Ep 77. Losing your identity and ignoring red flags, with Isabella Ferguson

In this week’s episode I sat down with registered counsellor, alcohol coach and podcast host Isabella Ferguson.

Bella identifies as having been a “grey-area” drinker throughout her 20-year drinking career, which came to an abrupt halt in February 2020 after entering a rehab facility.

Today, Bella’s life couldn’t look more different. She’s left her former industry of law and is now a corporate wellness speaker as well as heading up a busy counselling practice focusing on helping people address their relationship with alcohol and regain balance in their lives.

In this conversation we covered a range of topics including:

• Stress Reduction – 2:00
• Hiding Behind a Smile – 9:23
• The Need to Fit In – 15:30
• Corporate Drinking Culture – 24:20
• The Flashing Red Drinking Zone – 31:30
• The Opportunity to Start Again – 42:30
• Finding Your Voice – 50:00
• Sober Rock Bottoms – 53:00
• Non-Negotiables – 55:15

Check out Bella’s Behind The Smile photo on Ash’s website here.

You can follow Ash and Behind The Smile on IG here: @ashbutterss

You can find Bella using the links below:

Instagram: @alcoholandstresswithisabella

Website: Isabella Ferguson

Podcast: Not Drinking Today

Podcast: De-Stress For Success with Isabella Ferguson

Book: Drink by Anne Dowsett Johnston

If you or someone you know if struggling with mental health or addiction, please reach out for support. Some support options include:

• A healthcare professional

• Alcoholics Anonymous

• Lifeline or Beyond Blue (Australia)

• CheckPoint (global)

If you'd like to support the show you can "Buy Me A Coffee" by following the link below: YES I'D LOVE TO SUPPORT BEHIND THE SMILE PODCAST