Lawyer in Recovery - Isabella Ferguson

Last weeks podcast was a Group Discussion on Corporate Drinking and Isabella Ferguson was one of my guests - you can listen to that discussion via this link.   

Isabella is a former litigation lawyer turned counselor and coach - specializing in stress, burnout, and alcohol.

In this episode:-

1. Isabella began drinking at 14, associating it with fitting in, relaxation, and risk-taking.
2. Her drinking escalated during her career as a lawyer, using alcohol for networking, coping with stress, and socializing.
3. We discussed the prevalence of alcohol consumption in high-pressure environments such as law firms, where it is often used as a coping mechanism for stress
4. As Isabella got married and had children her drinking ramped up as she tried to balance work and motherhood – resulting in burnout and strained relationships.
5. She finally hit rock bottom when she became so severely intoxicated that she needed hospitalization, leading to her decision to seek help and enter rehab.
6. Even after rehab, she was still keen to try moderation but eventually shifted her mindset through education, -through books like "This Naked Mind" by Annie Grace which encouraged her to change her limiting beliefs around alcohol
7. Isabella transitioned her career to become a counselor and coach, specializing in helping others overcome alcohol dependency and manage their stress
8. These days she conducts seminars in workplaces, especially in law firms, to raise awareness about alcohol consumption and promote healthier habits.
9. Here is a link to our Group Discussion on that topic so that you can hear more about her Wellness Challenge
10. Isabella emphasized the changing attitudes towards alcohol in the workplace, with more focus on wellness and productivity, especially among younger generations.
11. Her tips for managing stress without resorting to alcohol include understanding one's nervous system and triggers, setting boundaries, reframing negative thoughts, and seeking support from sobriety coaches or resources.
12. We discussed the Impact of Personal Choices on Workplace Culture: Whether it’s a heavy drinking boss encouraging his employees to drink or a group of non drinkers abstaining from alcohol there will be an impact on workplace culture
13. Isabellas passion project is around Parenting and Alcohol Education: with the goal of preventing harmful drinking habits from forming at a young age, She emphasized the importance of parents being role models and challenging societal norms surrounding alcohol consumption.
14. Her personal benefits of sobriety include increased calmness and contentment, greater resilience, and being a positive role model for children by demonstrating that alcohol is not necessary for enjoyment and celebration.
15. To find out more about Isabella go to her website isabellaferguson.com.au She is also on IG and has 2 podcasts:- "Destress for Success" and "Not Drinking Today"

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