boy meets therapy

What if recovery wasn’t just about stopping the use of a substance — but about understanding why it was there in the first place? In this episode, I speak with Julie River, LPC, NCC, clinical director and therapist at ⁠Atlas Behavioral Health⁠, about what truly person-centered substance use treatment can look like. We explore the daily experience of clients in recovery programs, the role of group therapy, and how therapists can support emotional sobriety, boundary-setting, and harm reduction with empathy and nuance. Whether you’re a clinician, student, or someone navigating their own healing journey, Julie brings thoughtful insight into how treatment can move beyond stereotypes — and toward connection, curiosity, and lasting change. Each week we talk with clinicians about their areas of expertise, their connections to therapy, and how they use their tools in session. Connect with Julie River: Therapy Atlas Behavioral Health Connect with boy meets therapy: Instagram: ⁠⁠@boymeetstherapy⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠@boymeetstherapy⁠ Website with Free Resources: ⁠boymeetstherapy.com Episode Guide & Chapters:  00:00 Introduction and Personal Background 02:59 Understanding Substance Use Disorder Treatment 05:51 Daily Life in Treatment Programs 09:08 Innovative Therapeutic Approaches 12:04 Client Reactions to Alternative Therapies 14:53 Co-occurring Disorders and Their Impact 17:46 The Complexity of Diagnosing Disorders 20:58 Interpersonal Dynamics in Group Therapy 23:53 Managing Resentments and Emotions 26:53 Facilitating Group Interactions 30:06 Conclusion and Key Takeaways 35:45 Understanding Boundaries in Relationships 40:10 The Concept of Emotional Sobriety 45:05 Navigating Sober Curiosity 49:49 The Spectrum of Addiction 54:26 Harm Reduction in Substance Use Treatment 58:24 The Misconceptions of Addiction Treatment

This episode focuses on trauma-informed therapy and working with survivors of abuse. We explore how to build trust, address denial, and apply attachment theory in clinical practice. The conversation also highlights the role of supervision, therapeutic alliances, and navigating power dynamics. Special attention is given to supporting trans and gender non-conforming clients through anti-oppressive, empathetic, and empowering approaches. Each week we talk with clinicians about their areas of expertise, their connections to therapy, and how they use their tools in session. Connect with Sakinaa Rock:  Sakinaa Rock Therapy Connect with boy meets therapy: Instagram: ⁠@boymeetstherapy⁠ TikTok: @boymeetstherapy Website with Free Resources: boymeetstherapy.com Episode Guide & Chapters:  00:00 Introduction and Background 03:08 Theoretical Perspectives in Social Work 05:58 Understanding Client Populations 08:58 Building Trust and Safety in Therapy 11:55 Working with Survivors of Abuse 14:57 Navigating Denial and Confrontation 17:59 The Role of Supervision in Therapy 20:49 Attachment Theory and Its Impact 23:59 Unlearning Harmful Relational Patterns 31:03 Navigating Client Emotions and Healthy Responses 32:03 Confronting Disagreements in Therapy 32:51 The Role of Power and Oppression in Therapy 33:51 Addressing Misogyny in Client Interactions 36:14 Challenging Heteronormative Dynamics in Queer Relationships 37:00 Exploring Power Dynamics in Kink Relationships 41:02 Understanding Trans and Gender Non-Conforming Experiences 49:57 The Therapist's Responsibility in Anti-Oppressive Practice Created and Produced by Dustin Oliver