In this episode, Derek appears as a guest on the show Raw, Authentic & Vulnerable (RAV), hosted by Jacob Newton. Derek shares his personal and professional insights on the many paths to recovery and mental wellness.

With 20 years of sobriety, Derek describes recovery not as a straight line but as a gradual journey of learning, unlearning, and relearning. He emphasizes there’s no single “right way” to achieve sobriety — what works for one person may not work for another. As he puts it, recovery is like a pie chart, with challenges and triggers gradually decreasing over time.

Key Discussion Points from The Path to Sobriety Episode:

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• The difference between abstinence and recovery
  
• Recovery as a spectrum rather than an all-or-nothing approach
  
• How societal perceptions of recovery and mental health have evolved
  
• The challenge of authenticity in a society that encourages masks
  
• Navigating internal conflicts between thoughts, feelings, and actions
  
• The importance of progress over perfection
  
• Breaking free from the “just push through” mentality, especially in athletics
  

Thank you to Jacob Newton and his show Raw, Authentic & Vulnerable on SportsE Media:

Raw, Authentic & Vulnerable Podcast | SportsE Media

Related content to ‘The Path to Sobriety Featuring Derek Bylsma on the Show: Raw, Authentic & Vulnerable’:

How to Manage Setbacks in Recovery | Beyond the 12-Step Program

Connect with the team at Millennium Counseling Center:

Millennium Counseling Center: Website

Derek Bylsma: Millennium | LinkedIn

More about Derek:

Derek is the Executive Director of Millennium Counseling Center and heads our 3A and Sports divisions. He is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and a nationally board-certified counselor. He is also fully trained in EMDR Therapy.

More About Millennium Counseling Center:

The Millennium Counseling Center in Chicago specializes in mental health services with a strong focus on various forms of addiction, including their premier program, 3A, which is targeted towards alcohol addiction. They offer multiple counseling methods, including one-on-one, couples, and group counseling, alongside an intensive treatment program that includes personalized attention, accountability, and acceptance.

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