Mary Beth Lee on the Intelligence on the Rocks Podcast
At Well Mind Body, we believe that healing starts with honest conversations—and that’s exactly what Mary Beth Lee, LCSW, brought to her recent guest appearance on the podcast Intelligence on the Rocks.
Hosted by Lizzy and Antonio, Intelligence on the Rocks explores sober living and mental health with depth, vulnerability, and a touch of humor. In this episode, Mary Beth shares her clinical insight and lived experience in a powerful conversation that tackles the deep and often overlooked connections between trauma, grief, and addiction.
Understanding the Roots of Addiction
Addiction isn’t just about substances—it’s often about survival. “Addiction can be more than just substances,” Mary Beth explains. “It can be love, sex, gambling. It's how people get through what they’re feeling.”
Drawing from the work of trauma researcher Dr. Bruce Perry, Mary Beth discusses how adverse experiences—especially in childhood—can shape our brain’s ability to regulate stress, form relationships, and cope with pain. When those systems break down, people often turn to substances or behaviors as a way to self-soothe.
“Trauma is about loss of connection,” she says, quoting author Peter Levine. “To ourselves, to our bodies, to our families, to others. And that loss happens slowly—almost invisibly.”
Grief That Goes Unseen
Mary Beth also highlights how grief and trauma often go hand in hand. While we may recognize grief after death, she points out that it also shows up in less visible forms—divorce, illness, addiction, estrangement, even the loss of future dreams.
“Grief is one of the most unspoken, ignored sources of human suffering,” she shares. “It can silence us. It becomes a clamor within.”
By naming these losses and talking about them openly, Mary Beth encourages listeners to create space for healing—even when others may not fully understand.
What Healing Looks Like
Throughout the episode, Mary Beth and the hosts reflect on what healing actually requires—and what often gets in the way.
Connection over punishment: The episode challenges outdated ideas of “tough love” when it comes to addiction. “We need to lean in, not push people away,” Mary Beth says. “Punishing or isolating someone only deepens the cycle.”
Listening as healing: Sometimes the most powerful support we can give is simply to listen. “Without a listener, the healing process is aborted,” she says. “People don’t always need advice—they need space to be heard.”
Therapy isn’t just for crises: Mary Beth reminds us that therapy isn’t only for emergencies. “You don’t have to wait for a breakdown to ask for help,” she says. “The moment you start wondering if you might need support—that’s a good time to reach out.”
A Podcast for Anyone Navigating Recovery
This episode is for anyone impacted by addiction—personally or through a loved one—as well as those who work in healing spaces or want to better understand trauma and grief. Whether you’re in recovery, grieving a loss, or trying to support someone else, Mary Beth’s insights will stay with you long after the episode ends.
As always, we’re proud to have therapists like Mary Beth on our team, bringing compassion, clarity, and deep wisdom to this work every day.
🎧 Listen to the full episode on Intelligence on the Rocks on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you tune in.
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Additional Resources:
Ways to Be Helpful: A Guide for Supporting Families Through Child Loss (PDF)
Please note this resource is copyrighted and part of Mary Beth’s forthcoming book. It is available with permission as a free download from Well Mind Body.
