What happens when the life you built crumbles, but grace gives you a second chance?
In this deeply personal and inspiring conversation, Amy Sylvis sits down with Kevin Petersen, LMFT, a licensed marriage and family therapist and founder of Peterson Family Counseling. From faking his USC graduation to rebuilding his life through recovery, faith, and service, Kevin’s journey is a testament to resilience and redemption. He shares candid stories of addiction, family intervention, second chances, and how the Trojan community and divine guidance led him from brokenness to abundance.
Today, he helps families navigate addiction with love and boundaries through his Chronic Hope books and his work with Jaywalker Lodge. This episode reminds us: your past doesn’t disqualify you, it prepares you to help others.
Connect with Kevin Petersen: https://www.chronichope.us/https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinpetersenmamft/
Connect with Amy Sylvis:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/amysylvis/
Contact Us:
https://www.sylviscapital.com/webinar
More Resources:
Books from Kevin Petersen, LMFT
Chronic Hope: Families & Addiction - https://a.co/d/5XJfTCo
Chronic Hope: Parenting the Addicted Child - https://a.co/d/eMzSFKb
Jim Carrey’s 2014 Commencement Speech at Maharishi University of Management - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPtftLhSnlY
00:00 Meet Kevin Petersen
02:41 Kevin's Early Life and Struggles
08:35 The Turning Point
10:58 A New Beginning at USC
17:18 Career and Personal Growth
21:21 Life in Jacksonville Beach
23:14 Stories of Second Chances
23:46 A Life-Changing Decision at 43
24:28 The Struggle Between Fulfillment and Success
25:28 The Journey to Private Practice
26:27 Specializing in Addiction Therapy
27:41 The Importance of Family Support
29:51 Overcoming Personal and Professional Challenges
32:23 Helping Families Navigate Addiction
36:17 Resources for Families Dealing with Addiction
38:55 Personal Triumphs and Future Plans
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