Episode 118. Rewiring The Subconscious and Healing Your Trauma, with Katharine McLean
Ep 118. Rewiring The Subconscious and Healing Your Trauma, with Katharine McLean
In this powerful episode, Ash sits down with Katharine McLean, a holistic counselor, trauma-informed mentor, and founder of The Light Becomes Her. With over 23 years of experience guiding others through healing, Katharine shares her deeply personal journey through addiction, recovery, and inner transformation.
After decades of high-functioning alcohol use and hidden drug addiction, Katharine hit rock bottom while leading mental health teams by day and battling inner chaos by night.
In this conversation, Ash and Katharine dive into the root causes of addiction, childhood trauma, and the disconnection from self that fuels destructive behaviors. Katharine opens up about how she used inner child work, subconscious reprogramming, and spiritual practices to rebuild her identity from the inside out.
This is an intimate and enlightening conversation about healing the nervous system, rewiring belief systems, and stepping into a life of authenticity, service, and grace. If you’ve ever wondered what’s possible beyond addiction, this episode will leave you inspired.
The episode highlights are:
00:00 Introduction to Katharine McLean
03:05 Katharine's Daily Life and Practices
05:54 Overcoming Barriers to Ecstatic Dance
08:59 Hiding Behind a Smile: Katharine's Photo Story
14:55 The Reality of Addiction: Functioning Alcoholism
20:00 Childhood Experiences and Their Impact
28:02 Seeking Approval and Relationship Patterns
31:00 The Role of Inner Child Work in Healing
38:16 The Illusion of Quick Fixes
41:46 Meditation as a Tool for Transformation
45:46 The Breaking Point: A Journey to Sobriety
52:30 From Recovery to Empowerment: Building a Business
56:29 Emotional Regulation: The Mind-Body Connection
01:01:35 Navigating Business and Personal Growth
01:06:36 The Power of Choice in Recovery
You can connect with Katharine McLean on her Instagram or through her website.
To access your free guided meditations, head to the Freebie Page on Ash’s website.
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You can follow Ash and Behind The Smile on IG here: @ashbutterss
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or addiction, please reach out for support. Some support options include:
• A healthcare professional
• Alcoholics Anonymous
• Lifeline or Beyond Blue (Australia)
• CheckPoint (Global)
LISTEN TO THE BEHIND THE SMILE PODCAST HERE
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