Cassandra Herman, LCDC, is a Substance Use Counselor at Positive Recovery whose journey into this field is as inspiring as it is personal. Cassandra's path has taken her from the outdoors of Michigan to radio broadcasting, living abroad and in Shanghai, running in 13 half marathons, and ultimately to the world of addiction recovery.
Her deep commitment to faith, family, and personal growth has shaped her perspective, not just as a mother who walked alongside a child struggling with addiction but as a professional who now helps others navigate their own path to healing.
In this episode, host Jamie Demeris sits down with Cassandra to explore the layers of strength and purpose that define her story—the endurance of a marathon runner, the unwavering love of a mother, the clarity of a morning mindset, and the deep belief in faith and positive psychology as tools for transformation.
Together, they dive into what resilience really looks like in daily life, how small habits and intentional movement can spark lasting change, and the ways families can support loved ones through addiction without losing connection. This conversation is a powerful reminder that recovery isn't just about surviving—it's about creating a life where you can truly flourish!
Topics Discussed:
Focusing on what you gain rather than what you give up
Shifting from a victim mindset to an empowered mindset
How agency and positive daily habits lead to long-term recovery
Focusing on character strengths and recognizing that joy is internal
The difference between resilience and post-traumatic growth
How connection builds the foundation for long-term change
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CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction to Positive Recovery MD
01:11 Meet Cassandra Herman: A Journey of Resilience
03:27 Cassandra's Radio Broadcasting Experience
05:34 The Power of Morning Routines
10:15 Cassandra's Path to Recovery Counseling
17:30 The Importance of Choice in Recovery
28:55 Focusing on Positivity in Recovery
29:35 The Role of Faith and Habit in Recovery
31:21 Building a Firm Foundation in Early Recovery
32:25 The Importance of Community and Long-Term Growth
35:39 Mindset and Physical Challenges
41:06 Living Abroad: Experiences in Shanghai
44:32 Navigating Family Challenges and Personal Growth
47:30 Reflections on Recovery and Life's Purpose
53:29 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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