Connection, Dignity and Recovery at Herren Wellness: Dr Sarah talks to Executive Director Lori McCarthy

Dr. Sarah welcomes Lori McCarthy, Executive Director at Herren Wellness, for an honest look at modern addiction treatment and the codependency patterns that shape families. From calling residents “guests” to integrating AA, SMART, DBT, CBT, Refuge, and IFS, Lori explains why flexible, community-based care matters—and how grief, parenting, and humility keep us growing. Hear why “connection is the answer,” how COVID reshaped admissions, and the single mindset she urges families to adopt: be willing to try.

Takeaways:

• Connection and community drive outcomes; guests hold each other accountable and staff work as one team.

• Herren Wellness blends modalities (AA, SMART, Refuge, DBT/CBT, IFS) to keep learning active and individualized.

• Post-COVID shifts: first college students, then dads, then moms—prevention slots don’t require “meeting criteria.”

• Codependency is universal; relationship skills are lifelong work.

• “Be willing to try” is the doorway for families and guests alike.

Key Timestamps (approx.):

• 00:00 – Meet Lori McCarthy & the Herren Wellness origin story

• 05:00 – Today’s clients: anxiety, loneliness, and the social media effect

• 09:00 – Program design: structure + interactive learning; AA/SMART/IFS/Refuge/DBT/CBT

• 12:00 – Why they say “guest” (dignity, safety, wellness, family welcome)

• 26:00 – COVID cohort waves; prevention without diagnostic thresholds

• 38:00 – Adding a Codependency group + book box on the way

• • 43:00 – Grief and gratitude can coexist in recovery and parenting

  
  

  Notable Resources or Guest Links:

  • Herren Wellness (treatment center founded with Chris Herren)

  • SMART Recovery, Refuge Recovery, AA/NA, IFS (context from episode)

  • Family support: twice-weekly Zoom groups at Herren Wellness (mentioned by Lori)
    

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  Leaving CrazyTown with Dr. Sarah Michaud explores how we heal codependency and build real connection—in recovery, in families, and in ourselves.