In this episode, Al interviews Hal Hughes, former police officer, former MMA fighter, and current psychotherapist (recorded 4-16-23). Hal shares his story of two separate work-related traumatic brain injuries (TBI) that led him into a deep, dark depression, an opioid addiction, and a diagnosis of both post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and bipolar disorder.
At one point, Hal was on eight psychiatric medications and underwent electric shock therapy (ECT). He was also desperate enough to do whatever he needed to in order to get his hands on opioids. It wasn't until he heard his young child say, "I want my old daddy back" that Hal got serious about his recovery.
Hear how he changed the trajectory of his recovery and then jumped on an unconventional path to become a psychotherapist. Hal is incredibly knowledgeable, down-to-earth, and inspirational. Check out HalHughes.com to find out more about Hal, the services he provides, or even to reach out to him. Don't miss this episode!
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In addition to The Depression Files podcast, you can find Al's blog at TheDepressionFiles.com. There, you can also find out how to work with him as a coach/consultant or schedule him for a public speaking event. You will also find Al on Twitter @allevin18. Lastly, it would be greatly appreciated if you would subscribe to the show and take just a minute to leave a review and rating.
Al Interviews Ricky Sapp | Former NFL Linebacker & Current Inspirational Speaker
Al Interviews Lesley Moffat | Author, Classroom High School Band Teacher, Public Speaker, and Mom
Al Interviews Michele Rosenthal | Trauma Recovery Specialist, Author & Mental Health Advocate
Al Interviews Anne Moss Rogers | Certified Suicide Prevention Trainer, Public Speaker, Award-Winning Author & Mother of a Son (Charles) Who Died by Suicide
Al Interviews Tracey Bear | PhD Student Discusses the Gut-Brain Axis and Depression
Al Interviews Victor Janzan | A Telecommunications Project Manager and Mental Illness Activist
Al Interviews Sarah Hancock | Former Professor of Clinical Psychiatric Rehabilitation Counseling at San Diego State University & a Nationally Certified Rehabilitation Counselor on the topic of ECT
Al Interviews Dr. Joyce Baptist | Professor in the Couple and Family Therapy Program at Kansas State University, on the topic of Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy
Al Interviews Dr. Damon Ashworth | Clinical Psychologist and Sleep Expert, on the Topic of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-i)
Al Interviews Sam Morris | Founder of The Unbreakable Human Collective & Managing Director - Head of Culture at Five to Flow
Al Interviews Dr. Rick Doblin, Founder of MAPS, on the Topic of MDMA (Ecstasy) Research for the Treatment of PTSD
Al Interviews Theodora Blanchfield on Receiving Ketamine Infusions
Al Interviews Dr. Natalie Gukasyan of Johns Hopkins University on the topic of Psychedelics and the Treatment of Mental Illness
Al Interviews Dr. Nolan Williams on the topic of Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy (SAINT) - an Enhanced Version of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
Al Interviews Dr. Robb Kelly | World-Renown Addiction Specialist & CEO and Founder of Robb Kelly Recovery Group
Al Interviews Dr. Sam Ko on the Topic of Ketamine
Al Interviews Mindy Greiling | Former MN State Representative, Former National NAMI Board Member & Author
An Announcement - Changes Coming to The Depression Files
Al Interviews Josh Knutti | Host of the Overcoming You Podcast
Al Interviews James Withey | Former Therapist, Mental Health Advocate, Public Speaker & Author
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