Ep. 116 - Healing Through Self-Compassion and Recovery with Cini Shaw

In this episode of the Finding Purpose Podcast, Adam sits down with Cini Shaw—Chief Recovery Officer at The Lighthouse Recovery Services, recovery coach, educator, and advocate—for a powerful conversation about addiction, trauma, self-compassion, and what it truly means to heal.

With decades of professional experience and her own journey in long-term recovery, Cini has dedicated her life to helping individuals and families navigate substance use disorders, mental health challenges, grief, and lasting transformation. Her approach is rooted in compassion, connection, and the belief that recovery isn't about fixing what's broken—it's about recognizing that we were never broken to begin with.

Together, Adam and Cini explore the relationship between childhood trauma and addiction, the weight of shame, the importance of self-compassion, and why healing begins when we learn to speak to ourselves with the same kindness we offer others. They also discuss the role of recovery communities, mindfulness, purpose, parenting, grief, and how lived experience can become one of our greatest gifts.

Whether you're in recovery, supporting someone you love, or simply learning how to treat yourself with greater compassion, this conversation offers practical wisdom and a hopeful reminder that healing is possible for all of us.

About Cini Shaw

Cini Shaw is the Chief Recovery Officer at The Lighthouse Recovery Services, where she helps individuals and families navigate recovery through coaching, education, and compassionate care.

A woman in long-term recovery herself, Cini combines lived experience with decades of professional training in addiction recovery, trauma-informed care, mindfulness, and family support. She has been recognized as Addiction Professional of the Year and is a respected leader throughout Connecticut's recovery community.

Her work centers on helping people reduce shame, build resilience, cultivate self-compassion, and create sustainable lives in recovery.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Growing up in a home impacted by alcoholism

• The connection between childhood trauma and addiction

• Why shame keeps people stuck

• Self-compassion as the antidote to shame

• The power of recovery communities

• Recovery coaching and peer support

• Building emotional resilience

• Mindfulness and Buddhist principles in recovery

• Healing through vulnerability and connection

• Parenting, forgiveness, and breaking generational cycles

• Grief, loss, and choosing compassion

• Why accountability creates freedom

• Learning to change your inner dialogue

• Discovering purpose through service

• Helping others heal through lived experience

Connect with Cini

Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/cini1121/

The Lighthouse Recovery Services
https://www.instagram.com/thelighthousect/

Production Partner

This episode was produced by Claudio, Justin, and the team at Cayivisions.

If you're looking to launch a podcast, create high-impact content, or elevate your brand through storytelling, visit:

https://www.cayivisions.com/

Sponsors Relive the Moments

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SweatHouz Westport

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📞 (203) 571-3334

SweatHouz Westport offers private contrast therapy suites featuring infrared sauna, cold plunge, and vitamin-C showers designed to help you recover faster, reduce stress, improve circulation, optimize performance, and prioritize your overall wellness.

Tweeds Custom Suits

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Instagram (Seth Stahlmann – Tweeds Rye)
https://www.instagram.com/sethwithtweeds/

Tweeds Custom Suits creates premium custom menswear for professionals, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to elevate their confidence through intentional style. Whether you're preparing for a wedding, a career milestone, or simply investing in yourself, Tweeds delivers a personalized experience tailored to your lifestyle and goals.

Connect with Adam

Website
https://www.adamvohra.com

Instagram (Adam)
https://www.instagram.com/adamvohra_/

Instagram (Finding Purpose Podcast)
https://www.instagram.com/findingpurposepod/

Adam works privately as a Recovery and Purpose Development Coach, helping individuals break old patterns, build resilience, and realign their lives with who they truly are—not just who they've been conditioned to be.