Empathy, Recovery, and Real Change: A Conversation with Amber Hollingsworth (Ep. 94)
In this episode of Tools, Talents & Techniques, Dustin Sutton talks with Amber Hollingsworth — addiction recovery specialist, counselor, and creator of Put The Shovel Down — about how empathy, family dynamics, and AI are transforming the path to addiction recovery.
Amber shares her journey from therapist to online educator, the challenges of working with high-functioning alcoholics, and how to help loved ones without enabling. She also explores the future of AI in counseling, emotional intelligence in recovery, and what true success looks like in addiction treatment.
Whether you’re navigating your own recovery or helping someone you love, this episode offers tools, perspective, and encouragement to take the next step forward.
💡 Key Takeaways
• Amber’s journey into addiction therapy was unplanned but fulfilling
• Understanding individual experiences is crucial in recovery
• Family dynamics deeply impact healing and relapse cycles
• Empathy is essential — but enabling behavior isn’t
• Building credibility with loved ones helps guide real change
• AI can enhance counseling through personalized support
• High-functioning alcoholics often struggle in silence
• Recovery happens in small wins, not overnight transformations
• Addiction is a generational issue that affects families profoundly
🔊 Sound Bites
“I didn’t have a good plan.”
“Addiction just follows like a script.”
“I don’t believe in hitting bottom.”
⏱️ Chapters
00:00 – Introduction to Amber Hollingsworth
02:54 – Amber’s Journey into Addiction Therapy
06:40 – Building Successful Addiction Programs
09:40 – Understanding Addiction: Common Threads
11:07 – The Timeline of Recovery
13:25 – Family Dynamics in Addiction Recovery
15:11 – Empathy vs. Enabling: Finding Balance
17:23 – Building Credibility with Loved Ones
19:43 – The Role of AI in Addiction Counseling
21:17 – The Scope of Addiction in Society
23:28 – Resources and Approaches in Recovery
24:21 – Success Stories in Recovery
27:15 – The Emotional Toll of Addiction Counseling
28:55 – Collaborative Approaches in Counseling
30:42 – Influences and Inspirations in Amber’s Work
33:55 – AI Innovations in Counseling
40:06 – Fulfillment in Helping Others
🔗 Connect with Amber Hollingsworth
• Website ➜ https://www.familyrecoveryacademy.online
• YouTube ➜ https://www.youtube.com/@PutTheShovelDown
• Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/lifeswitchofficial/
🎧 Listen & Subscribe
🌐 Website ➜ https://www.toolstalentstechniques.com
📺 YouTube ➜ https://youtube.com/@DustinCSutton
🍏 Apple Podcasts ➜ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tools-talents-and-techniques-with-dustin-sutton/id1692838507
🎧 Spotify ➜ https://open.spotify.com/show/7pQZ551Ct4jVRQ2BqB7Zr2