Ian Thomas, Tedx Speaker, Care Experienced Social Worker on addiction

This episode explores the profound complexities of addiction, trauma, and recovery, featuring the deeply personal and inspiring journey of guest Ian Thomas, a social worker and speaker with lived experience of addiction and healing.

In this conversation, we cover:

Understanding Addiction and Trauma

Drawing from Gabor Maté’s In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts, the discussion highlights addiction as a response to trauma, rooted in biological, psychological, and social factors. Ian reflects on his personal battle with addiction, describing substances as a “medicine” for unhealed pain and trauma, and shares poignant moments from his recovery journey.

The Power of Connection and Compassion

Ian recounts how a solicitor’s kindness and non-judgmental approach helped him acknowledge his need for change, emphasizing the transformative power of compassion and human connection in recovery. Rich builds on this, encouraging social workers to see beyond behaviours and recognize the underlying pain and unmet needs of those they support.

Social Work and Relational Practice

The conversation underscores the critical role of social workers in fostering trust, compassion, and understanding. Rich and Ian discuss how professionals can balance empathy with accountability, offering practical insights into working with parents struggling with substance misuse.

Links:

 Contact Ian Thomas: Email at ianpresents@gmail.com or connect via LinkedIn for speaking engagements or workshops: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-thomas-5b573a100/

Relational Activism: https://www.relationalactivism.com/

Rich's BASW Child Protection sessions: https://basw.co.uk/social-work-child-protection-professional-practice-programme

Rich Devine's blog: https://richarddevinesocialwork.com/about/

Tim Fisher LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/timfisher101/

Rich Devine LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-devine-181763177/