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Your Traitor Within: From Surviving to Thriving

Author
Jessica Anne Pressler, LCSW
Published
Tue 29 Jul 2025
Episode Link
None

In today’s powerful episode, Jessica Anne Pressler speaks openly with Amanda Marino, a Certified Intervention Professional, Certified Recovery and Life Coach, international speaker, and the inspiring co-founder of Next Level Recovery Associates.

Amanda courageously shares her personal journey, beginning with a childhood scarred by trauma, abuse, and instability. She vividly describes how these early experiences shaped her own internal "traitor," leading to years of harmful coping mechanisms and self-destructive choices.

Yet, Amanda’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and profound healing. She discusses her journey through addiction, trauma recovery, motherhood, and the strength she discovered through vulnerability and self-compassion. Amanda’s honesty about her past struggles—from childhood abuse and trauma to substance use and mental health battles—highlights her message that no one is beyond healing.

Amanda is a fierce advocate for mental health, recovery, and personal empowerment. Her professional appearances include A&E's Intervention and Digital Addiction, where she has shared her expertise as a professional interventionist. Her experiences in the entertainment industry have uniquely positioned her to help high-profile clients navigate recovery while remaining grounded.

Jessica and Amanda explore:

  • How childhood trauma shapes our inner critic ("traitor within").
  • The complex journey from self-destruction to self-love.
  • Overcoming shame and stigma around mental health and recovery.
  • Creating healthy boundaries and redefining family.
  • Amanda's inspiring path from surviving trauma to becoming a successful international speaker, entrepreneur, and dedicated mother.

Amanda believes passionately:

"Everyone deserves a beautiful life and happiness. I am not special or unique—anyone can do what I’ve done if they truly want to heal."

This episode is a reminder of the strength found in vulnerability, the power of seeking help, and the transformative potential of embracing your truth.

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