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PTSD Treatment: 5 Crucial Aspects to Conquer Symptoms and Causes

PTSD Treatment: 5 Crucial Aspects to Conquer Symptoms and Causes

Struggling to make sense of persistent stress and distressing memories? These could be signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a condition often borne out of traumatic events. Recognising PTSD is vital for managing its symptoms, such as intrusive thoughts, emotional numbness, and heightened alertness, which can severely impede daily functioning. This article demystifies PTSD, guiding you through its symptoms, what triggers it, and the paths to effective treatment, providing a starting point for those seeking to understand and address this challenging mental health issue.

Key Takeaways

  • PTSD is a serious mental health condition caused by traumatic events and its symptoms are divided into four categories: re-experiencing, avoidance, negative mood, and heightened alertness.
  • Effective PTSD treatment include psychotherapies such as Cognitive Processing Therapy, Prolonged Exposure, and EMDR, alongside medication like sertraline and paroxetine.
  • Early diagnosis and intervention are critical for managing PTSD, and support from family, friends, and access to resources can significantly assist in treatment and recovery.

Understanding PTSD and Its Impact on Mental Health

a picture of person alone in a dark room

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is a severe mental health condition triggered by terrifying events, either experienced firsthand or witnessed. These traumatic experiences can range from single occurrences to prolonged situations, and can even include events witnessed by individuals who were not directly involved. The ripple effect of such trauma can profoundly impact mental health, leading to a spectrum of mental health problems.

The impact of PTSD extends beyond the individual, often affecting family members and the wider community. Collective trauma, wherein large groups of people are simultaneously affected by a traumatic event, highlights the pervasive nature of PTSD. Understanding this condition is the first step toward effective PTSD treatment and recovery.

Identifying PTSD Symptoms

Early intervention and PTSD treatment is greatly facilitated by the ability to recognize its symptoms. PTSD symptoms are categorised into four main types:

  1. Re-experiencing trauma
  2. Avoidance behaviours
  3. Negative mood symptoms
  4. Heightened alertness

These symptoms can manifest in various ways, from intrusive memories and flashbacks to physical symptoms like increased heart rate or sweating.

woman sitting in a couch alone with anxiety or depression

For a formal diagnosis of PTSD, an individual must exhibit a specific combination of these symptoms over an extended period. This includes:

  • At least one re-experiencing symptom
  • Three avoidance symptoms
  • Two mood and cognition symptoms
  • Two heightened alertness symptoms

These symptoms must persist for more than a month. Identifying these symptoms early can pave the way for effective PTSD treatment and better mental health management.

The Root Causes of PTSD

Developing effective PTSD treatment plans hinges on a thorough understanding of its root causes. PTSD can develop after experiencing or witnessing events involving actual or threatened death, serious injury, sexual violation, or massive human suffering. The lifetime risk for developing PTSD is approximately 6%, with certain risk factors increasing this likelihood.

Risk factors for developing PTSD include:

  • Previous trauma
  • Family history of mental illness
  • Lack of social support post-trauma
  • Childhood trauma, especially when prolonged or support is absent
  • Exposure to trauma, which can vary among racial and ethnic groups
  • Gender (women develop this disorder more often)
  • Substance abuse

Chronic stress can increase the risk of developing mental health problems, such as PTSD and other mental disorders, as well as other mental health problems in adulthood.

Understanding these causes helps in tailoring effective PTSD treatment strategies.

The Path to Diagnosing PTSD

The diagnostic process for PTSD necessitates a comprehensive assessment of symptoms and their influence on daily activities. Healthcare professionals look for specific criteria, including:

  • At least one re-experiencing symptom
  • One avoidance symptom
  • Two arousal and reactivity symptoms
  • Two cognition and mood symptoms

Symptoms typically begin within three months after the traumatic event, such as a natural disaster, but some of them can appear months or even years later.

The diagnostic process often includes questionnaires and rating scales to assess symptom severity and frequency. Discussing traumatic experiences with a healthcare professional is crucial for accurate diagnosis and the initiation of an effective treatment plan. Early diagnosis and intervention are key to managing PTSD and improving quality of life.

When to Seek Professional Help

Identifying the appropriate time to consult a professional is a critical part of managing PTSD. If disturbing thoughts and feelings about a traumatic event persist for more than a month or become severe, it is crucial to consult a mental health professional. Symptoms significantly affecting work, school, or daily activities for longer than two weeks also warrant professional intervention.

Consulting a doctor or mental health professional can prevent further disruption of life and facilitate the path toward recovery. Early intervention is key to effective PTSD treatment, helping individuals regain control over their lives and mental health.

Exploring PTSD Treatment Options

To find the most suitable therapeutic approach for each individual, it’s beneficial to explore a range of PTSD treatment options. PTSD can be treated using different interventions, including psychotherapy and medication. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is highly recommended, with specific forms like Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure Therapy, and Cognitive Therapy showing strong results.

Medication can also play a crucial role in managing PTSD symptoms, improving the effectiveness of psychotherapy by allowing individuals to engage more fully in the treatment process. Online treatment courses provide accessible options for those with limited access to in-person care. Understanding these treatment options helps in tailoring a comprehensive PTSD treatment plan.

Cognitive Processing Therapy: A Closer Look

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a specialised form of CBT designed to help patients address unhelpful beliefs related to their traumatic experiences. CPT assists patients in identifying and challenging these beliefs, reducing PTSD symptoms.

CPT is among the recommended therapies for PTSD, alongside Prolonged Exposure Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). These therapies focus on trauma memories and aim to help patients cope with and process their trauma effectively.

Medication and PTSD Treatment: What You Need to Know

Pharmacological interventions, as part of a comprehensive PTSD treatment plan, can aid in symptom management and enhance the benefits of psychotherapy. The APA conditionally recommends medications such as:

  • Sertraline
  • Paroxetine
  • Fluoxetine
  • Venlafaxine

These medications in PTSD treatment can reduce symptoms like sleep disturbances, anxiety, irritability, and anger.

Pharmacological interventions are particularly useful when psychological therapy options are unavailable or have proven insufficient. However, it is crucial to be aware of potential side effects when taking these medications. Understanding the role of medication in PTSD treatment helps in making informed decisions about care.

Special Considerations in PTSD Care

PTSD care often involves specialised therapy tailored to the specific needs of trauma survivors. Group therapy can be particularly beneficial, offering a supportive environment where individuals can share experiences and feelings with peers.

Comorbidity is common in individuals with PTSD, necessitating integrated treatment approaches to address conditions like depression and generalised anxiety. A comprehensive understanding of these unique factors enhances the provision of all-encompassing and effective PTSD treatment.

PTSD in Different Populations

PTSD treatment and its symptoms approaches can vary among different populations. For instance, the lifetime prevalence of PTSD in adolescents is 8%, with symptoms potentially differing from those in adults. Children’s and adolescents’ symptoms may manifest differently, requiring age-appropriate treatment strategies.

Veterans often benefit from group therapy, where shared experiences provide significant support. Untreated PTSD in veterans can lead to difficulties managing anger and aggression, highlighting the need for specialised care in this demographic. Understanding these differences ensures tailored and effective treatment for all affected populations.

Complementary Approaches to PTSD Treatment

Complementary therapies can enhance standard PTSD treatments, providing additional avenues for recovery. Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured therapy that encourages patients to focus on trauma memories while experiencing bilateral stimulation. Other complementary therapies include acupuncture, yoga, and animal-assisted therapy, which can be used alongside traditional treatments.

These approaches offer holistic support, addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of trauma. Incorporating complementary therapies into PTSD treatment plans can improve overall outcomes and quality of life.

Managing Life with PTSD

woman performing yoga

Coping with PTSD necessitates the adoption of robust strategies and participation in uplifting activities. Individuals with PTSD may change personal routines due to avoidance symptoms, and they often experience irritability, sleep disruption, and focus issues. Engaging in activities like art and music and accepting the trauma’s impact can greatly assist in rebuilding life and improving mood.

Understanding the shared nature of trauma and PTSD is key to countering feelings of isolation. Implementing relaxation techniques such as muscle relaxation, breathing exercises, and meditation can help ease the stress associated with PTSD. These strategies provide practical ways to manage stress and regain control over life.

The Role of Family and Friends

Family and friends play a crucial role in supporting individuals with PTSD. Selecting supportive people and asking for specific assistance can mitigate feelings of isolation. Continuous contact with supportive figures can serve as a protective barrier against PTSD.

Communicating with trusted individuals about PTSD-related challenges helps those affected in the following ways:

  • Feel understood
  • Receive practical help
  • Build a support network
  • Aid in recovery
  • Assist in long-term management of PTSD

Preventing PTSD After Traumatic Events

Building resilience, implementing coping strategies, and obtaining early intervention when symptoms sustain, are integral to PTSD prevention. Strategies like:

  • seeking support
  • building a support system
  • cultivating feelings of positive response
  • adopting a survivor mindset

are crucial in reducing the likelihood of developing PTSD after traumatic events. These strategies contribute to effective coping and resilience.

Early consultation with a mental health professional is recommended if symptoms persist for more than two weeks following a traumatic event. Early treatment of traumatic stress symptoms is critical, as individuals with acute stress disorder have a significant risk of developing PTSD. These preventative measures are essential for mitigating the impact of traumatic experiences.

The Long-Term Effects of Untreated PTSD

Untreated PTSD can lead to long-term cognitive impairments, socioeconomic consequences, and co-occurring mental health conditions. Chronic untreated PTSD can impair cognitive functions, including memory, attention, and executive functions. Socioeconomic consequences may include relationship strain, social isolation, job loss, and financial difficulties.

Additionally, individuals with untreated PTSD may suffer from co-occurring conditions like depression, substance use, or other anxiety disorders. Without PTSD treatment, there is an increased risk of suicidal thoughts, behaviours, and attempts, further disrupting various aspects of life. Addressing PTSD early is crucial for preventing these long-term effects.

Navigating Resources and Support Networks

Accessing suitable care and assistance for PTSD is greatly facilitated by the ability to navigate relevant resources and support networks. Organisations like Beyond Blue offer 24/7 support for individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, and the risk of suicide, which can be beneficial for those with PTSD seeking assistance.

Accessing these resources provides crucial support for managing PTSD and improving mental health. Knowing where to turn for help is key to navigating the journey of recovery.

Resh Joseph at Highlands Recovery and his expertise in treating PTSD

Resh Joseph is a renowned expert in treating PTSD, offering a unique blend of medical science and psychological knowledge. After graduating with a medical degree from the UK, Resh retrained in psychology and the neuroscience of mental health, practicing exclusively as a psychotherapist. His extensive career spans 15 years, working within the criminal justice system in Singapore and as a trauma therapist at Asia’s largest inpatient rehabilitation centre in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Resh’s accomplishments include:

  • Leading the first stand-alone inpatient trauma program at an addictions facility in Asia
  • Authoring the clinical program for Calm, a trauma-based addictions facility in Bali
  • Publishing his first book on trauma, “A Beginner’s Guide to Trauma”
  • Being a sought-after speaker on trauma and addictions

His expertise and dedication to treating post-traumatic stress disorder make him a leading figure in the field.

Resh’s approach combines medical science with psychological knowledge, crafting and delivering cutting-edge therapeutic programs for trauma and addiction. His innovative methods and extensive experience make him an exceptional clinician, dedicated to helping individuals recover from PTSD.

Conclusion

Understanding PTSD is crucial for both those affected and their support networks. PTSD manifests through a range of symptoms, including re-experiencing trauma, avoidance behaviours, negative mood symptoms, and heightened alertness. The root causes of PTSD are varied, with factors like previous trauma, family mental illness history, and lack of support playing significant roles. Early diagnosis and professional help are vital for managing PTSD effectively.

PTSD treatment options include cognitive processing therapy, medication, and complementary approaches like EMDR and yoga. Managing life with PTSD involves adopting coping strategies, seeking support from family and friends, and building resilience. The long-term effects of untreated PTSD can be severe, but with the right resources and support, individuals can navigate their path to recovery. Dr. Resh Joseph’s expertise at Highlands Rehab exemplifies the dedication needed to treat PTSD successfully.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main symptoms of PTSD?

The main symptoms of PTSD include re-experiencing trauma, avoidance behaviours, negative mood symptoms, and heightened alertness. These encompass flashbacks, avoidance of reminders, negative changes in thoughts and mood, and increased arousal and reactivity.

How is PTSD diagnosed?

PTSD is diagnosed based on specific criteria, including re-experiencing, avoidance, arousal and reactivity, and cognition and mood symptoms that persist for more than a month and impact daily functioning.

What are the PTSD treatment options?

The treatment options for PTSD include psychotherapy such as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), medications like SSRIs and SNRIs, and complementary therapies like EMDR, acupuncture, and yoga. These treatments can be effective in managing symptoms and improving quality of life.

When should someone seek professional help for PTSD?

You should seek professional help for PTSD if disturbing thoughts and feelings about a traumatic event persist for more than a month or significantly impact your daily life. Early intervention is crucial for effective PTSD treatment.

How can family and friends support someone with PTSD?

Family and friends can support someone with PTSD by being understanding, offering specific assistance, and maintaining continuous contact to mitigate feelings of isolation. Communicating about PTSD-related challenges is also important.

References

Beyond Blue. (n.d.). Support for Anxiety, Depression, and Suicide Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

Baldwin, P., & Runkle, C. (2023). Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. StatPearls [Internet]. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559129/

Norrholm, S. D., & Jovanovic, T. (2013). Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: The Neurobiological Impact of Psychological Trauma. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK207192/

American Psychiatric Association. (n.d.). What is PTSD?. Retrieved from https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/ptsd/what-is-ptsd

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Overall, my experience at Highlands has been great and I feel really good now. The main change I’ve seen is probably my self-confidence. For me, it was about the fact that I wasn’t going to just “get off” drinking alcohol. I was going to get help as to why I wanted alcohol in the first place and to tap into my childhood memories to find the root causes of my drinking. The program taught me the things that I didn’t normally think about in life, and it’s taught me that I’m more capable than I thought I was.

Highlands Recovery is so different to what people think of a rehab. I liked the fact that the program was tailored to me and what stood out to me most was the group therapy aspect. The second I walked into group therapy I felt calmer; I was relieved. It wasn’t daunting or scary or anything like that. It just took the pressure off straight away. I could see myself in others and vice versa and I could relate to the other guests. Overall, this led to a feeling of belonging and like we were a family. I felt like there’s nothing wrong with me, this is normal and there’s lots of people in a similar situation to me, which I hadn’t realised before.

Overall, my experience at Highlands was great; it was sort of a bittersweet feeling because I know I could’ve stayed there for longer, but I also knew I didn’t need to. I am now in the Aftercare Program, and it is excellent. It creates a safe community for recovery and it’s a must do to ensure long lasting results.

J P

A lot of things have changed for me during my time here; I feel completely re-energised, I have a new zest for life. I came in here thinking nothing was going to help me and that I wasn’t ever going to get better but slowly things have turned around. Since I was 16, I’ve been to neuropsychologists, therapists, doctors, psychologists, and I couldn’t connect with any of them, it was like they were just there to take my money and that was it. But here, it feels like they’re invested in you getting better.

It really feels like Resh, Georgia and Peter all deeply care about your struggles; they tailor your program to exactly what you need. It didn’t matter who I was seeing, I felt like I connected with them, and they truly understood what I was going through. They were honest with our group about their own struggles, and they’re all now highly successful in their field; this really gives me hope that I can get through my own struggles and succeed too.

 The sense of community here really surprised me. It’s like a big family; you see each other at your worst and can relate to each other’s experiences. And not just with the other clients but the staff too; they’re all amazing.

Right now, I feel really comfortable with the path that I’m on. The best thing about the therapy side of the program is that you’re set up to be able to help yourself and are given the right tools, which is the most important thing; I’ve now got the tools to do it myself and I know this is just the start of my journey. But really, whatever I say just doesn’t do this place justice, it’s just amazing.

James

Being here has changed my whole world. I’m a very different person to when I arrived and I’m very grateful for the support that I’ve had at Highlands Recovery. I really thrived in the community side of the program and the way it’s been. Being in an environment where you’re supported and feel safe is what I loved most about the program.

 You’ve truly put the right people in the right roles here. All the staff I’ve had interactions with have been incredibly supportive; I’ve enjoyed every interaction with Elliot, Kate is wonderful, Paul was also great, and Annie has also been supportive. I’ve learnt so much from the clinical team; Peter’s great, Emma was great in group therapy; Katrina was fantastic, I had one session with Georgia, and she was great too. And Resh is amazing, he’s the smartest man I’ve ever met, he genuinely cares for me.

It’s really hard to put into words what this program has done for me. I’ve learnt so much and I couldn’t have done this in a better environment or a better space. It’s a euphoric feeling; finding yourself, finding your purpose. I know the temptation will always be there and I’ll have to deal with this for the rest of my life but right now I know I’ll be ok because this was the right community for me, and I’ve now got the right tools to manage it. Now, I’m only thinking about myself – I feel amazing, thank you!

Brooke

My time at Highlands Recovery has been an absolutely life-changing, amazing experience. The environment at Highlands is so warm and caring, it doesn’t feel clinical or like a hospital. The team have all been so supportive, thoughtful and caring and they’ve all helped me in their own ways. I know that this isn’t the end of my recovery journey, but I also know that I will never go back to the person I was when I first arrived. It’s truly changed my life.

Cherie

Resh and Cam have put together a world-class facility here. The program is very well structured for maximum recuperation. I could not have made such a leap alone and I am grateful for the care and kindness I received. The facility itself is wonderful; I enjoyed the time spent reflecting while I walked around the lake and the grounds, and the massages and the steam room were also a highlight. The support team are just the best – I had an excellent rapport with all the staff, they were very professional.

Andy

I’ve been to other rehabs, but nothing has been like what I’ve experienced at Highlands Recovery. At those other rehabs, there was basically no psychology involved in their programs. They were counsellors, not psychologists and there is a big difference. The biggest thing was learning about myself and how my addiction works. Understanding the relationship between the “conscious” and the “unconscious”, the warning signs and utilising tools and techniques that have been given to me by Resh and the other psychologists I worked with, has allowed me to counteract and manage the cravings and their warning signs. The biggest thing was learning about myself and how my addiction works. That’s the difference between Highlands and those other places; they did nothing like that.

BERNARD

Testimonial

Overall, my experience at Highlands has been great and I feel really good now. The main change I’ve seen is probably my self-confidence. For me, it was about the fact that I wasn’t going to just “get off” drinking alcohol. I was going to get help as to why I wanted alcohol in the first place and to tap into my childhood memories to find the root causes of my drinking. The program taught me the things that I didn’t normally think about in life, and it’s taught me that I’m more capable than I thought I was.

 

Highlands Recovery is so different to what people think of a rehab. I liked the fact that the program was tailored to me and what stood out to me most was the group therapy aspect. The second I walked into group therapy I felt calmer; I was relieved. It wasn’t daunting or scary or anything like that. It just took the pressure off straight away. I could see myself in others and vice versa and I could relate to the other guests. Overall, this led to a feeling of belonging and like we were a family. I felt like there’s nothing wrong with me, this is normal and there’s lots of people in a similar situation to me, which I hadn’t realised before.

 

Overall, my experience at Highlands was great; it was sort of a bittersweet feeling because I know I could’ve stayed there for longer, but I also knew I didn’t need to. I am now in the Aftercare Program, and it is excellent. It creates a safe community for recovery and it’s a must do to ensure long lasting results.

Testimonial

My time at Highlands Recovery has been an absolutely life-changing, amazing experience. The environment at Highlands is so warm and caring, it doesn’t feel clinical or like a hospital. The team have all been so supportive, thoughtful and caring and they’ve all helped me in their own ways. I know that this isn’t the end of my recovery journey, but I also know that I will never go back to the person I was when I first arrived. It’s truly changed my life.

Testimonial

Resh and Cam have put together a world-class facility here. The program is very well structured for maximum recuperation. I could not have made such a leap alone and I am grateful for the care and kindness I received. The facility itself is wonderful; I enjoyed the time spent reflecting while I walked around the lake and the grounds, and the massages and the steam room were also a highlight. The support team are just the best – I had an excellent rapport with all the staff, they were very professional.

Testimonial

A lot of things have changed for me during my time here; I feel completely re-energised, I have a new zest for life. I came in here thinking nothing was going to help me and that I wasn’t ever going to get better but slowly things have turned around. Since I was 16, I’ve been to neuropsychologists, therapists, doctors, psychologists, and I couldn’t connect with any of them, it was like they were just there to take my money and that was it. But here, it feels like they’re invested in you getting better.

It really feels like Resh, Georgia and Peter all deeply care about your struggles; they tailor your program to exactly what you need. It didn’t matter who I was seeing, I felt like I connected with them, and they truly understood what I was going through. They were honest with our group about their own struggles, and they’re all now highly successful in their field; this really gives me hope that I can get through my own struggles and succeed too.

 The sense of community here really surprised me. It’s like a big family; you see each other at your worst and can relate to each other’s experiences. And not just with the other clients but the staff too; they’re all amazing.

Right now, I feel really comfortable with the path that I’m on. The best thing about the therapy side of the program is that you’re set up to be able to help yourself and are given the right tools, which is the most important thing; I’ve now got the tools to do it myself and I know this is just the start of my journey. But really, whatever I say just doesn’t do this place justice, it’s just amazing.

Testimonial

Being here has changed my whole world. I’m a very different person to when I arrived and I’m very grateful for the support that I’ve had at Highlands Recovery. I really thrived in the community side of the program and the way it’s been. Being in an environment where you’re supported and feel safe is what I loved most about the program.

 You’ve truly put the right people in the right roles here. All the staff I’ve had interactions with have been incredibly supportive; I’ve enjoyed every interaction with Elliot, Kate is wonderful, Paul was also great, and Annie has also been supportive. I’ve learnt so much from the clinical team; Peter’s great, Emma was great in group therapy; Katrina was fantastic, I had one session with Georgia, and she was great too. And Resh is amazing, he’s the smartest man I’ve ever met, he genuinely cares for me.

It’s really hard to put into words what this program has done for me. I’ve learnt so much and I couldn’t have done this in a better environment or a better space. It’s a euphoric feeling; finding yourself, finding your purpose. I know the temptation will always be there and I’ll have to deal with this for the rest of my life but right now I know I’ll be ok because this was the right community for me, and I’ve now got the right tools to manage it. Now, I’m only thinking about myself – I feel amazing, thank you!

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Linda Davies

Admin and Operations Team

Linda Jane Davies brings over 20 years of experience as an Executive Assistant in large corporate environments, where she has been instrumental in supporting executive teams to achieve their goals and meet deliverables efficiently. With a robust background in governance, Linda has successfully implemented policies and processes that ensure operational excellence.

Her passion for continuous learning has led her to explore various educational avenues, with a special focus on neuro health, particularly in areas of mindset, subconscious beliefs, and emotional regulation. This knowledge enables her to foster a caring and supportive environment, ensuring superior service and optimal client outcomes in all her interactions.

Currently, Linda is an integral part of the Operations Team at Highlands Recovery, where her expertise and commitment to excellence continue to make a positive impact.

Shelley Hagan

Admin and Operations Team

Shelley weaves a tapestry of skills at Highlands Recovery, where every thread is spun from a deep care for others. Her focus lies in crafting a nurturing atmosphere that aligns with holistic principles, ensuring each guest feels valued and supported.

She oversees the day-to-day operations to ensure a seamless guest experience, coordinates with various team members, and implements strategies to improve guest satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Shelley has always excelled in people-centric roles. Drawn to Highlands Recovery by the scenic charm of the location and the program’s exceptional support, she values the comprehensive approach to treatment and takes pleasure in being part of a team dedicated to guiding individuals on their path to recovery.

Outside of work, Shelley finds joy in cooking, gardening, and spending time with her family.

Paul Avenell

Guest Support/Overnight Carer

Education:

  • Diploma in Audio Engineering SAE Institute (2004) Auckland, New Zealand
  • Certificate 1 in Hospitality (1999) School Of Hospitality, Surfers Paradise, QLD
  • Certificate 2 in Emergency Communications (2011) Victorian Police, VIC
  • Kings College Boarding School Auckland, New Zealand

Paul is an integral part of the Highlands Recovery Clinical team as an overnight carer and support person for our clients, with a wealth of experience in the rehab and recovery space. For the past two years, Paul has been the Residential Coordinator for Triple Care Farm in Robertson, run by Mission Australia, running a small team of youth workers, detox staff and RNs as they assist young people detoxing from AOD (alcohol or drugs). Prior to this he spent three years as a case manager with Arbias (Alcohol related brain injury assessment services), where he managed clients with complex mental health and addictions as they left custodial sentences and transitioned into civilian life. He also spent three years at Disability Services Australia, supporting clients with Mental Health concerns at a community justice facility while they were on parole. He also spent one year as a 000-emergency call taker and dispatch for the Victorian Police Force.

His particular interest and passion in this space is driven by his mission to assist and encourage people that may be struggling with trauma and addiction reach their full potential and support them on their journey towards making positive life changes.  

In his spare time, Paul is a keen guitarist, an avid reader and likes to go hiking and winter swimming, in conjunction with being a practitioner of the Wim Hoff Method. He also impressively has a Black Belt in Wing Chun Kung fu and started Brazilian Ju Jitsu two years ago.

Integrating EMDR into Your Recovery Journey in New South Wales

Integrating EMDR therapy into your recovery journey in New South Wales can be a transformative experience. The world-class EMDR psychologists in Sydney provide confidential, private care tailored to each client’s unique needs. At Highlands Recovery, we pride ourselves on offering excellence in treatment, ensuring that clients receive the highest standard of care throughout their therapeutic journey.

Admission to our programme is subject to a clinical assessment, allowing us to determine the most appropriate treatment options for each individual. While EMDR therapy is highly effective for many, it may not suit all conditions. Our experienced psychologists work closely with clients to develop personalised treatment plans that align with their specific challenges and goals.

As clients embark on their healing journey, they can expect a supportive environment that fosters growth and resilience. EMDR therapy not only addresses the symptoms of trauma but also empowers clients to reclaim their lives and build a brighter future. With the guidance of skilled professionals, individuals can confidently navigate their recovery, knowing they are in capable hands.

Highlands Recovery offers a comprehensive solution for those seeking EMDR therapy in Sydney, providing world-class, confidential care tailored to individual needs. Our experienced EMDR psychologists are dedicated to guiding clients through the eight phases of therapy, ensuring a supportive environment for healing. With a focus on addressing trauma and its effects on mental health, we empower individuals to reclaim their lives and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Our commitment to excellence in treatment and a thorough clinical assessment for admission ensures that clients receive the most effective care possible. At Highlands Recovery, we are here to support your journey towards recovery and emotional well-being.

EMDR's Efficacy: Scientific Evidence Supporting Its Use

EMDR is considered a paramount treatment option for trauma-related conditions. According to psychological research, “Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a comprehensive and integrative approach to psychotherapy that works with the neurophysiology of memory to reprocess disturbing life experiences that continue to have a negative impact on self and psyche” (Laliotis & Shapiro, 2022). This indicates that EMDR helps resolve unprocessed memories.

Likewise, studies have demonstrated that EMDR significantly reduces symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). For instance, a meta-analysis published in the Journal of EMDR Practice and Research found that EMDR is effective in treating PTSD, with many clients experiencing substantial improvement after just a few sessions (Tijsseling, 2024). Hence, there is ample research data available that stands as the embodiment of EMDR’s efficacy.

In addition, when trauma occurs, the brain’s information-processing system becomes disrupted, which triggers distressing emotions. EMDR therapy helps to re-establish normal processing by using bilateral stimulation. Considering this, the underlying mechanism of EMDR involves the brain’s natural ability to process information. This technique allows clients to access and reprocess traumatic memories. The reprocessing of traumatic memories is crucial to resolving emotional dysregulation and trauma.

Moreover, EMDR is effective in treating addiction, as many individuals struggling with substance use disorders have underlying trauma. According to research, “EMDR trials also found that trauma-focused interventions for patients with SUD (Substance use disorders) and comorbid PTSD could be applied securely without compromising substance use outcomes” (Schäfer et al., 2017). It means Individuals who suffer from childhood trauma and substance use disorder can equally benefit from this therapy. Likewise, research indicates that clients who undergo EMDR therapy have reported decreased cravings and improved emotional regulation, which are crucial for successful recovery (McGovern et al., 2015). Hence, understanding the underlying reason reduces the likelihood of relapse.

EMDR Psychologists in Sydney: Finding the Right Professional

Choosing the right psychologist is always crucial for anyone seeking EMDR therapy. The effectiveness of EMDR therapy undoubtedly depends on the therapeutic relationship and the therapist’s expertise. Clients should look for practitioners specifically trained in EMDR and have a solid understanding of trauma-informed care.

In Sydney, multiple qualified EMDR psychologists offer unique approaches and specializations. The client needs to do his own research, check the reviews and credentials of the psychologist and make an informed choice. In this regard, some psychologists also offer initial consultations. By booking initial consultations and a session, clients can assess their comfort level and see if the psychologist fulfills their specific needs. As one initial consultation cannot decide the efficacy of the therapy, the client can still have some basic idea about comfort. Additionally, the client needs to make sure that the psychologist understands the complexities of trauma and addiction so there are maximum chances of healing through this therapeutic experience.

Debunking Common Misconceptions About EMDR Therapy

Several misconceptions about EMDR therapy confuse individuals from seeking this effective treatment. One prevalent myth is that EMDR is only beneficial for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). As a matter of fact, EMDR therapy is used to address a wide range of psychological issues that range from anxiety, depression, and addiction.

Like many other psychological treatments, EMDR works with reprocessing of unresolved memories. This reprocessing reduces emotional dysregulation and allows individuals to deal with emotions without distress. Hence, it is completely a myth that EMDR erases traumatic memories.

Additionally, as misperceived, EMDR is not similar to hypnosis in any way. During EMDR sessions, clients remain fully aware and engaged and consciously re-evaluate their experiences.

Furthermore, there are other misconceptions, such as that EMDR is a rapid, ‘one-quick’ solution to trauma. In contrast, some individuals may experience relief after just a few sessions. Yet, EMDR is not an instant cure at all. It requires time and patience. It may not be suitable for everyone. For instance, people who are involved in substance abuse can also negatively impact the outcomes of EMDR. It is necessary to clarify such myths in order to enhance the awareness of people who think about EMDR therapy in Sydney, as everyone should make informed decisions for their personal well-being.

The Role of Trauma in Mental Health and EMDR's Approach

Before drawing a connection between trauma and addiction, it is crucial to understand how trauma alters brain healthy functioning. Trauma affects how individuals process emotional experiences and can disrupt normal cognitive functioning, leading to symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders. EMDR treats mental health conditions that happen because of memories from traumatic events in your past. EMDR Therapy treatment in Sydney addresses these disruptions by offering the reprocessing of traumatic memories.

This therapy highlights that trauma can cause memories to become fragmented and improperly stored in the brain. This can lead to persistent emotional distress and maladaptive behaviours. EMDR helps clients access these traumatic memories in a safe environment that further helps them process and integrate their experiences more adaptively. Bilateral stimulation refers to the process of alternately stimulating the left and right sides of the brain. According to scientific data, bilateral stimulation activates brain processing and has calming effects. The bilateral stimulation used in EMDR is guided by eye movements, which activate the brain’s natural healing processes and promote the reorganisation of these memories.

Research supports the efficacy of EMDR in treating trauma-related conditions. A study published in the Journal of EMDR Practice and Research indicates that EMDR can significantly reduce PTSD symptoms and improve overall mental health outcomes. By addressing the underlying trauma, EMDR therapy alleviates immediate symptoms and helps in long-term resilience and recovery.

EMDR and Addiction Recovery: A Path to Healing

Addiction more likely coexists with unresolved trauma. Research indicates that individuals who suffer from childhood traumatic experiences in any form are more vulnerable to substance misuse in adulthood. For instance, such individuals seek temporary relief from the pain of past experiences through substance misuse. EMDR therapy is a vital component in the recovery process. By addressing the root causes of addiction, EMDR therapy helps individuals understand the emotional triggers that lead to substance use. In Sydney, EMDR facilitates a deeper exploration of the traumatic experiences that contribute to addictive behaviours. This therapy aids in desensitising the emotional responses linked to these memories by promoting healthier coping mechanisms.

Scientific evidence supports the effectiveness of EMDR in treating various forms of addiction, including alcohol and various drug dependencies. By processing traumatic memories, individuals can break the cycle of addiction by working on the underlying cause and developing a more resilient mindset that can help in lasting recovery.

The Science Behind EMDR: How It Works in the Brain

The efficacy of EMDR therapy lies in its unique mechanism of action. Trauma has a deep-rooted impact on brain functioning, and hence, due to the long-lasting impacts of trauma, information processing of the brain becomes overwhelmed, which further leads to emotional dysregulation and memory issues. This disruption often leads to the re-experiencing of traumatic events in the form of flashbacks or intrusive thoughts.

EMDR therapy utilises bilateral stimulation to reprocess the stressing memories. It is typically done through guided eye movements. Research indicates that this stimulation facilitates the brain’s natural healing processes, allowing individuals to reframe their traumatic experiences. Studies have shown that EMDR can significantly reduce symptoms of PTSD. In this regard, some patients experience relief after just a few sessions. The therapy encourages the brain to access and reprocess traumatic memories, enabling patients to integrate these experiences without the associated emotional pain.

Phase 3

Final Integration

The final phase focuses on reinforcing the skills acquired in the previous stages and preparing clients for future challenges. It involves applying the lessons learned during trauma narration and processing to everyday life situations.

Clients work on enhancing their coping strategies and maintaining their recovery when faced with trauma triggers. This phase also includes family meetings to ensure continued support from loved ones, which can significantly boost the recovery process.

Research indicates that incorporating these elements into the treatment enhances the effectiveness of TF-CBT, fostering improved family relationships and better emotional health among participants (Cohen et al., 2017).

Phase 2

Reprocessing

During this phase, clients recount the details of their traumatic experiences in a safe and controlled environment. This process, known as trauma narration, allows them to confront and explore the memories and emotions associated with the trauma.

By gradually disclosing these memories, clients begin to address the mental hold these experiences have over them. The therapist guides them through this process, ensuring that they remain comfortable and supported.

This phase is crucial for helping clients alter their negative trauma narrative and integrate their experiences into their broader life story. It aids in reshaping their understanding and emotional response to the trauma.

Phase 1

Stabilisation

This initial phase focuses on establishing safety and emotional self-regulation. Patients become aware of ways to manage anxiety and distress, natural effects of trauma. Psychoeducation helps them understand their reactions and normalizes their feelings, making it clear that such responses are acceptable.

In this stage, patients are introduced to tools and strategies like relaxation, mindfulness, and grounding techniques to help them regain control over their emotions. These methods support their ability to cope with trauma-related stress.

Research indicates that effective stabilisation significantly enhances the overall efficacy of TF-CBT. By providing a solid foundation, it prepares patients for the more intensive work in the subsequent phases of therapy.

Phase 3

Reintegration

Occupational reintegration focuses on helping individuals return to meaningful work, fostering a sense of purpose and accomplishment. By building skills and confidence, they can reengage with their careers or explore new opportunities. This process is vital for restoring self-esteem and financial independence.

Relational reintegration involves rebuilding healthy connections with family, friends, and loved ones. Strengthening these relationships provides crucial emotional support and helps individuals feel more connected and understood. Positive relationships are key to a stable and fulfilling recovery.

Social and personal reintegration are about reengaging with community activities and rediscovering personal interests. Participating in social activities fosters a sense of belonging, while personal reintegration encourages self-discovery and growth.

Phase 2

Reprocessing

Exposure-based therapies like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) are designed to reduce the distress associated with traumatic memories. By gradually confronting these memories in a controlled setting, individuals can process and reframe the trauma. This approach helps diminish the emotional intensity linked to past events.

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) focuses on challenging and modifying unhelpful beliefs related to the trauma. Through guided sessions, individuals learn to shift their thinking patterns, leading to a healthier perspective on the traumatic event.

Both EMDR and CPT are powerful tools in trauma recovery, allowing individuals to regain control over their memories and emotions. These therapies work by targeting the root of the trauma, facilitating long-term healing.

Phase 1

Stabilisation

Maladaptive behavior can manifest as avoidance, aggression, or other harmful actions, disrupting daily life. These behaviors often stem from distorted thinking patterns, where negative beliefs and cognitive distortions take hold. Addressing these patterns is key to fostering healthier coping strategies.

Somatic symptoms, such as chronic pain, headaches, or fatigue, are physical manifestations of underlying emotional distress. These symptoms can be debilitating, further complicating the recovery process. Effective treatment must integrate both physical and psychological care.

Environmental factors, including specific triggers or stressors, can exacerbate symptoms or lead to relapse. Identifying and managing these triggers is essential for long-term recovery. A holistic approach ensures that the individual is supported in all aspects of their environment.

Motivational Interviewing

Motivational Interviewing is a key therapeutic approach we use to empower clients in their journey toward recovery. This evidence-based technique focuses on enhancing an individual’s motivation to change by exploring and resolving ambivalence. Through collaborative and non-judgmental conversations, our highly experienced psychotherapists help clients identify their own reasons for change, fostering a sense of autonomy and commitment to their recovery goals. Motivational Interviewing is particularly effective in addressing substance use disorders and other behavioural challenges, providing a strong foundation for lasting transformation and personal growth.

Motivational interviewing is a therapy approach in which clinicians use a patient-centred stance paired with eliciting techniques to help patients explore and resolve their ambivalence about changing behaviours that are not healthy or optimal. It has a collaborative, autonomy-supporting, and evocative style (known as “motivational interviewing spirit”) in which clinicians seek to understand patients’ perspectives on substance use, while guiding them toward considering changing one or more behaviours. Sometimes this may involve building awareness of a discrepancy between the patient’s current and hoped-for self. The clinician avoids confrontation and supports patients’ optimism about the possibility and value of change.

People with unhealthy substance use often have mixed feelings and thoughts about their smoking, drug, and alcohol use. While they may be aware of negative consequences associated with substance use, they also get pleasure from it (e.g., intoxication, disinhibition, and socialisation). They often remain conflicted or ambivalent about changing their behaviour until their perception of the risks and benefits of substance use shifts. Understanding and resolving this ambivalence is central in motivational interviewing.

Key processes in motivational interviewing include engagement, focusing, evoking, and planning. Clinicians using motivational interviewing build rapport and engage the patient with a warm, non-judgmental attitude. They elicit the patient’s ideas and feelings about a range of current behaviours, how these fit with the patient’s hopes and values, and whether the patient can imagine better options than the current behaviours. During this process, they focus on changes that the patient wants to make and match the agenda to the patient’s priorities. The clinician elicits the patient’s own reasons and rationale for possible changes, referred to as “change talk.” Simultaneously, the clinician manages “sustain talk,” or arguments for staying the same, by attending to it only as much as needed before pivoting back to strengthening change talk. A key skill for the clinician is to pay more attention to change talk than sustain talk by evoking, reflecting, and strengthening it. Once people are resolved to change, they can often do it on their own. Thus, while not essential, motivational interviewing can include processes of planning for and activating changes. The motivational interviewing clinician may continue to assist the person as they make changes, especially as motivational interviewing is focused more on discussing the “whether” and “why” to change than the “how.”

Two active components have been proposed as leading to the efficacy of motivational interviewing.

What is Somatic Experiencing

Developed by Dr. Peter Levine, Somatic Experiencing® is a trauma resolution method that is grounded in an understanding of how mammals respond to and recover from stressful and life-threatening situations. Originally created as an approach to healing trauma in humans, the science underlying the method has broader applicability in understanding equines and other mammals as well.

Somatic Experiencing® provides a gentle way of working with sensations, arousal and activation in the autonomic nervous system, and thwarted survival responses (procedural or implicit body memory) by building capacity to bear witness to what is happening inside in small, incremental amounts (titration). This process isn’t just about sensations, but also allows us to work with the over- and under-coupled emotions, thoughts, beliefs, images, sensory details, behaviours (including impulses, movements, and actions), and dynamics that are associated with different life experiences.

Building slowly, Somatic Experiencing® supports the ability to experience progressively larger thresholds of activation and embodiment to both respect and grow the window of tolerance. As we grow our resiliency, inner resources, and capacity to be with our internal experience and challenging external stimuli, the need for defensive or management strategies decreases (such as shame, dissociation, fragmentation/switching ego states, avoidance, resistance, intellectualisation, pleasing, complying, addictions, disordered eating, stereotypies, overriding through willpower, projecting and blaming, and so on). This is very different from tolerating, putting up with, or muscling through. Our capacity to be more present to the fullness and goodness that life has to offer – relationships, pleasure, play, creativity, calm, excitement, joy, authenticity – can also increase as well.

One of the goals of trauma recovery is that of somatic renegotiation – having a different outcome to a familiar situation or experiencing oneself differently in a familiar situation. One example is completing in the present what did not have a chance to complete in the past, such as safely releasing and processing what is stored in the body, restoring the natural ability of the system to regulate, and experiencing a felt sense of aliveness or triumph (“I can!”). Experiences of triumph offer a counter-resource to past experiences of defeat and “I can’t”, which help shift our internal experience of ourselves. As Deb Dana says, “story follows state” – when our state changes, so too does the story we tell ourselves about ourselves and others (such as our loved ones, pets, horses, and so on). Although horses don’t tell stories in the same way we do, their felt sense of themselves also changes depending on whether they are attuned and responded to, whether they feel triumph or chronic defeat, and so on.

Allowing time for the nervous system to pendulate through and integrate each small shift in this process is important, so that a different felt sense of self in the moment can emerge. We work at the edges of the window of tolerance, so that there is something to work with but not so much that the nervous system goes too far beyond threshold. There are other forms of renegotiation as well, such as renegotiating relationship dynamics, or internal dynamics between parts of ourselves, and so on.

Transcript

Resh Joseph

Sudden Wealth Syndrome: When Money Becomes a Burden

This transcript provided by the automated system. Please bear with us as we refine the content. Thanks for your understanding!

[00:00:00] Jordan Harbinger: Welcome to the show. I’m Jordan Harbinger. On the Jordan Harbinger Show. We decode the stories, secrets, and skills of the world’s most fascinating people and turn their wisdom into practical advice that you can use to impact your own life and those around you. Our mission is to help you become a better informed, more critical thinker through long form conversations with a variety of amazing folks.

From spies to CEOs, athletes, authors, thinkers, performers, even the occasional organized crime figure, cold case, homicide, investigator, hacker or astronaut. And if you’re new to the show or you want to tell your friends about the show and hey, I appreciate it when you do that, I suggest our episode starter packs.

These are collections of our favorite episodes on persuasion and negotiations, psychology and geopolitics, disinformation, cyber warfare, crime, and cults, and more. That’ll help new listeners get a taste of everything we do here on the show. Just visit Jordan harbinger.com/start or search for us in your Spotify app To get started today on the show, Resh Joseph, a leading psychotherapist specializing in treating trauma and something called Sudden Wealth syndrome.

Yes. You heard that correctly in high net worth individuals providing luxury rehab again. Yes. You heard that correctly, providing luxury rehab again. Yes. You heard that right? Honestly, I’d never heard of this. I was initially pretty skeptical, but here we are and I’m curious what y’all think. Once you give this one listen as well.

This episode is brought to you ad free and is sponsored by Highlands Recovery. ssh. Joseph is the leading psychotherapist in residence.

Tell us a little bit about what you do. It’s safe to say I have questions ’cause I’ve never heard of a lot of this stuff.

[00:01:29] Resh Joseph: Well, I’m a therapist by training. I’m the clinical director here at a residential facility for former PTSD addictions and other disorders of. Extreme stress. I’m a therapist by training and my principal job here is to work with people who have trauma and all of the, the disorders associated with trauma.

I’m from Singapore and I moved here to Australia to take up this job to construct a clinical program to help people with former and stress related disorders of which addiction and alcoholism is a principle. Feature.

[00:02:08] Jordan Harbinger: So people are gonna say, wait, Jordan said he hadn’t heard of this. Surely you’ve heard of alcoholism and PTSD.

Yes, I have. But I know you also treat symptoms associated with something called Sudden Wealth Syndrome and I, I’ve never heard of that. So can you break that down for us a little bit? ’cause that’s, that’s completely new to me.

[00:02:27] Resh Joseph: Okay, so sudden wealth syndrome, um, as such as it is, is not really a clinical diagnosis, right?

So if you looked in the DSM five, you wouldn’t find it. So it’s not an actual clinical syndrome. It’s a term that has become very catchy. It’s a term that is used to refer to people who acquire a great deal of wealth suddenly, or come into a great deal of wealth suddenly, and for, and all of the. Issues that people have.

That may be associated with this acquiring of wealth. So people such as the Novo people who grow up the children, the very rich people, you know, so they don’t do anything to acquire that wealth. So what sudden wealth syndrome is such as it is, it looks at people who. Have acquired wealth very rapidly or through non-traditional means, and how the acquiring of that wealth can cause really quite serious problems for the, for those individuals.

[00:03:28] Jordan Harbinger: I had no idea. So we’re talking about maybe people who won the lottery or inherited a bunch of money suddenly, or, or, or like you said, grew up very wealthy. That can actually, cause I don’t know if my, if I’m using the right word, but that it sounds like that can actually cause trauma of some kind, or is, is that not the right word?

Well,

[00:03:48] Resh Joseph: the best way to think of this is if you’ve got someone who, you know, grew up in an ordinary family say, and they became an overnight sensation as a result of, say, a pop career or they became a movie star. Right. And we, and we see. Snippets of these stories in the media all the time. What happens when someone transitions from being an ordinary person to being an incredibly wealthy person is that certain things can happen where they just are not able to cope.

Now, that’s not a trauma in the strict definition of a word, but it’s certainly a stressor. It’s certainly a stress on the individual, and the interesting thing is that individuals adapt to stressor in all kinds of interesting ways, and that for some people, those adaptations become maladaptive. They stop working and they start doing harm.

And what this sudden wealth syndrome thing, as I understand it is, is there a way to try and understand the challenges that face the individual who goes from an ordinary situation? To an extraordinary one. Is there a way in which to understand how people react in these situations and what that tells us about how people adapt, if you like?

[00:05:09] Jordan Harbinger: Yeah, that does make some sense. And, and I’m wondering, given the name is Sudden Wealth Syndrome, of course it seems like the answer is yes, but I wonder what if it’s not only sudden wealth? What if you become. Famous and you’re not that wealthy. You just happen to be like a, a YouTube sensation or a TikTok sensation and sure, maybe you’re making like a few hundred grand off of this, but you, you know, you have expenses and you have your production co.

So you’re not necessarily loaded beyond all your wildest dreams, but maybe millions of people know who you are. Is that gonna be a similar kind of thing? ’cause it seems like that the changes you’re talking about or the adaptations you’re talking about. Aren’t necessarily pinned only to finances or are they, uh,

[00:05:50] Resh Joseph: well, that’s a very astute observations, uh, because first of all, where does one draw the line in terms of wealth?

For some, for some of us it may be 10 million. For others it may be a hundred. And for others it could be, as you say, you know, 500 grand. That could be the difference. And, uh, the other part of the question, as I understand it, is. Why do some people adapt in certain ways whilst others don’t? That’s another very, very interesting questions.

Are there things that perhaps happened earlier that would predispose certain people to mal adapt where others do not? That’s a fantastically interesting question. Yeah. The answer is yes.

[00:06:31] Jordan Harbinger: Can. Can we talk about what some of those early experiences might actually be like? Is it. I’m gonna go out on a limb here and say, if you grew up with a really strong, tight loving family, maybe you’re less likely to go off the rails.

If somebody who I dunno, was emancipated at 15 and then went off on their own and suddenly became a professional athlete or, or a pop star and just has no kind of grounding relationships around them, for example.

[00:06:56] Resh Joseph: Some of why certain people adapt whilst others mal adapt can definitely be found in the genetic material.

Some people are just predisposed, right? And, and I can certainly say a little bit about those particular genes, but it’s a very technical topic and I’m not sure how interesting. Yeah. Might it would be, might

[00:07:13] Jordan Harbinger: not make sense. Yeah. For the, for our audience here.

[00:07:15] Resh Joseph: Yeah. But suffice to say, there is certainly enough evidence to say that, that some of us are genetically predisposed and whilst others are not.

The second, of course, is the childhood environment. The childhood environment is fantastically important in how the brain is sculpted as the person grows up and the connections that are made, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera, inside the brain. And certainly if you grew up in an environment. For example, prized things like healthy boundaries, prized the importance of communication, prized the importance of trust and a autonomic nervous system.

You know, all of the things that we think of as as being critical to relationships. Then that becomes adapted to the person when they. Become an adult and face a challenge such as this. However, if you have someone who grew up, say, in a family where there were no boundaries, people could do and say as they please, if trust was not prized, if all of those healthy components of a, of a loving family are not there, then when they go into adulthood, those coping strategies are simply not there for them.

Then the chances of mal adapting are that much greater, I would say.

[00:08:27] Jordan Harbinger: Gotcha. Okay. By way of background, I’d love to hear about your history of treating prisoners and addicts and things like that. I’m curious how you got started with all this.

[00:08:36] Resh Joseph: Well, I started, as most of us do, you know, we don’t start at the top end of the.

Private sector, most of us start in the government sector. That’s just the trajectory most people take. Right? We work in hospitals, we work in nursing homes, we work in prisons where you, the phrase that I would use is you earn your chops. You know, you earn your stripes, you have to do the hours, as it were.

And so, yes. You know, like most of my colleagues, I started in the public sector, which in my case was prison service, where I worked in the chief of prison psychiatry, and I was. Basically the person who ran around and did, as I was told. Yeah, sure. How much therapy I actually did. I would unashamedly say zero because it’s in that situation there you have a specific job to do.

It’s a very important one. Uh, and I was there to support, you know, the, the people doing very important work. You know, the psychiatrists, the prison. Psychological services, et cetera, et cetera. However, what I would say is that it was an extremely valuable experience for me in terms of learning, because I saw how men put in very, very stressful situations, reacted, take away the fact that these men were, you know, criminals or.

Uh, gang members or drug addicts, you know, take all of that stuff away and simply look at them humanistically as human beings, they were put in extraordinarily stressful situation, right? Things like incarceration, having your rights taken away, uh, solitary punishment, you know, bars and all that, that sort of thing.

It’s an extreme stressor. And just looking at how some men were able to adapt and become really quiet. Amazing individuals where others just couldn’t, they could not adapt. They maladapted or they didn’t adapt at all. They just collapsed. And I left that period of time asking myself, why was it that some people were able to cope, if I can use that word.

While others just completely collapsed. The great gift that the prison service gave me was that I started asking those questions, and as I transitioned from public sector and slowly and gingerly over to the private sector, those questions, the questions that started then still persist. Jordan, I still ask those questions.

Why is it, and I ask, I get asked it all the time, why is it that someone who is say, born into privilege. And this is part of what Sudden Wealth Syndrome is as well. Why is it that someone who is born into privilege and they have everything, appearances, tell us that they have everything that they need.

They don’t seem to cope with the challenges that life throws at them, whilst other people have every handicap. You can imagine that, and I know some of these people, I mean, I’ve done work with a Afghani women, you know, who have every disadvantage you can imagine. Yet these women are able to forge ahead in life and adapt to incredible circumstances.

The question, Jordan, is why is that? It’s a question that, that, that drives me defines women based,

[00:11:45] Jordan Harbinger: I’m sure. Yeah, I’m sure it’s, it’s, it’s fascinating. I mean, you cracked the code on that one. And, uh, you’ve changed humanity, right? Essentially. So, but what led you then to specialize in trauma and sudden well syndrome now, particularly among high net worth individuals?

’cause that is quite the departure in terms of clientele, right? To go from the incarcerated. And unfortunately, you know, this is a callous way to phrase it, but kind of like the bottom rung of society in many ways, right? The people that have been locked away forever in some cases, and now it’s, Hey, you know, let’s, let’s work with high net worth individuals.

I mean, it’s again, like quite the departure in terms of clientele. It’s an interesting shift.

[00:12:21] Resh Joseph: Wow, that’s a very broad question. Yeah, I mean, my own personal journey speaks to that as well. But if I had to articulate one question that I get asked more than any other question, that question would be why me?

And that question essentially says I come from a particular background. You know, very often the people I work with these days are very privileged. So what they mean is I come from. Uh, decent family, privileged background, went to a good school, good education opportunities presented to me, and yet things have gone so badly wrong for me because I’m sitting here, right?

This indeed this may be a very, very nice facility and you can see the oak paneling on the wall behind me sometimes. I think I’ve landed in, uh, in the Ho Hogwarts school for magic, uh, being in this. Beautiful place. But even so, the people who are here are all asking that question are all articulating that question.

I don’t understand why me. And there’s almost implicit in that question, a denial of permission. It’s almost as though they say to themselves, I’m not really allowed to have trauma. I’m not really even allowed to suffer because I had such a good life. I have this terrific house that I live in, and I have these wonderful people that help me, and I have these brilliant doctors that treat every illness I have, and I have a business that sends me on vacation twice a year.

So I’m not really allowed to suffer. Not really, I. That’s the point that is implicit in the question of why me? And it’s in trying to answer that question that this work is in service of why you, let me tell you why you, here’s why. And for many people answering that question is if therapy can be described as a structured exploration of personal suffering, then it’s really the ability to answer that question.

I know. Why me? I know why, and that is the door to whatever solution lies on the other side.

[00:14:29] Jordan Harbinger: But I’m curious, what are some of the most common challenges that your clients face? I mean, you mentioned addiction. I. Is it common for people to sort of lose their way with this stuff and then self-medicate? Is that what we’re looking at?

You mentioned also PTSD, but I’m trying to figure out how that happens. I guess if you come from a privileged life, it’s not, you know, you’re not in a war zone. Where does the PTSD come from? I, I’m, I obviously don’t fully understand PTSD in asking that question.

[00:14:54] Resh Joseph: Well, I have some earth shattering news for you if you’re ready for it.

I am ready. Rich people can suffer pain too.

[00:15:03] Jordan Harbinger: Yes. I, I’m sure, I’m sure bad things happen to, to people at in all levels. Yeah. But I wonder, you know, is it the wealth that causes it or is it they’re wealthy but then their family splits apart because everyone’s fighting over the money and that’s what causes the PTSD or you know, for example,

[00:15:19] Resh Joseph: very interesting question.

If we’re looking purely at it from a wealth angle, the wealth itself can very often become the locus of suffering. And what I mean by that is simply by its existence, it can cause relationships to fracture, it can cause division that where there perhaps. Wasn’t any. It can, uh, you know, cause a great deal of, um, suffering to the people who have to manage it.

It can cause relational dysfunction, social dysfunction, occupational dysfunction, even personal dysfunction, and all of these things can happen purely because the wealth is there. It has an effect from the people around them, and it’s the way that people negotiate those dysfunctionalities that decide whether they come end up in a place like this or not.

In the case of some people where the wealth has caused enough dysfunctionality in the close relationships where people no longer speak to siblings. Or children where the wealth is enough of an obstacle to prevent close family members from talking to each other, where the wealth by its mere existence can cause such a social fracture that the ordinary support upon whom the person relies and no longer accessible or available to them because everyone is now suspect, I heard, is in group just this morning.

Everybody just wants my money. If I’m thinking that it doesn’t make me a very good friend. It makes other people very suspect, and that’s just because the wealth happens to be there. The wealth is benign, but the effect it has on people is quite extraordinary. And then of course. And this refers to, I really don’t like this phrase, I’ve heard it so I’ll use it, but what are have become to be called nepo babies.

I dunno if you’ve heard this. Yeah,

[00:17:19] Jordan Harbinger: yeah, exactly. Yeah, I’ve heard of this.

[00:17:21] Resh Joseph: I, I dislike that very much, but I’ll use it because I think most people have heard of that. In other words, children who have grown up in very wealthy families who really can’t seem to get going. You know, people like me have variously called it.

Other things. Some people call it Nero baby. I prefer to call it failure to launch.

[00:17:39] Jordan Harbinger: I was gonna say failure to launch is another way to say it. That’s maybe, maybe not as horrible. Yeah. I don’t know. Yeah.

[00:17:44] Resh Joseph: Nipple Baby just has a horrible rate to it, doesn’t it?

[00:17:47] Jordan Harbinger: Right. Yeah. Yeah. It’s it, it sort of implies that if you did do something, it wasn’t because of anything you’ve accomplished in your own life, somebody put you somewhere, failure to launch means you haven’t done anything.

So I don’t know. They actually, no, no, no. I’m not sure which one is worse now that you mention it.

[00:18:02] Resh Joseph: Yeah, so I’d prefer to say sort of failure is a launch, and this comes under the area of, you know, occupational dysfunctionality. We as human beings are built to climb up a hill, to lift a load and carry it up the hill.

That really where we find meaning in life is in the struggle that we wake up every day that we’re. We enter the struggle for something meaningful, whether that’s this place or your job or it doesn’t matter, but it has to be meaningful to the person. If on the other hand, you wake up and you don’t have that, because through no fault of your own, every pressure in life, occupational pressure in life has been taken care of for you.

You don’t have to go out there and struggle. You can if you wish, but you don’t have to. Then it brings a certain challenge, an occupational challenge, because if you don’t have to work, would you really, and could you blame, say the son of a billionaire, if he was to possibly unconsciously feel, you know, what really is the point of me going out there and struggling hard and honestly and diligently to earn?

Decent wage, you know, 250,000 a year when my father spends that on his, you know, Gulf Stream every weekend for a perspective that I think that would be difficult for anyone. I’m not in that situation. I’ve never been in that situation. I very much doubt it unless I’m very rich. Hes looks upon me in a kindly way.

That’s very unlikely. Very unlikely. Unlikely to happen to me.

[00:19:38] Jordan Harbinger: You’re in a good position to make that happen. I’m just saying.

[00:19:42] Resh Joseph: I wasn’t suggesting anything, but Aris is out there, the application. No. Um, but um, yeah, I, I, I, I work with people who are now in that position and the struggle is real and I’m asked by these very nice young men and women, you know, rush.

What is the point of me going out there is struggling? It’s hard to, to do x when my father plays at the weekend and he spends more.

[00:20:09] Jordan Harbinger: Right? It, it would be very demotivating to, to go, okay, I’m gonna study hard. Get into a good college, study hard, get into a good law school, work really hard, go work on Wall Street.

In five years, I’ll be making Gulfstream gas fuel, you know, weekend money in a year. And then if I make partner and sacrifice most of my prime life getting there, I will make what my dad makes or what our family fortune generates an interest every couple of days or whatever, you know, or every week. And then I’ll have more money than I can spend in my entire life, or I do nothing.

And I have more money than I can spend in my entire life and 20 or 30 extra years to enjoy it.

[00:20:50] Resh Joseph: I’m reminded of a young man I worked with and he doesn’t mind me sharing this because he’s shared this very openly himself. So I know I’m liberty to say this, but we were speaking once and he was, you know, telling me about some enterprise that he’s a failure to launch kid.

Very, very nice young man, and he was telling me about some enterprise that he was on and he was building some. Innovat new media company. I don’t understand any of this stuff, but he was telling me about it. It seemed very good, and I said to him, well, the potential for that is extraordinary. You know, and I hope you go on and build this, and blah, blah, blah.

And he just looked at me very casually, and not in a, in an unpleasant or rude way. He says, well, the amount of money we, if I look at the turnover we had last year, I made more in interest whilst I was asleep on my trust fund whilst I was asleep last night. And that stayed with me because it really, for the first time, I think really showed, gave me a, a window into the challenges that these very nice young men and women face.

Where if you have that in your mind, I’m struggling every single day to go out there. And the annual revenue of the company I’ve built with, you know, help and guidance and recovery and all the rest of it. I’m now, I’m acutely aware of the fact that I made more in interest on my trust fund whilst I was asleep, right?

Someone like me, I am continuously talking about the importance of motivation and how to achieve it. People like me, you know, we are just. Continuously preoccupied this, how to get people motivated and how to keep them motivated, because as the research tells us, that’s one of the keys to any kind of successful change.

So, you know, a great deal of my time is spent thinking about that, but in that moment, I really had to ask myself, how does this young man stay motivated? And I honestly cannot tell you. Couldn’t tell you.

[00:22:43] Jordan Harbinger: Yikes. Yeah, that would be really demotivating. I mean, you, you just look at the best case scenario.

You’d have to rewire your reward system to not prioritize the money, but to prioritize whatever bringing a, a result in your community with the thing you’re putting out there to help people or. To, I don’t even know. You’d have to just sort of reprogram what the reward is, right? Because it can’t be financial.

Because unless you are printing money, you’re printing money sleeping like that guy and you know, his trust fund’s printing money, so he, he’s gotta find some other reward. But that’s hard to do, right? If you grow up your whole life measuring things with finance like we all do, you have to suddenly figure out a way to do a different thing.

That’s gotta be challenging.

[00:23:30] Resh Joseph: Well, you’ve just hit the $50 million cash prize. They’re already, maybe I should say 50 billion given the data of our conversation. That’s right. That’s right. You’ve hit a bit of, a bit of a jackpot there when you say that. Would it not mean that we would have to help rewire.

The reward system. I think you’re exactly right. I think part of the problem comes from a misunderstanding of what reward actually is because we have a tendency to associate reward with either feelings of euphoria, the hedonic response pleasure. You know, if I eat, it’s pleasurable. I eat. That’s really a mis, a mistaken interpretation of what brain reward is.

The first clue that that’s a mistake comes from research that I first saw about 10 years ago, eight years ago, that very clearly show that the chemical associated with reward dopamine. We all know that dopamine is released in the brain, that they showed in the brains of addicts that very often the dopamine hit would come before.

The consumption, it was anticipatory. So even the anticipation of the reward or anticipation of, as they call it, the stimulus, that the anticipation of the stimulus is what produced the reward, not the stimulus itself. So it wasn’t the cocaine or the heroin or the alcohol or the drug or the gambling. It wasn’t that.

In the case of addicts, it was the anticipation of the reward. That gave the dopamine spike in the brain and that really set off the research on my part. Investigations on my part, and I’ll cut the story short. I’ve broken reward here in rewiring people. I’ve broken it into what I call the four ms. That brain reward actually is a combination of these four things.

It’s a combination of memory. Motivation, movement and meaning. Anything that is rewarding to us as human beings, I say, has to have some hook in the memory. In other words, it has the ability to really activate. So if you smell a food you like and you start salivating, and it’s rewarding for you to eat that it hooks into your memory in some way.

I say that it has to have the ability to really motivate you to go out there and get it. You don’t simply sit on your couch, it makes you want to go out there and pursue it. It has to have that. It has to have the ability to move. And by the way, movement in the brain is initiated also by dopamine, just in the different circuits, but most importantly.

For something to be rewarding, it has to be meaningful to the individual. You and I may not know what that meaning is, but it must be meaningful to that person. If we took someone like an alcoholic or an addict, the meaning of the drug use, very often, not always, but very often, that is meaningful to that person because it represents relief from pain.

If I’m in a person in terrible emotional pain or terrible physical pain, if I’ve found something that can give me relief from that can make me feel at peace, well that will become particularly meaningful to me. And so the challenge for someone like me in a place like this is how do we rewire the brain in such a way that the person finds something?

That can activate the memory, can activate the motivation, can activate the movement, and is deeply meaningful to that person. If we can fulfill those four ms, I submit that whatever that person doing, even if they can’t explain it to me, their therapies, it matters. Not like the young man who is out there building his wonderful media company.

He can’t explain to me. What it is that hooks into his memory. Can’t tell me why it motivates him, why it gets him moving every morning in the way that it does, or why it’s so meaningful to him. But he doesn’t, he needs to know it. And that’s all that really matters. And so I think part of what is ultimately, uh, a panacea or solve for certain wealth syndrome, such as it may be called, is that people can rewire their brains to.

The plants, the four s with four different ones, then they have the beginnings of a solution.

[00:28:02] Jordan Harbinger: That must be kind of a complex process. ’cause I’m imagining these guys, guys and gals coming in and saying everything is meaningless. There’s no point in anything. Right. I, I mean, not, maybe not everybody, but certainly some of them.

And it’s like, where do you even begin with somebody who doesn’t know what would bring them pleasure, which is maybe one of the reasons why they’re using drugs, for example, right? They’re not interested in cooking, they don’t care about building a company because there’s no point and they can’t do it.

You know? Where do, where do you sort of like start the introspection that’s required to find that meaning?

[00:28:35] Resh Joseph: I mean, I’ve worked in places like this for a number of years now, so I’ve had the opportunity to see what doesn’t work as well as what I think does. Here’s what doesn’t work look like. What doesn’t work is people in a facility like this where they’re very well looked after, they have chefs and Mac pursuers and chauffeurs and et cetera, et cetera, but all they do is they sit around all day, they do nothing.

They drink coffee, they smoke cigarettes. They are bored and listless and in my book Unrewarded, it’s just the boredom and the restlessness and the listlessness and the irritability that one associates with being chronically under rewarded, which is what people mean when they say, God doing this is so meaningless.

That is a sure ticket to going back to the thing that was rewarding in the first place because. Well, that’s what you know. That’s what you’ll do. And therefore what I think works is whatever a place like this does, has to address that. It has to provide people with those four s and I look at it from.

Three perspectives, a biological, a psychological, and a social. This relates to George Engel’s 1977 paper on the biopsychosocial model. So what angle and what we all pretty much say these days is if you want to be, well, then you have to have a biological component, a psychological component, and a social component.

The biological component in a place like this is about enhancing dopamine functioning. And there are certain things that we now know definitely enhance dopamine functioning. The people who’ve written very brilliantly on this are actually the people who lead the field are Americans. So I’m thinking of, uh, professor Anna Leke at Stanford who wrote a brilliant book on this.

And others who, from the Stanford group as well, will become very well known in their own way, but doing all of the biological stuff through diet, through exercise, through cold plunging, through, you know, all of those things to try to enhance dopamine functioning. As much as possible, or as Anna Leke says, try and rid oneself of the gremlins.

She talks about the seesaw and the gremlins on one side, you know, so it’s a great analogy. You should read the book. That would be one part of it. The second part of it is the psychological, where we basically work with people to examine the environment and how they’ve constructed it. Behavioral psychology, cognitive psychology, somatic psychology, all of those components.

Number two. And number three, of course is the social component because we are social animals whether we like it or not. And if you put people in socially cohesive groups, that will in itself become rewarding. I’m sure you’ve noticed this of yourself. If you are in a group of people where you feel there’s a real group cohesiveness where you feel understood and you feel aligned with people, it just motivates you to do stuff.

You know, I remember as a young boy going in a football match and standing on the stands of a team I’d never heard of. By the end of that match, I was cheering for the team. I didn’t know who the hell they were, but I was cheering for them because everybody around me was having such a great time. But that’s how I would describe a place like this.

A place like this, if it’s going to work, has to have all three. You’ve gotta have the good biology. You’ve gotta have the good psychology and you’ve gotta have the good sociology. And if we get those three things right, then what you don’t get are people sitting around, bored out of their skulls, smoking cigarettes, drinking coffee, moaning about the world and its dog.

And generally listeners bored and unhappy. That’s in theory. I mean, I’m making it sound very, very easy, but Sure, sure. It’s a challenge.

[00:32:37] Jordan Harbinger: Yeah. I mean, of course it is. And I know generally something like 40 to 60% of, let’s say addicts for example, they relapse after rehab. And Highlands, your facility I know has a bunch of aftercare that extends.

Is it one or two years after the resident leaves the facility? And I assume that’s sort of mandatory to make sure that you accomplish the mission at hand.

[00:32:58] Resh Joseph: The length of the aftercare is a client, depending on their clinical need, depending on their journey, depending on, yeah. So if I had my way right and there’s no reason to suspect that I will because I’m a bit of a bully and I.

Tend to get my way and the people here, very nice said they let me get away with stuff, but no, not really. But when I get my way, eventually that aftercare will never end because one of the things that we’re doing where we’re harnessing new technology, although this is not new, is we’re building an an app for our alumni, and that app will basically form the basis of a Highlands alumni around the world that the client here will have access.

In, they will never, they can choose not to use it, but if they choose to be a part of the aftercare community, they can do so for two years, three years, five years, for as, as long as I’m in charge for as long as they wish. So in that way, the goal is to have aftercare that is perpetual, that never actually ends.

[00:34:03] Jordan Harbinger: Yeah. That act, I mean, that makes a ton of sense to me. I think a lot of people are wondering how much it costs to go to a facility like Highlands, for example. I. That deals with the ultra wealthy, I assume it’s quite pricey because it’s gotta be nice in order to accommodate what those people are used to.

Right? They don’t wanna be miserable, they’re already doing something challenging. They wanna be in, you know, safe and familiar and it surroundings that are up to their standards. I, I’m, or, or am I putting words in, in your mouth here? ’cause it seems like that would be important.

[00:34:34] Resh Joseph: Well, you are correct to say that we are not cheap, but interestingly enough, we are also, we would not be considered expensive.

So if I’m looking at a comparative chart, which is. Really what this is us in comparison to say, competitors in Australia and competitors globally. There are definitely people out there who are doing it cheaper and, and certainly you could have a less, you could get rid of the oak paneling and that would be, you know, a cheaper of doing this.

So certainly there are places doing this, uh, more cheaply than us, but there are also a lot of places who are doing this much, much more expensively. Very interestingly, and we are kind of in the middle. I see somewhere.

[00:35:15] Jordan Harbinger: Can I ask what the price range is?

[00:35:18] Resh Joseph: Obviously the rooms and the facilities are priced differently depending on which part of the facility you are in, but the top, absolute top price for the.

Most luxurious facility that we have here. That would be the price. Yeah. $25,000 a week, and I think that’s 25,000 Australian dollars, which makes it a hundred thousand a month, which makes it, I think about 65,000 us.

[00:35:42] Jordan Harbinger: Okay. I’m gonna do a little currency calculation here. Uh uh, on the weekly amount. So 25,000.

Yeah, so it’s about 16, 17,000 US dollars per week. Yeah. 66,000 US dollars. A month. I mean, that’s, you know, that’s the average annual salary in the United States. So that ends up being, it ends up being quite pricey. But for the people that are attending your facility, of course it’s, you know, it’s not, it’s not as significant investment as it would be for, for others.

So what does that include? Because that’s, people are gonna go, what do I get for that? I, I’m also curious.

[00:36:18] Resh Joseph: So what they get when they come here is, I mean, there is the obvious part of it, which is the facility itself, you know. All of the stuff that they get access to, you know, the Great Shep and all that stuff.

But I think what people are really paying for when they come to a place like this is they are paying for access to top class professionals at a top tier clinical program. Something that’s bespoke, that’s been handcrafted, that’s been written from scratch, that’s not. Secondhand or bought from another institution, or cut, cook, uh, cookie cutter in any way or downloaded or bought off the internet.

You know, they’re paying for something that has been constructed specifically by me for this place. And I think the real value of this place is in the quality of the professionals that work here, the therapeutic star. As well as some of the associated staff. Everyone here is an expert in their field, handpicked by myself and the CEO, and I’d like to think that we’ve as assembled an incredible team.

I think that a lot of the price has to do with, I. Those professionals and the fact that they don’t come cheap.

[00:37:32] Jordan Harbinger: Sure. No, that makes complete sense. I know there’s also for the program six days a week. Correct. So it’s, it’s also quite intense. It’s not exactly, you know, punching out on Thursday. There’s a lot going on and you’ve gotta include food and I, I assume people are, do people work out when they’re there?

That seems like a thing you would do, uh, when you’re trying to get back on the rails.

[00:37:51] Resh Joseph: Well, I, you know, if we’re going to say biological health is a critical part of their recovery. Then yes, working out is part of the program that they pay for. They spend 14 hours a week in various different kinds of therapy.

So therapeutically, there’s a, there’s 14 hours a week, just slightly less than that in terms of physical sessions. So yoga and I. PT and all of the physical dopamine building activity that we talked about and an equal amount of time set aside for the social health aspect, the community components that bring the community together, which is so important.

I wanted 15, 15, 15. I’ve got 14, 12, and 11, which is pretty close, but. What was said to me, which I happen to think is a good point, is it has to be balanced against enough rest and recovery because the program as it is, keeps people engaged between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM every single day, Monday to Friday, and then Saturday mornings they’re engaged in group and PT and stuff, and then in the afternoons it’s family.

They really only have one day a week off. And that it was important for people to have a day where they could just breathe and think. And reflect and work on the exercises in the manual, that that’s also a pretty important part of it.

[00:39:17] Jordan Harbinger: Sure. How do you kind of ensure that the luxury part doesn’t overshadow the therapeutic part?

Does that, is that ever a problem? I, I can imagine. Sometimes people come in, in their, you know, they’re the boss of their own realm. And they come in, and this is a very similar standard and a very similar type of thing that there used to in terms, in terms of the environment, right? It’s a high standard. It seems like maybe there’s a potentially slight danger of that getting in the way of like, okay, but we now we have to buckle down and talk about your real stuff here.

[00:39:45] Resh Joseph: Yeah. What we try to do is we try to anticipate the needs of a person from that socioeconomic group coming, right? The people who work here. All of our experience of working in that particular sector, you know, for. For some time, for some for some years. So the ability to anticipate those needs before they arise, the ability to recognize people from that particular sector will probably require A, B, C, D, and E.

And to have that on hand or the ability to provide that, and that frees the clinical team. Okay? What we don’t want, what I have seen happen is where that hasn’t been done well. And then. A lot of therapeutic time is spent dealing with the natural resentments that arise when people don’t get what they feel they’re paying for.

You know, to be fair, I would be as well, you know, if I’m paying for a certain level of syllabus and I don’t feel I’m getting that, I would be unhappy and resentful and annoyed, and then that. Hijacks the therapeutic process. Whereas if that is seen to and taken care of in anticipation, then what you get is that doesn’t bleed over into the therapeutic space.

But I tell you what, it is an absolute job, a whole team of people to just ensure that that is taken care of.

[00:41:05] Jordan Harbinger: That makes a lot of sense. Yeah, you’re right. You want it to be sort of frictionless, right? You want it to be, I’m getting what I need and so that it’s not a distraction. You want them to be comfortable enough that this is not going to be an issue.

Well, thanks so much, Russ. This, this stuff is fascinating. I really had no idea this existed. I’m curious how this is gonna land with the listeners. Usually when we do episodes like this, some folks get personal in the inbox. I pretty much guarantee someone listening to this episode. Is dealing with this kind of stuff right now.

So thank you very much for speaking with me today. Really super interesting, uh, an insight into something I’d never heard of before.

[00:41:39] Resh Joseph: Well, it’s a real pleasure talking to you Jordan, and thank you so much for having us on your, you know, podcast and it’s been a real joy talking to you as well. I.

[00:41:49] Jordan Harbinger: Imagine facing a rare, incurable disease and finding out that AI could repurpose an FDA approved drug as a potential cure.

That’s the breakthrough achieved by Dr. David Feigenbaum and the mission of his company.

I’ll never forget, the doctor walks in the room and says, David, your liver, your kidneys, your bone marrow, your heart and your lungs are all shutting down. That’s it. Like, we’ve tried everything. There’s, there’s nothing more that we can do.

I was terrified. I was like, had my last rights read to me. Course, you know, no one thought that it was even possible that I could survive. You’re dying from this horrible disease, chemotherapy just gave you a little bit of a window, but it’s probably gonna come back. So, you know, what’s your game plan to prevent this thing from killing you?

Well, the only way to get back is to use the tools that you have within reach. I’m like. Shit, I’ve got this horrible disease and the only way that like I might be able to save myself is if I can find a drug that’s already at the CVS. And so my mission then became could I figure out what the hell’s going wrong in my immune system?

So then maybe I could find a drug that already exists that could treat it. I’m not supposed to be here, like my drug wasn’t made for me. It saved my life. It was. Always there. I am completely on fire about this idea that there are drugs at your nearby CVS, your nearby Walgreens that could help more diseases and more people.

But the incentives aren’t aligned for us to do that. So we created every cure a couple years ago because we believe that every drug should be utilized for every disease that possible. We can, regardless of, you know, whether it’s profitable or not, 80% of our drugs that can help people today and tomorrow.

No one’s doing any research whatsoever to figure out more uses for them.

[00:43:28] Jordan Harbinger: Tune into episode 1005 of the Jordan Harbinger Show to explore how existing medications are bringing new hope to those confronting elusive illnesses. Thanks again to Rush for coming on the show today. Highlands Recovery is a luxury rehabilitation center in Sydney, Australia that offers holistic and personalized treatment approaches for high net worth individuals suffering from trauma, addiction, and related mental health issues.

Again, something I think most of us never knew existed. All things Rush Joseph will be in the show notes@jordanharbinger.com. Thanks to Highlands Recovery for bringing this episode to us sponsored and ad free. I’m at Jordan Harbinger on both Twitter and Instagram. You can also connect with me on LinkedIn.

This show is created an association with Podcast one. My team is Jen Harbinger, Jace Sanderson, Robert Fogarty, Ian Baird and Gabriel Mizrahi. Remember, we rise by lifting others. The fee for the show is you share it with friends. When you find something useful or interesting, the greatest compliment you can give us is to share the show with those you care about.

So if you know somebody. Who might need a little, uh, attention in this department or is suffering from anything that Highland’s Recovery might be able to treat. I highly recommend that you share this episode with him. In the meantime, I hope you apply what you hear on the show so you can live what you learn, and we’ll see you next time.

Phase 4

Consolidation

In this lifelong phase of recovery, clients are expected to be entirely self-reliant. While support groups, such as 12-step programs, sponsors, supportive family, and occasional therapy can still play a role, the focus is on the client’s ability to self-regulate their autonomic nervous system (ANS).

The goal is for clients to manage and minimize triggers independently, leading to a life that is free, or mostly free, from the debilitating effects of trauma. Despite the presence of ongoing triggers, clients should have the skills to handle them effectively.

We recognize that recovery from trauma and its associated behavioral issues is a continuous journey. Our approach supports clients in maintaining their progress and adapting to their new, healthier way of life.

Phase 3

Integration

The initial phase of recovery begins by addressing a highly agitated autonomic nervous system (ANS), which is easily triggered and can lead to excessive anxiety, flashbacks, and cravings for substances or behaviors that provide temporary relief.

To effectively calm the ANS, we employ a carefully crafted mix of biological, psychological, and social tools. These include practices like yoga and personal training to promote physical well-being, somatic massage to release tension, and a healthy diet.

Additionally, sleep hygiene is emphasized to ensure restful, restorative sleep, which is crucial for healing. A supportive social environment surrounds clients, providing the encouragement and connection necessary to manage triggers.

Phase 2

Trauma Reprocessing

Once a client achieves stability in their autonomic nervous system (ANS), the critical trauma re-processing phase begins. This stage focuses on breaking the link between triggers and excessive ANS reactions, helping clients manage their responses with greater control.

Various therapeutic modalities are used to meet individual needs during this phase. Techniques like EMDR, Trauma-focused Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Prolonged Exposure Therapy help clients process traumatic memories and alter harmful behaviors.

The therapy approach is customized by our clinical team to ensure effectiveness and match each client’s specific situation. This personalized method aims to reduce the power of triggers and support clients in their ongoing recovery journey.

Phase 1

Stabilisation

The initial phase of recovery begins by addressing a highly agitated autonomic nervous system (ANS), which is easily triggered and can lead to excessive anxiety, flashbacks, and cravings for substances or behaviors that provide temporary relief.

To effectively calm the ANS, we employ a carefully crafted mix of biological, psychological, and social tools. These include practices like yoga and personal training to promote physical well-being, somatic massage to release tension, and a healthy diet that supports overall body function.

Additionally, sleep hygiene is emphasized to ensure restful, restorative sleep, which is crucial for healing. A supportive social environment surrounds clients, providing the encouragement and connection necessary to manage triggers.

Aftercare Program Structure

In this phase, we provide ongoing support with virtual Individual and virtual Group Therapy sessions along with regular wellbeing check-ins. This can be seen as a gentle “step-down” from the fully therapeutic environment of residential rehab as we “hand hold” and support a gentle landing back into real life.

Aftercare Programs can be tailored to each client’s specific needs. Our standard program provides a “step-down” in support over a six-month period as follows:

Weeks 1-12
  • One 1-hour virtual Individual Therapy session per week, working through a combination of the Highlands Manual and the client’s own trauma re-processing work with our Aftercare Therapist.
  • Three weekly virtual Group Therapy sessions facilitated by one of our therapists.
Weeks 12-24:
  • One 1-hour virtual Individual Therapy session per fortnight, working through a combination of the Highlands Manual and the client’s own trauma re-processing work with our Aftercare Therapist.
  • One weekly virtual Group Therapy sessions facilitated by one of our therapists.
Testimonial

I’m Bernard, I’m 67 years old and I am an alcoholic. 

I’ve been a chartered accountant since I was 18 and I started my own accounting firm at 27 and ran that business, very successfully, together with my business partners up until four years ago when I sold out of the business. 

I have always drunk a lot, but it never seemed to be out of control. However, After I sold the business, I faced a lot of changes and challenges in my personal life; my partner and I moved from the city to a small country farm to start our new retired life. 

Moving from a situation where I knew what I was doing and was in control of my day-to-day life to a small, isolated farm where I had absolutely no idea what I was doing was a challenge. I really lost confidence in myself; going from a fast-paced, structured environment to a non-structured farm life resulted in the start of my cycle of heavy binge drinking. It got to a point where my partner, my family and my friends all knew about my drinking problem and were gravely concerned for my welfare. In that period, it didn’t occur to me that “Hey, this isn’t normal”.

My daughter found Highlands Recovery’s website and with the encouragement of my partner, we came down to meet with their Clinical Director Resh Joseph and Cam Francis their CEO, we had a conversation and afterwards I felt like “Wow, I can think again!”. I thought I could get my life back into control again, on my own, however that didn’t work, so I signed up to their Recovery Program.

After the first few days of settling in at Highlands I started to get into the flow of the schedule and routine. The first week or so was addressing the problem for me, which was alcohol. The next three weeks were less focused on alcohol and more focused on me; my body, my mind, my gut the “conscious” and “unconscious” and I was really fascinated by the science of it all. 

Understanding the science of my addiction enabled me to understand the tools and the methodologies that Resh uses to counteract the “craving”. As Resh would explain, the “craving” can be alcohol, drugs or as simple as wanting to change your clothes five times per day. Resh helped me to understand what has driven my addiction for the past four years; what the warning signs were, and he’s given me the tools to counteract or control the warning signs before my cravings start. 

Understanding the relationship between the “conscious” and the “unconscious”, the warning signs and utilising the tools and techniques that have been given to me by Resh and the other psychologists I worked with, has allowed me to counteract and manage the cravings and their warning signs. For example, there was a moment during my stay when something triggered me and made my anxiety rise. I immediately remembered the tools that I’d been taught, which in this case was to go and do an activity by myself, which helped placate my anxiety and cravings. My anxiety went from being (on a scale of one to ten), a nine and by using my tools, I could bring it back down to a six-seven and reduce my cravings.

A fantastic part of the Program here at Highlands is the activities you’re encouraged to participate in like Yoga, Personal Training, Massage, Sauna; they all really helped me to relax and regulate my system. 

So, you’ve been to other rehabs, what in your view, made this experience different and better?
Over the years I’ve seen several psychologists, but nothing has been like what I’ve experienced at Highlands Recovery. Resh has created this Program that he wholeheartedly believes in, which he sticks to, and that program has worked for me.

I’ve been to another rehab under negative reinforcement, basically to appease my daughter and I lasted three days. There was basically no psychology involved in the program. They were counsellors, not psychologists and there is a big difference. I went to a second rehab that believed in the learnings of Alcoholics Anonymous and the 12-Step Program. There’s no psychology, no filtering of who came in, what they did. It was supposed to be four weeks, and I left after two weeks because I just didn’t get it. Their strategy was basically lock you in a room for four weeks and go to a few meetings and “you’ll be fine”. It didn’t work for me.

So, the difference here was, in the first couple of days, it takes time to just get settled. Accept why you’re here, chat with fellow guests, meet the therapists and participate. It’s hard in the first couple of days in the group meetings but it’s fulfilling and it’s all learning. The biggest thing was learning about myself and how my addiction works. That’s the difference between Highlands and those other places; they did nothing like that.

They might help you detox and become sober, but they don’t help you learn how to regulate your own anxieties and nervous system and control your cravings. Resh’s program is based on finding the source of your cravings and then giving you the tools to manage that source. 

If I could give advice to anyone who my situation might be resonating with, is that it’s important to participate in the group therapy; the input and comments you get not only from the therapists like Resh, Georgia and Peter but also (most importantly) from your fellow guests who are there doing the program with you.  The feedback from fellow guests here is just as valuable; a comment someone else might make can really resonate with you. All the group activities here both therapy and exercise-based gives you a social environment and a community to connect with. There have been guests here who I’ve connected with, and I hope they think I’ve helped them because they’ve certainly helped and supported me.

Anete Grencmane

Executive Assistant & Operations Consultant

Anete’s professional journey has been deeply rooted in the clinic field, particularly within self awareness and embracing, and raising self-worth. Her approach is always thoughtful and tailored, understanding the unique needs of each individual and how to engage them meaningfully. This experience translates beautifully into her work with Highlands Recovery. Believing that a strong sense of community and belonging is crucial to healing and recovery. Through strategic communication and compassionate engagement, helps create an environment where guests feel seen, supported, and motivated to embark on their journey to wellness.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Anete’s life has been enriched by a deep commitment to nonprofit work, which began at a young age, thanks to the influence of her family. These experiences instilled a strong sense of simple purpose—to ease up the life of others.

She strives for building a nurturing community where Highland Recovery guests stories are heard, their needs are met, and their progress is celebrated. The expertise in creating supportive, engaging environments—both online and offline—means that she is committed to ensuring that every aspect of their stay contributes to their healing journey. Whether it’s through personalized communication, community-driven initiatives, or simply being a compassionate listener, her goal is to help each guest find strength, solace, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Preparative

In the preparation/determination stage, people have made a commitment to make a change. Their motivation for changing is reflected by statements such as: “I’ve got to do something about this — this is serious. Something has to change. What can I do?”

This is sort of a research phase. They gather information (sometimes by reading things like this) about what they will need to do to change their behaviour. Or they will check out websites, organizations and resources that are available to help them in their attempt. Too often, people skip this stage: they try to move directly from contemplation into action and fall flat on their faces because they haven’t adequately researched or accepted what it is going to take to make this major lifestyle change.

At this stage, the role of family and friends is to provide access to resources and to help to remove barriers. Often there are practical reasons (barriers) for why someone is avoiding or delaying the commencement of their recovery. These might include finding time off work, how to tell the family, managing kids or pets, transport and logistics, finances etc. Helping them in a constructive way to resolve each issue will assist them greatly in making the first step to getting help.

When the time is right, act fast. People will often seek help when they feel helpless and desperate. This is the time for family and friends to mobilise and get them into rehab as soon as is possible. Note that for some substance abuse users, a medically supervised detox maybe required prior to heading into Rehab. We can organise this for you if required.

Contemplative

In the contemplation stage, people are weighing the pros and cons of modifying their behaviour. Although they think about the negative aspects of their bad habit and the positives associated with changing, they may doubt that the long-term benefits associated with change will outweigh the short-term costs. It might take as little as a couple weeks or as long as a lifetime to get through the contemplation stage.



 

At this stage many questions and doubts are present; e.g. “Is my problem really that serious?”, “Will that rehab actually solve my problem?”, “There are so many recovery options, which one will work best for me?”, “Perhaps I can tackle this problem on my own, I just need more willpower.”, “ How do I know that this therapist will understand my specific issues?”, “ I don’t think I really need that level of help.”, “Lots of other people get over this on their own, why can’t I?”.



 

These are all fair questions to ask, and each person has to find their own answers. Ultimately, they will either find a successful path or they won’t. The question for family and friends is how long will it take and what can I do to help them realise that they need professional help?



 

The role for family and friends at this point is to always be supportive, patient and loving, but also provide honest feedback on the severity of the problem. Provide constructive information and resources for them to read. Try to think of it as swimming with the tide not against it, meaning; you want to be honest and candid about the problems and suffering that you see, but working with the person (not against them) to help them come to their own conclusions.

Pre-Contemplative

In the precontemplation stage, people are not thinking seriously about changing and are not interested in any kind of help. People in this stage tend to defend, minimise or deny their current bad habit(s) and do not feel it is a problem. They may be defensive in the face of other people’s efforts to pressure them to change. This stage can also be called “denial,” but another way to describe this stage is that people just do not yet see themselves as having a serious problem. In this stage it will probably take some sort of major crisis (loss of job, loss of partner, family breakdown, medical issue etc) to move them to the next stage.

Emma Donlevy

Therapist

Education:

  • M.Ed., P. Grad. Cert. Social Health & Counselling, Macquarie University
  • Grad. Cert. Criminology – Forensic Disability, Melbourne University
  • Dip. Counselling (AIPC)
  • Level 2 Registered Counsellor ACA
  • Registered Specialist Behaviour Support Practitioner NDIS

Emma brings with her a wealth of experience as therapist in the trauma and mental health space. She has significant experience working with children, young people and adults across NSW as well as in remote First Nations communities. She cares deeply about the needs and wants of her clients with a particular passion for supporting clients with complex and diverse needs, resulting from trauma. Her understanding of complex mental health issues includes developmental and attachment-related trauma, dual diagnosis, grief, loss, addiction and anxiety. Her skill lies in working creatively with each individual to listen, understand and support them, using a range of evidence-based strategies that best suit a client’s needs, such as DBT, sand play, art, play, trauma-informed brain-based interventions and motivational interviewing. 

 

Being naturally drawn to people from all walks of life, Emma is passionate about helping her clients overcome their personal struggles and free them from trauma.  She has supported people in a personal and professional capacity through recovery and believe that everyone is owed compassion and respect in their journey through life. 

 

Outside of her work, Emma is a practicing artist and loves creativity in any form. She loves travelling, spending time with her daughters and husband and following her favourite AFL team the Sydney Swans.

Tiffany Williamson

Registered Psychologist

Education:

  • Bachelor of Arts (Psychology), Honours, Edith Cowan University
  • Graduate Diploma of Psychology, University of New England
  • Bachelor of Business, Double Major Management and Human Resources Management, La Trobe University
  • Registered Psychologist with AHPRA (Australian Health and Regulatory Authority)
  • Associate member of the EMDR Association of Australia
  • Member of the Australian Association of Psychologists

Tiffany is an esteemed Psychologist, who employs a person-centred approach to her work, integrating a range of evidence-based therapy modalities such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and trauma-informed brain-based interventions, including Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy. She is particularly passionate about assisting those who have experienced trauma to process their past and live their best lives. Her key strengths as a therapist include exceptional interpersonal communication skills, creativity, and a person-centred therapeutic approach. Her interest in helping clients achieve their full potential involves identifying and addressing the root causes of their trauma, enabling a deeper understanding of what drives their behaviours and facilitating true healing. 

 

Tiffany is deeply committed to working with both neurotypical and neurodiverse individuals from various cultural backgrounds, supporting them to reach their full potential by understanding and leveraging their strengths, addressing challenges, and fostering a collective understanding that all behaviour is a form of communication. 

 

Outside of her professional life, Tiffany enjoys lifting weights, going for bushwalks, and exploring the beautiful national parks in the Blue Mountains. She spends most of her time with her husband and three children, manages her son’s soccer team, and is on a quest to find the perfect coffee. 

Elliot Stuart

Chef

Education:

  • Certified Chef

With a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, Elliot has honed his culinary skills in various kitchens, working across the Southern Highlands in cafés, restaurants, and at numerous events, including weddings and birthdays. A proud Southern Highlander, Elliot is actively involved in the community, participating in sports such as tennis and cricket, and volunteering as a junior cricket coach.

Their interest in rehabilitation and recovery is driven by a genuine desire to care for others. At Highlands Recovery, Elliot sees a profound opportunity to make a positive impact on people’s lives. His cheerful and engaging personality, coupled with a sincere interest in others, makes him well-suited to the Highlands team.

Alexis Fosler

PsychoTherapist

Education:

  • MSc (International Addiction Studies), MA (Counselling)
  • BA Hons Chinese

Alexis is a seasoned psychotherapist, specialising in substance use disorders, eating disorders, trauma and other disorders of extreme stress. In her previous career that spanned 3 decades, she has worked at the C-suite and board  level for several Fortune 500 companies including in private equity, investment banking and in high-end wellness organisations across the Asia Pacific. Having retrained as a psychotherapist, she is uniquely positioned to provide support to individuals seeking recovery from trauma and stressor-related disorders which include problems related to substance use and other addictions, eating disorders, and problems related to executive burnout and general work-life imbalance.

Her approach is a holistic one and she works from the biopsychosocial perspective of health and wellness. She is a firm advocate of person-centred therapeutic methods allied to cognitive-based therapies, as well as the wider principles of behavioural and social psychology.

Alexis is a long-time collaborator of Resh Joseph, and uses the Highlands methodology  wherever appropriate in working with clients adding her own unique set of skills and talent to the benefit of those she works with.

Kate Kilby

Guest Support/Carer

Education:

  • Trauma Aware Yoga Teacher Training, Frontline Yoga
  • Mental Health First Aid, Mentality Plus

After serving the community of New South Wales as a police officer for 18 years, Kate found herself in a position where she could no longer continue and realised that she needed care herself. Many places and programs claimed to be able to ‘fix’ her, but it wasn’t until she found help from an organisation dedicated to healing that she was given the space to start her healing journey.

This organisation also introduced her to meditation, which was life-changing and sparked her passion for finding therapies to complement the traditional medicine approach to treating people like her. It also inspired her to share her skills and knowledge with others.

Her journey led her to rediscover yoga after a long absence, and subsequently become a qualified instructor and start her own business. The mindset of the yoga she practices and teaches is about healing. Coming from a place of lived experience, she is deeply passionate about the rehab and recovery space because she has witnessed firsthand how holistic approaches can transform lives. Her mission is to help others find their path to recovery and well-being, just as she did.

Will Betteridge-Spooner

Head Chef

Education:

  • Certified Chef

With extensive experience working at a high level in some of the best restaurants in the Southern Highlands, including PepperGreen Estate, Centennial Vineyards, Bistro Sociale, and Briars Lodge, Will brings a wealth of culinary expertise. His wide range of cooking experience spans from breakfast and café work to high-end restaurant cuisine and catering for large functions.

Passionate about his craft, Will deeply understands the importance of quality care, having had personal experiences with individuals who have lived through traumatic events. Will believes that access to healthy, wholesome food is paramount to the recovery process—healthy body, healthy mind.

Will loves helping others reach their maximum potential and finds great joy in reading and learning about new dishes and cooking methods. In his free time, he enjoys spending time in nature, exploring new places, and engaging in fantasy roleplaying and miniatures wargaming.

Aiyana Yuill

Marketing and Communications

Education:

  • Bachelor of Communications & Media, University of Wollongong
  • Digital Marketing Strategy Certificate, RMIT (online)

Aiyana comes from a background in Marketing and Communications, she brings a unique perspective to the world of holistic wellness and recovery.

Aiyana’s journey to wellness began with her passion for running, viewing it not only as a means of physical fitness but also as a powerful tool for maintaining mental health. She firmly believes in the transformative power of exercise and a balanced diet for cultivating a positive mindset.

In her early twenties, Aiyana ventured into the world of professional horse riding, honing her skills and competing at the highest levels, including at an International Olympic Dressage Barn in The Netherlands. This experience instilled in her a deep appreciation for discipline, perseverance, and the symbiotic relationship between human and animal well-being.

Today, Aiyana shares her expertise and passion by teaching horse riding students in her spare time. She finds immense joy in witnessing their growth and development, embodying her belief in the importance of helping others reach their full potential.

Driven by a genuine desire to make a difference in people’s lives, Aiyana is dedicated to promoting holistic wellness and empowering individuals to lead happier, healthier lives.

Ian Watts

Customer Relations Manager

Education:

  • Bachelor of Arts (Honors) in Business and Marketing, London Metropolitan University, UK

Ian Watts is a seasoned sales management professional with over 20 years of hands-on experience across diverse product and service sectors. His strong interpersonal communication skills are complemented by a solid background in knowledge of the Clinical Program here at Highlands Recovery. With a combined proficiency in business operations and ability to treat each client with compassion and empathy makes him an exceptional CRM.

Ian is passionate about family, travel, architecture, and mechanical design. He actively promotes mental health and fitness through rock climbing and cycling, enjoying all forms of bike riding. His enthusiasm for vehicles extends to motorbikes, historic sports cars, and open-wheel racing cars. Ian’s diverse interests reflect his dynamic personality and commitment to a balanced life.

Rochelle Toomey

General Manager Operations

Education:

  • Bachelor Social Science, Charles Sturt University, Bathurst
  • Criminal Justice Studies and Policing, Charles Sturt University, Bathurst
  • Advanced Diploma of Public Safety (Police Investigations), Charles Sturt University, Bathurst
  • Certificate of Policing, Charles Sturt University, Bathurst
  • Diploma of Policing, Charles Sturt University, Bathurst

Rochelle is a highly professional and enthusiastic member of the leadership team at Highlands Recovery in the role of General Manager of Operations. She brings with her a wealth of experience in people and situation management from her nearly 18 years in a fast-paced and dynamic government organisation. With highly developed verbal and written communication skills, she excels in collaborative leadership and teamwork, ensuring that the highest standards of customer service, situational awareness, and emotional intelligence are maintained throughout the operations and guest relations at Highlands Recovery.

 

Since transitioning from her previous role, Rochelle has engaged in a number of passion projects, including volunteering in a collaboration between Racing NSW and a veteran support organisation. She assisted in developing the framework for a program targeting Ex-Service Personnel and First Responders, many of whom were experiencing PTSD and chemical addictions. Participants learned the skills to retrain former racehorses and, at the conclusion of the program, rode the horse they trained on a trek through Mt Kosciuszko. She is deeply committed to providing a world-class facility for the treatment of PTSD and other trauma-related mental health issues.

 

Outside of her professional achievements, Rochelle loves spending time on her 7-acre property, engaging in equestrian sports, cooking, and enjoying outdoor activities with her family. Her passion for these hobbies complements her professional life, providing her with a balanced and enriched perspective that she brings to Highlands Recovery, contributing significantly to the well-being and recovery of our clients.

Henry Yuill

Personal Trainer

Education:

  • Certificate III & IV in Fitness, Australian Institute of Personal Trainers, Sydney

Henry is a dedicated personal trainer with 11 years of experience in the fitness industry and brings a wealth of knowledge and a true passion for health and wellness to his work.

 As a Type-1 Diabetic, Henry understands the importance of fitness in managing health conditions, both physical and mental, firsthand. His journey has fueled his dedication to helping others achieve their fitness goals while overcoming their own obstacles. As part of the Highlands Recovery team, Henry is committed to positively impacting physical and mental health through the transformative power of exercise.

Outside of the gym, Henry enjoys challenging himself through running, completing his first full marathon at the 2023 Sydney Marathon, as well as other fitness-based competitions.

Emily Doris

Exercise Physiologist

Education:

  • Masters of Clinical Exercise Physiology, University of Wollongong

Emily is passionate about helping people of all ages and capabilities to overcome personal challenges or tasks they believe don’t seem achievable. Emily enjoys empowering individuals through movement and educating them on how their body can be used for therapy to enhance their overall quality of life. Emily loves being the biggest cheerleader for her client’s success as they build sustainable healthy habits and smash goals.


In her down time, you will find Emily swimming, or baking something sweet.

Daniel Leahy

Exercise Physiologist

Education:

  • Masters of Clinical Exercise Physiology

Daniel is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist with a keen interest in helping people with mental health disorders. Daniel has experience working with PTSD, MDD, anxiety and addiction disorders in private practice, and private mental health hospitals. He has seen firsthand how helpful exercise can be as an adjunct therapy to help people to make a full recovery.

Outside of work, you will find Dan riding bikes or hanging out with his furless dog Snoop.

Jack Menzies

Exercise Physiologist

Education:

  • Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology, University of Wollongong
  • Bachelor of Exercise Science, University of Wollongong

Jack is a true believer that exercise is medicine and uses this passion to help people move and feel better. Jack knows firsthand how getting the right individualised support can become the catalyst for creating long-lasting change and brings this approach to exercise with clients.

When Jack is not with clients you will find Jack surfing, working out, skating along the bike track with his kids or taking his dog Teddy, for a run!

Annie Di Natale

Yoga Instructor

Education:

  • Advanced teacher training Live the light of Yoga & Transcendental Meditation, under the guidance of Christina Sell and Noah Maze

Annie is the head Yoga Instructor at Highlands Recovery and believes in the intrinsic biological and psychological benefits of yoga, allowing the practice to unfold its transformative power freely for herself and her clients. Annie is passionate about helping individuals tap into their inner strengths and overcome challenges with grace and ease.

Annie’s journey into the world of yoga began in 2002 when she attended her first Iyengar class, instantly feeling a newfound sense of grounding. Amidst the bustling energy of running a vibrant cafe in Sydney, she sought balance, finding solace in the sanctuary of yoga. Fuelled by a desire for growth, Annie pursued Yoga Teacher Training under the guidance of renowned mentors Christina Sell and Noah Maze. Their mentorship unveiled the profound benefits of yoga, both on and off the mat, shaping Annie’s teaching style into a dynamic blend of challenge and safety.

Annie sees yoga as more than just a physical practice; it’s a sacred space for shedding distractions and connecting with one’s inner self. Her classes are infused with a light-hearted yet timeless approach, gently nudging students beyond their comfort zones while empowering them to embrace new possibilities.

Outside of yoga, Annie keeps active with passions like soccer, skiing, and gym workouts. She loves getting upside down, cooking, gardening, and indulging in green juices.

Lisa Schweers

Somatic Massage Therapist

Lisa is a qualified Massage Therapist with over 10 years’ experience in clinical and private practice settings. She loves working with Therapeutic Massage to bring a deep sense of serenity, balance and peace to her clients. 

Training as a therapist in 1998-1999 in Wollongong, at the Collage of Integral Healing Lisa then went on to run her private practice for 9 years before moving to the Southern Highlands. She has recently refreshed her studies at the Canberra Institute of Technology and has a blend of Eastern and Western modalities.

Lisa has a passion for body work with people who have had or are experiencing pain or trauma in all its forms, in conjunction with other psychotherapies. She believes in a bottom-up approach and practices somatic bodywork to assist clients to reconnect with their bodies and to feel safe in their own skin. 

Lisa believes that the body holds much more than our skin and organs and that body therapy can help a client release long held emotions, trauma and pain. That alongside psychotherapy can be a powerful tool to empower people towards lasting and profound transformation.

Lisa provides bodywork treatment and techniques to support the specific therapeutic needs of individual clients.  This includes a variety of modalities from Swedish, Acupressure or trigger point therapy, to myofascial release and deep tissue.

Fofe Vrettos

Accredited Practising Dietician

Education:

  • Master of Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Wollongong
  • Bachelor of Science, Nutrition major (now known as Bachelor of Nutrition Science), University of Wollongong

Fofe Vrettos is an experienced Nutritionist and Dietician. With a strong background in dietetics, nutrition, and administration. Since January 2018, she has been the Principal Nutritionist and Dietitian at Bowral Nutrition, where she provides private practice services to clients under private, NDIS, and Medicare schemes. Her clinic, located in Bowral CBD, utilises the Halaxy medical practice management software to streamline operations and enhance client care. Additionally, Fofe serves as a consulting dietitian for several organisations, including BaptistCare Southern Highlands, where she supports aged care in the community, and Community Links, where she contributes to the ReClaim eating disorder program and ADHD workshops. She also works with Mission Australia’s Triple Care Farm, providing nutritional guidance in a residential rehabilitation setting for young people.

Fofe’s extensive experience in these diverse sectors fuels her passion for the rehab and recovery space. She is dedicated to using her skills and knowledge to support individuals on their journey to better health and well-being. Her commitment to holistic care and her ability to connect with clients on a personal level make her a vital part of the Highlands Recovery team.

Georgia Gilkeson

Therapist and Specialist Equine Therapist

Education:

  • Current; Master’s in Counselling & Psychotherapy – (Expected graduation June 2025), Australian College of Applied Professions, Sydney
  • Graduate Diploma in Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney
  • Diploma in Counselling, Equine Assisted Therapies Australia, Sydney
  • Certificate in Polyvagal Informed Practice, PESI, Online

Georgia Gilkeson is a counsellor and Equine Therapist based in the Southern Highlands, NSW. With a profound passion for equine therapy and a robust foundation in counselling theories, she is committed to establishing safe and supportive environments that facilitate healing and personal growth for clients.

Georgia brings extensive experience in equine handling, possessing a deep insight into horses, their behaviour, and communication patterns essential for effective therapeutic interactions. A pivotal aspect of her approach involves creating metaphors and drawing parallels between horse behaviour and human emotions or experiences. She leverages strong observational skills to analyse clients’ interactions with horses, interpreting non-verbal cues, body language, and behavioural patterns to gain deeper insights into their emotions, thoughts, and relational dynamics.

Her particular interest lies in the trauma and healing space, where she applies equine therapy to help individuals navigate challenges, manage emotions, and cultivate resilience. Georgia blends her expertise in equine therapy with a strong commitment to holistic client care, ensuring impactful therapeutic experiences at Highlands Recovery.

Georgia is the mother of two daughters and resides in the Southern Highlands with her family and her beloved horses and dogs.

Dr. Peter Richard-Herbert

Specialist Psychoanalytical Therapist

Education:

  • Professional Doctorate, (Higher Research Degree – Psychology), CQU (Australia)
  • M.A. Psychology, Narrative Therapy Counselling, UWS
  • Grad. Dipl. Mediation, Family Disputes Resolution, Bond University
  • Dipl. Psych (UK), Dipl. Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy (UK)
  • Dipl. Clinical Hypnosis (Australia), Cert IV – Training & Assessment

Dr. Peter Richard-Herbert is an integral part of our Clinical Team here at Highlands Recovery. He is a registered counsellor, consultant analytical psychotherapist, clinical hypnotherapist, and psychoanalyst. He has over thirty years experiences in counselling Trauma, PTSD and addiction clients. His extensive experience and diverse skill set, encompassing psychotherapy, hypnotherapy, and psychoanalysis, allow him to offer comprehensive and effective therapy to our clients. 

Dr. Richard-Herbert is a Clinical member of the Psychotherapy & Counselling Federation of Australia (P.A.C.F.A ) and Australian Counselling Association – A.C.A. , National President of the Australasian Ego State Therapy Association A.E.S.T.A, Fellow and former NSW President of the Australian Hypnotherapists Association A.H.A. and also a  Senior Lecturer in Counselling at Australian College of Applied Psychology (ACAP), Sydney Campus.

Resh Joseph

Clinical Director

Education:

  • MB ChB (Bachelor of Medicine; Bachelor of Surgery), University of Shefield. UK.
  • MSc (Master of Science in Psychology and in the Neuroscience of Mental Health), Kings College, London.

Dr. Resh Joseph is the Clinical Director of Highlands Recovery, where he leads the clinical team with exceptional expertise and dedication. He began his professional career as a doctor in the UK. Having left medical practice some years ago he has fully retrained and now works as a psychotherapist. Resh is a renown expert in the field of trauma and addiction, having authored a book on overcoming trauma  and speaking regularly at international conferences. Resh is a member of the American Psychologist Association and is trained and certified in an array of Trauma treatment modalities including; Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Prolonged Exposure Therapy for Trauma (PE), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). He is also a Certified Substance Abuse Therapist (CSAT),

Resh has been dedicated to the fields of Trauma and substance use disorder treatment since 2011. He began his career with the Singapore Prison Service, where he served as the main coordinator for psychiatric services within the entire prison population. His extensive experience also includes roles in the private sector, working as a substance abuse therapist at Promises Healthcare in Singapore, and at The Cabin’s inpatient treatment centre in Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai). At The Cabin’s outpatient centre in Singapore, he served as head counsellor. He has amassed over 20,000 hours of clinical therapy experience. 

Additionally, Resh served as the interim Clinical Director at Calm Rehab, where he was responsible for constructing the program from scratch, writing the program manual, training the clinical, medical, and support staff, and running the clinical program until the end of his contract. His diverse skill set and comprehensive approach to therapy make him an invaluable asset to Highlands Recovery, where he continues to contribute significantly to the fields of psychotherapy and counselling, helping individuals achieve better mental health and personal growth.

Cameron Francis

CEO, Founder

Education:

  • BA (Hons) Psych, Grad Dip Bus Admin, University of Queensland

Cameron is a registered psychologist and CEO and one of the founders of Highlands Recovery. Having spent the past 30 years working as a Psychologist in the corporate sector, coaching and advising CEO’s and senior executives of multinational organisations, Cam has seen first-hand the burn out and stress related to the modern lifestyles of high performing executives. He has seen many high performing individuals, including CEO’s, suffer from stress, anxiety, depression, relationship breakdowns and addiction.
He has become a passionate believer in the need for people to invest both regularly and substantially in maintaining and repairing their own mental health; taking time off from our warp speed and 24-7 insta-lifestyles. He advocates for taking regular sabbaticals, and nurturing oneself, spending time with family, practicing mindful meditations, regular and consistent exercise, immersing oneself in hobbies and passions and when required, attending residential recovery facilities to recharge and repair mental health.
As CEO of Highlands Recovery, Cam is responsible for building a world-class multidisciplinary team of experts to deliver the organisations mission to be one of the world’s leading centres of excellence for trauma related issues such as; PTSD, addiction, depression, anxiety, attachment & associated relationship problems. Through his international array of contacts, Cam has brought to Highlands Recovery a multi-national advisory team and leading expert practitioners to design and deliver a world-class recovery program.
Cam is the father of four teenage children, rides horses, keeps bees and grows vegetables to ensure that he remains present, grounded, and grateful for nature and for the beautiful countryside of the Southern Highlands in which he and his family resides.

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