recovery alongside personal coping skills
Timestamp
[00:01:08] Introduction to personal coping mantras and their power in stressful moments
[00:03:54] The importance of community in recovery journeys
[00:05:00] Understanding how automatic negative thoughts shape our emotions and behaviors
[00:06:14] The science and history behind mantras in psychological practice
[00:09:00] Step 1: Identifying your automatic negative thoughts
[00:11:58] Step 2 & 3: Challenging negative thoughts and creating positive mantras
[00:16:09] Resources available for listeners to implement these practices
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19:54
323: Healing from Betrayal: Inner Child Work and Rediscovering Strength with Eddie Capparucci, Ph.D., LPC, C-CSAS, CPCS
Unlock the secret to healing from betrayal as Eddie Caparucci, a seasoned counselor, guides us through the transformative power of inner child work. Gain insights from Eddie as he unravels the intricate tapestry of trauma, betrayal, and recovery. Eddie’s latest book offers a lifeline to those grappling with the pain of infidelity, drawing connections between unresolved childhood wounds and present-day struggles. Together with his wife, Teri, they illuminate a path towards reclaiming one's sense of self and emotional resilience.
Join us as we explore the profound impact of childhood experiences on our responses to betrayal. Eddie shares his expertise on identifying core emotional triggers and how these can magnify the hurt of infidelity. By acknowledging the inner child, betrayed partners can begin the journey of healing and learn to separate raw emotions from rational thoughts. With compassion and understanding, this episode shines a light on the complex journey of recovery, empowering listeners to manage emotional distress more effectively.
In this episode, you will hear:
Eddie Capparucci discusses healing from betrayal using inner child work, linking unresolved childhood trauma to current emotional issues.
Exploration of betrayal and trauma intersection, offering insights on separating emotions from thoughts for recovery.
Strategies for finding inner strength and resilience after betrayal, focusing on self-empowerment and understanding pain.
The importance of community support and therapy for managing distress and rebuilding trust.
Discussion on identifying emotional triggers and addressing past wounds for recovery and better relationship decisions.
Insights on maintaining healthy relationships by understanding childhood impact on adult emotions and behavior.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
https://abundantlifecounselingga.com/
NovusMindfulLife.com
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
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48:00
TAM Ep 58: Beyond Values: How Meaning Making Creates Lasting Change
What drives you forward when recovery gets tough? In this powerful follow-up to their episode on values, hosts Duane and Eric Osterlind dive into the concept of "meaning making" – the essential fuel that powers your journey toward your most important goals.
Have you ever achieved something you thought would make you happy, only to feel empty afterward? Or felt stuck in life despite doing everything "right"? This episode explores why so many people – even successful ones – struggle with feeling unfulfilled and disconnected from what truly matters to them.
Using the framework developed by Thomas Mara, the hosts break down how meaning isn't something external that happens to you – it's something you actively create. If values are your North Star showing you direction, meaning is the engine that moves your boat forward.
Duane and Eric explain how distorted meaning-making contributes to anxiety disorders, depression, addiction, and eating disorders – and how reconnecting with authentic meaning can transform recovery. They introduce the concept of "supreme concerns" – the things that matter most to you – and provide practical strategies for identifying them and building your daily life around them.
Whether you're struggling with addiction, mental health challenges, or simply feeling disconnected from purpose, this episode offers a roadmap for creating a more authentic, fulfilling life aligned with what truly matters to you. The hosts remind us that meaning-making isn't just a nice addition to recovery – it's essential for building resilience against life's challenges and creating genuine happiness.
Don't miss the downloadable worksheet mentioned in the show notes to help you identify your own supreme concerns and start creating more meaning in your life today
Download the Worksheet
Key Topics
• The relationship between values and meaning in recovery
• Understanding meaning as a perspective rather than inherent in objects
• How distorted meaning contributes to mental health disorders
• The concept of "supreme concerns" as guideposts for meaningful living
• Practical strategies for embedding meaning into everyday life
• Overcoming obstacles to meaning making like fear and powerlessness
• How alignment with meaning creates resilience and authentic relationships
Timestamp
[00:01:30] Eric's analogy: Values as North Star, meaning as the motor
[00:03:00] Defining meaning and why it's personal to each individual
[00:05:49] How anxiety and depression distort meaning
[00:07:52] The challenge of misalignment even in successful people
[00:09:13] Exploring the concept of "supreme concerns"
[00:11:43] Overcoming obstacles to meaning making
[00:14:00] How meaning making enhances recovery and relationships
Follow and Review: We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
If you live in California and are looking for counseling or therapy please check out Novus Mindful Life Counseling and Recovery Center
NovusMindfulLife.com
We want to hear from you. Leave us a message or ask us a question: https://www.speakpipe.com/addictedmind
Disclaimer
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"The Addicted Mind Podcast" offers hope, understanding, and guidance for those dealing with addiction, with real stories and research to inspire and show the journey to recovery is worth it.
We're here to do more than just talk about addiction.
We want to show you how to heal and recover.
Our talks with experts and people who have beaten addiction give you important insights into how addiction affects the mind and how recovery can happen in many ways. Whether we're looking at new treatment ideas or sharing stories that inspire, "The Addicted Mind Podcast" is all about understanding the complex world of addiction recovery and showing that recovery is possible.
If you or someone you care about is dealing with the challenges of addiction, let "The Addicted Mind Podcast" be your friend and guide. We aim to give you the knowledge you need, share stories that inspire you, and show you that the journey to recovery is worth it.
Subscribe now to be part of a community focused on learning, healing, and changing for the better. Your journey to a healthier mind and life begins right here.
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