On this week’s Sober Life Rocks Podcast, we spoke with sober therapist Wendy Behar—a coach, author, and mother who has been sober for 28 years. Her story is one of quiet strength and transformation, proving that recovery isn’t about becoming someone new, but finally becoming yourself.

A Childhood Surrounded by Alcohol

Wendy grew up in a home where drinking was a nightly ritual. Her father was a liquor distributor, and cocktails were part of the household routine. By middle school, she was already experimenting with alcohol—what started as fun soon became a familiar escape.

Behind Closed Doors

As an adult, Wendy’s drinking became a hidden habit. Married with children, she kept vodka stashed in the basement and drank secretly. One night, after drinking too much at her husband’s work event, her children saw her blackout. The next morning, the look on their faces changed everything. She knew she had to stop.

Finding Recovery

Wendy entered AA and began her journey to sobriety. She describes the program as a lifeline, helping her not just quit drinking but rediscover who she was. Sobriety, she explains, is about learning to feel again, connect with your truth, and rebuild life from the inside out.

Breaking the People-Pleasing Cycle

Like many women of her generation, Wendy was raised to be a caregiver and peacekeeper. Sobriety gave her the clarity to ask bigger questions—about her purpose, her relationships, and what she truly wanted. She returned to school, became a therapist, and began helping others recover. Along the way, she made hard choices, including leaving a marriage that no longer aligned with who she had become.

Feel. Deal. Heal.

One of Wendy’s core teachings is a mantra she created through years of work with clients: Feel. Deal. Heal.

• Feel the emotion without numbing it.
• Deal with the root cause of what you’re feeling.
• Heal by choosing actions that support your growth and peace.

Wendy encourages clients to use a “feelings sheet” to build emotional vocabulary—a powerful tool for people who have spent years avoiding their emotions.

The Power of Boundaries

Setting boundaries is one of Wendy’s hardest-won lessons. She shared the story of having to turn away one of her children during a difficult period—an act that was painful but necessary. Sobriety gave her the strength to protect her peace and trust the process of healing for both of them.

You Don’t Have to Hit Rock Bottom

Wendy’s message to anyone questioning their relationship with alcohol is clear: you don’t have to wait until you hit rock bottom to get help. Whether through AA, coaching, or online communities, there are countless ways to find support. She runs Wendy’s Warriors, a private Facebook group for women in recovery seeking encouragement and connection.

Living a Life with All Its Flavors

For Wendy, sobriety has given life new color and depth. It’s not always easy, but it’s real—and it’s worth it. “Being sober,” she says, “lets you experience all of life’s flavors and seasons.”

Final Thoughts

Wendy Behar’s story is a reminder that recovery isn’t about perfection. It’s about honesty, courage, and connection. Her journey from secrecy to self-awareness shows that the real work of sobriety begins when we start to feel—and keep feeling—without running away.

Stay Connected with Wendy:

• Website: www.wendybehar.com
• Facebook Group: Wendy’s Warriors
• Instagram: @wendybehar
• LinkedIn: LinkedIn

The post Episode 71: Sober Therapist Wendy Behar: Feel, Deal, Heal—28 Years of Sobriety and Self-Discovery first appeared on Sober Life Rocks.