“The 12 steps are a return to the internal world…If you just do the cogs in a wheel, they will create an emotional rearrangement in you.” ~Veronica Valli

Hundreds of people take shaky steps toward sobriety every day. Veronica Valli began her journey 20 years ago this past May. Like many, she credits Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) with helping her stay joyfully sober. But the author, podcast host, psychotherapist and coach knows not everyone shares her experience.

That said, she’s not about to let a recent New York Times OpEd piece get away with passing off misinformation as fact – especially where the care of female alcoholics in recovery is concerned. From tracing the 12 steps back to their Gnostic – and therefore, fundamentally feminist – pre-Christian origins to separating abusive behavior from the program’s foundational teachings, Veronica crafted a knowledgeable, compassionate response to those criticisms as only someone who’s worked through the steps can.

Speaking of work, surprise: the goal of recovery is to move beyond merely not drinking.

We chat about that blog post as well as her developmental trauma and eventual emotional sobriety. Her answers to our favorite healer questions lead to our discussion about her experiences with Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) or tapping.

These days, it’s impossible to close the show without asking about COVID19. “I hope this is teaching us how we kind of have this…I mean, it’s about connection,” she says. Although referring optimistically to our post-pandemic future, Veronica’s comment could just as easily apply to her affinity for AA.

BIO

Veronica Valli has been joyously sober since May 2nd 2000. Originally from the UK, she is a psychotherapist, Emotional Freedom Technique Practitioner, Recovery Coach and Author of books ‘Why you drink and How to stop’ and ‘Get Sober Get Free.’ She is also the co-host of the Soberful Podcast. Veronica passionately believes that anyone can recover from an alcohol problem if they are given the right tools and support.

She has personally helped thousands of women transform their lives. Veronica believes that alcohol is only a symptom of the problem and that to recover, thrive and become the women we are truly meant to be, we need to embrace a process of change. Now based in the USA she works with women all over the world through her online programs and Facebook groups. She is married and lives on Long Island with her husband and two sons.

CONNECT WITH VERONICA:

Veronica Valli

Soberful podcast

Soberful Facebook Group

LoveSoberFul Instagram

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