Author: Dr. Sarah Michaud

All I could think about while reading Megan Swan’s memoir, Marinating in Chaos: Live Intuitively, Make Bold and Authentic Decisions, was the depth of this woman’s bravery. From start to finish, this book is a testament to one person’s commitment to personal growth, happiness, recovery, and transformation—especially within the sober lifestyle. Right off the bat, she lays it out for us: “Getting well involves getting really honest with yourself. It’s about weeding out all the disempowering narratives we grew up with and finding a deep, soul-level love for your body and mind. It’s about acceptance and compassion on a level…

This may sound like an outrageous response to Elizabeth Gilbert’s new memoir, “All the Way to the River,” about the destruction and pain of codependency and love addiction, but it filled me with joy, peace and a renewed spirit. Someone finally told the truth about what it means to experience the depths of despair of these often-minimized complexities. I have been saying for years that codependency kills people, and nobody gets it. But thanks to Gilbert, they do now. When she writes that she was ready to kill her partner or kill herself — that is where the addictive and…

After watching the Charlie Sheen documentary, I was left with one question: “Will the real Charlie Sheen please stand up?” Is he just a caricature of himself or is there a real human being in there? I was hoping to get an insight, see some remorse perhaps and learn about his process of recovery — but instead I was left with confusion, sadness and frustration with a guy who is still stuck in the bravado and romanticizing of his addiction. He clearly does not get the impact he has had on his life and the tornado that blew through the…

I just finished the 5-hour Billy Joel documentary, “And So it Goes.” I’m left with the sadness of what a serious drinking problem does to a person and also amazement at what can be accomplished even in the heights of alcoholism. I was not the person who talked about how I drank all night and could still ace a college exam at 8 a.m. Friends of mine drank tons through law school and still graduated with honors. Billy Joel put out album after album after album while drinking for years, and after identifying early on in 1977 that he had…

Why did I have such an intense rage response to Mel Robbins’ book, “The Let Them Theory?” How did I not know, after working with patients for over 30 years, that all I had to do was suggest to “let them?” It reminds me of the drug campaigns from the ‘80s where the ads would say, “Just Say No.” I wish solving a drug addiction, alcohol disorder or a codependent behavior was as simple as just telling someone to stop. It reminds me of the old Bob Newhart sketch where he said his psychological treatment was two words: “Stop it!”…

After reading the memoir “From Junkie to Judge, One Woman’s Triumph over Trauma and Addiction” by Mary Beth O’Connor, I was overwhelmed and wonderstruck by the resilience demonstrated throughout this book. In my 30 years of being a psychologist working in the field of addiction, I have never read an account of such profound and relentless trauma experienced by one woman. Her unmeasured determination to find sobriety and create a better and brighter future was a reminder of the courage that permeates the human spirit.  At times, it was painful and disturbing to read the accounts of ongoing physical abuse…

After speaking with Brad McLeod about his history, his addiction, his sobriety, his podcast and his community, I felt like I had a new best friend. Brad is a kind, likable, easygoing, generous, fun person to be around, which makes it even more shocking when you hear his story. I’m looking at this lovely, Canadian young man with a sweet smile and a beautiful spirit talking about his three kids and I think, how did he get here after all that insanity? This represents the power of his recovery community and podcast, which is all about sharing a variety of…

I felt a deep connection with Rich Roll after finishing his book Finding Ultra: Rejecting Middle Age, Becoming One of the World’s Fittest Men, and Discovering Myself. In the forward, he expresses his analysis of what needs to be done to make us better humans and create a more sustainable planet. The bottom line is that we keep looking outside ourselves for a solution that comes from within. Fulfillment, peace, harmony, and health all start from an internal commitment—not by waiting for others to change. Our happiness will never be sustained by searching for the next shiny object. Whether it…

I recently had the privilege of joining Emma McAdam on her “Therapy in a Nutshell” podcast, where we delved into the intricate connections between anxiety, suppressed anger, and codependency. This conversation illuminated the profound ways in which our internal emotional landscapes influence our behaviors and relationships.​ The Hidden Layers of Anxiety One of the central themes we explored was how anxiety often masks deeper, unacknowledged emotions, particularly suppressed anger. It’s not uncommon for individuals to experience anxiety attacks or panic attacks without realizing that these episodes may stem from unexpressed anger or frustration. This suppression can lead to a cycle…

Ray Donovan, the Showtime drama aired from 2013 to 2020, is a gripping exploration of family dynamics, crime, and personal redemption. Created by Ann Biderman, the show stars Liev Schreiber in the titular role, with Jon Voight delivering an award-winning performance as his father, Mickey Donovan. Spanning seven seasons and culminating in a feature-length finale in 2022, Ray Donovan earned critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase.  Exploring issues of addiction, violence, trauma, sexual abuse, suicide, and their consequences affecting an Irish Catholic family from Boston, Ray Donovan keeps the viewer riveted to the screen while intermittently needing to close their…

Welcome to another insightful discussion from “Leaving CrazyTown” with Finn and Sarah. Today, we delve into one of the most cherished yet complex parts of our lives – sex. Whether it’s a happy arena for you or an area fraught with challenges, let’s explore how you can enhance your sexual relationship, even if you’re navigating codependency or past trauma. Challenges in a Sexual Relationship: Enhancers for Better Sexual Experiences: A fulfilling sexual relationship takes work, patience, and a lot of honest conversations. Focus on building intimacy through open communication, understanding each other’s needs, and maintaining a playful and nonjudgmental attitude.…

By the end of watching all seasons of the hit TV series Nurse Jackie, I felt sick to my stomach. The endless examples of an addict’s struggle with unrelenting patterns of lying, deceit, betrayal, self-centeredness, recklessness, denial, heartlessness, and acting out behaviors were harsh reminders of the truth of this mental illness. Concomitantly, we witness the tragedy of the lost soul who, at her essence, is brilliant, kind, hilarious, hardworking, dedicated, a mother, an employee, a friend, a wife, who underneath the addiction is a vulnerable, devastated, wounded, broken human trying to survive. Let me emphasize the hilarious part of…

After reading his book Broken Open, I felt an immediate kinship with William Cope Moyers. We both got sober around the same time; both have long-term recovery; both have been through a divorce, and both have navigated the gauntlet of parenting; both have battled shame and fear, and both have had experiences with opiates in recovery. I have never written about my experience with opiates in recovery. William Moyers’s first anniversary of his sobriety was October 12th, 1994. His history with alcohol and, eventually, crack cocaine and his journey to recovery was laid out in his 2006 memoir Broken: My…

With the holiday season approaching, it’s almost inevitable to experience a spike in anxiety levels. From countless invitations to family dinners and all the preparations in between, the stress begins to accumulate. But has it ever crossed your mind that amidst this rush, you might be compromising your happiness? Finn and Sarah from Leaving CrazyTown are here to lend some much-needed insight. Recognizing the Triggers Sarah highlights a key issue many face early in November: the “co-crazy” that kicks off as soon as the holiday season begins. People often feel pressured to take on tasks they don’t enjoy. Finn adds…

In this episode, Dr. Sarah Michaud shares her 40-year journey of sobriety and sheds light on the pervasive impact of codependency on both early and long-term sobriety. She discusses personal experiences, including relationships impacted by addiction and the importance of authenticity and self-expression in recovery. Key Takeaways: Guest: Dr. Sarah Michaud, a clinical psychologist specializing in addiction and author of “Co Crazy: One Psychologist’s Recovery from Codependency and Addiction.” Codependency is not about the other person; it’s about our inability to tolerate someone else’s feelings.Dr. Sarah Michaud The journey to recovery is as much about discovering oneself as it is…

How can you not love Will Arnett? I’ve been circling around the Will Universe for a while now, from his movies to TV shows to his present super success on the SMARTLESS podcast. I find him a delight- a hilarious, honest, snarky, authentic, passionate, compassionate friend, fellow sober human whose humor brings me joy. Since I’m a 64-year-old addiction psychologist who has listened to people’s pain, drama, trauma, and torturous histories for over thirty years, a little joy is what I need. Enter FLAKED. My first time binging this show, I’m assuming based loosely on Will’s experience in recovery and…

Welcome to Leaving CrazyTown, a YouTube channel by Dr. Sarah Michaud and Finn Allen. They help navigate life’s ups and downs, including codependency. We are thrilled to announce that Leaving CrazyTown is now also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Audible. With personal experiences and mental health expertise, they offer insights and strategies to overcome challenges and lead fulfilling lives. Episodes cover anxiety, depression, relationships, and self-improvement. This podcast is for anyone seeking guidance to improve mental health and well-being. Join Leaving CrazyTown and start your journey to a happier, healthier life. Key Takeaways: Leaving CrazyTown on APPLE PODCASTS Leaving CrazyTown on AMAZON Leaving…

I just finished Paul Summers Jr.’s memoir, Hide and Seek: A Dad’s Journey from Soulless Addiction to Soul Custody. It was a gut punch. This book was a painful, daunting read due to its topic of parenting and addiction. Anyone with children will be disturbed, upset, and overwhelmed, yet they will feel hopeful, forgiving, and even grateful by the end. Paul is a great writer. The descriptions of the internal machinations of an addict and the ongoing struggles and conflicts to get sober were spot on. The torturous, relentless powerlessness of being someone in recovery who is trying to get…

In this special episode of Leaving CrazyTown, hosts Finn and Dr. Sarah are joined by Kate Vitela, a recovery coach and nurse specializing in psych and addiction. Kate shares her personal journey of overcoming codependency as a nurse and the insights gained through recovery. This episode delves into the challenges nurses face in recognizing and addressing codependency, shedding light on the impact of untreated codependency on nurses’ well-being. Key Takeaways: Conclusion: The podcast episode “Nurses and Codependency” with Kate Vitela offers valuable insights into the complexities of codependency in nursing and the journey toward recovery and self-care. By acknowledging the…

Leaving CrazyTown with Finn and Sarah delves into poignant discussions surrounding addiction, codependency, and the challenging journey to sobriety. In this inaugural episode titled “Discovering the Problem,” hosts Finn and Dr. Sarah are joined by James, a special guest, who bravely shares his personal struggles with alcohol and codependency. Through candid conversations and introspective reflections, the hosts and guests unravel the layers of addiction, self-discovery, and the pivotal moments that led to a transformative change in James’ life. The episode navigates James’ journey from initially immersing himself in a lifestyle of excessive drinking to the realization that his behaviors were…

Have you ever chosen a blue hue for your avatar and been questioned about your emotional state? Well, folks, it’s time to discuss color choices, Bitmoji fashion, and, believe it or not, the intersection with co-dependency. The sobriety journey is often interspersed with challenges, not least, learning to express your authentic self free from fear and societal expectations. So why is Finn blue, and why should we care? Why Finn Chose Blue: A Deeper Meaning Finn’s choice to color his avatar blue was never about fitting in; it was about standing out. His blue Bitmoji represented freedom and a step…

Critics have said when you experience great art, your soul is moved and your heart cracks open. Last night was one of those nights. Witnessing a show giving us all hope in troubled times, Jimmy Tingle, Humor and Hope for Humanity made me laugh, made me think, made me remember and gave me hope. Even when negativity, anger and lies seem to dominate our airwaves, I walked away from this show with a smile, some encouragement and a new awareness of the courage and capabilities of human beings. We walked through four decades of Jimmy’s life. Starting with his working-class…

In the enlightening episode “Adulting – Speaking Up!” of The Sober Curator podcast, hosts Finn and Dr. Sarah delve into the complexities of healing from codependency and the crucial role boundaries play in that process. Through candid discussions, personal anecdotes, and valuable exercises, this episode provides listeners with the tools necessary to voice their needs effectively and reinforces the importance of individual freedom. Main Themes: Speaking Up and Setting Boundaries The central themes of this episode revolve around the challenges individuals face when trying to assert their needs, particularly after codependency. Dr. Sarah emphasizes the importance of expressing what one…

Are you struggling to understand the dynamics of codependency in relationships and marriages? In a recent episode of “Leaving Crazy Town with Finn and Dr. Sarah,” the hosts, along with special guest Megan Swan, delved into the complex and often toxic behavior patterns associated with codependency and how it impacts intimate relationships. Megan Swan, known for her work in wellness and sobriety, shared her journey of self-discovery and personal growth while navigating codependency within her marriage. The podcast episode opened with an introduction of Megan Swan, highlighting her background in wellness and her experience as a fellow curator in a…

In this short interview, Host Jack Canfield, co-author of Chicken Soup for the Soul, interviews Dr. Sarah Michaud, a seasoned psychologist with over 30 years of experience in clinical practice. They dive deep into the topic of codependency and how it affects relationships, as well as the steps individuals can take to heal from these patterns. Dr. Sarah Michaud discusses the primary reasons people seek therapy, typically centered around relationship problems. She emphasizes the common misconception that individuals often enter therapy wanting their partners to change, when in reality, the key to healing from codependency lies in shifting the focus…

Leaving CrazyTown recently released a thought-provoking podcast episode, “Living Out-Loud,” featuring Finn and Dr. Sarah. In this episode, the dynamic duo delves into the powerful theme of being transgender in recovery. This poignant conversation addresses the experiences, challenges, and personal growth as individuals navigate both their gender identity and the journey through recovery.Throughout the episode, Finn and Dr. Sarah explore various facets related to transitioning in recovery. They candidly share their experiences, challenges, and triumphs, providing valuable insights for individuals who may be going through similar journeys or seeking to understand and support those who are. “Transitioning and deciding to…

Parenting is hard. It is a miracle if we can get a reprieve from projecting our endless, unresolved childhood crap onto our kids. And it’s pretty unlikely. You may not want to know this, but this is Parenting. My son’s high school years were way more painful for me than for him because I was reliving the most hideous part of my childhood. I was close to vomiting from anxiety when he went off to the high school prom. Because of my prom. Not his. I specialize in helping people recognize their codependent behaviors, not to engage in them as…

What do relationship experts mean when they use the term “Taking the Bait?” Think about a fish hooked on a fishing line without the ability to unhook themselves. This is what happens when we get hooked in a conversation. We want to defend ourselves or double down on our point of view. We can also get triggered immediately into codependent traits, such as urgently feeling the need to fix, change, and save someone or just get them to understand! We end up like the fish, flailing about, wondering how we got into this situation. Do you have people in your…

In the latest episode of “Leaving CrazyTown,” hosts Sarah and Finn share their experiences and insights into navigating the dating world while avoiding the pitfalls of co-dependency. With Sarah’s recent foray into Bumble and Finn’s ongoing relationship with himself, they offer a unique perspective on what not to do when dating and meeting new people. Sarah’s Journey into Online Dating Sarah has recently dipped her toes into the world of online dating, signing up for Bumble. With its unique feature that allows women to make the first move, Bumble offers a different dynamic compared to traditional dating apps. Sarah shares…

My goal for 2024 is to take more risks. Be brave. Have courage. Do new things. Challenge my brain. Start dating? Who said that? It would be nice to have a companion- have more fun, have stimulating conversations, have more joy in my life and yes, take some resistant steps toward more intimacy. Don’t get me wrong, I love my girlfriends but there is something about male energy that is desirable to be around. I’m craving something new, a new person, a deep dive with someone, to share life’s struggles with and yes, …physical connection. But mainly, Girls Just wanna…