Key topics covered regarding alcohol moderation, midlife reinvention & resilience with Michele D. Perron, PhD:
- The experience of building and losing a restaurant business; bankruptcy and divorce at 40
- What the path back looked like: Al-Anon, jail volunteer work, addiction counseling license, PhD at 52
- Alcohol moderation coaching as an alternative to abstinence-only treatment
- Medication-assisted approaches for concerns about alcohol (naltrexone, Sinclair Method) and why they’re underused
- The importance of couples coaching as part of addiction/moderation work
- Being a caregiver g for a father with Alzheimer’s and his death in early 2024
- The impact of losing her job the same week her father died
- The health fallout afterwards and retraining in functional medicine/amino acid therapy
- Menopause, being dismissed by a doctor, and self-advocacy in healthcare
- Marketing struggles as a midlife solo entrepreneur; navigating niche vs. broad audience
- Utilizing coping tools, such as nature, diet, sleep, grounding and family support
Welcome to another episode of the Women in the Middle® Podcast!
Today we’re talking to a guest who helps professionals with personal alcohol concerns create a new relationship with alcohol with alcohol moderation coaching as an alternative to abstinence-only treatment.
My guest today is Michele D. Perron.
Michelle was originally a guest on Ep 134 of my sister podcast, the Women in the Middle Entrepreneurs, which is about the reality of running your business after 50. Her story of resilience is so compelling and interesting, I couldn’t resist sharing here as well.
Michele’s career path has been quite a diverse, unusual journey.
She began in veterinary technology in 1984. She was married that same year. In 1986 she decided to lose weight and began weightlifting. She placed third in a bodybuilding competition and a divorce soon followed. Retooling the factory for the first time, she received her MBA in 1990. In 1991 she had her daughter and opened her first restaurant. In 1996 she met and married her 2nd husband and had a son in 1997. The business grew to be a small chain of six restaurants.
In 2006 everything changed. Her world imploded. The business struggled, the marriage failed, and she found herself with 2 small children, nowhere to live and a bankruptcy of $1.2 million dollars. To survive, Michele took work in construction for 3 years and began healing. Healing with the help of Alanon was a process that led to a more meaningful career in addiction counseling by 2009 which led to publishing her first book in 2010. Michele certified in Applied Positive Psychology in 2016 and made the leap to telehealth in 2017. She quickly became Senior Clinical Supervisor at a national telehealth agency where she developed policy, special training, IT, and a Moderation Program which served more than 500 clients in 8 years.
In January 2024, Michele lost her father who battled Alzheimer’s for 5 years, the last 6 months in a nursing home where she had sole decision-making responsibilities. Three days after he passed, she was informed the telehealth company was merging and her program and her position would be eliminated. Again, that opened the door for her.
Now, Michele helps people over 40 controltheir drinking without quitting. She offers a unique option for drinkers otherthan sobriety.
As you can see, there’s a lot of resilience here, followed by a ton of massive action. Michele has a unique blend of clinical training as a woman in the middle who is incredibly resilient, has overcome a lot yet always seems to have dreamed big. Dreaming big can be challenging enough, but to do this throughout your life surrounded by quite a lot of adversity is notable. You don’t need to have a concern about drinking to get a lot out of this show. Please enjoy this interview.
Remember…The information shared in this podcast is intended for your convenience, entertainment and education and isn’t geared to your personal situation; it’s not a replacement for care or advice from your own medical professional. So as always, you may have some things you want to follow up on so please seek a suitable professional to advise you on your personal situation.
Note: Please remember…The information shared in this podcast is intended for your convenience, entertainment and education and isn’t geared to your personal situation; it’s not a replacement for care or advice from your own medical professional. So as always, you may have some things you want to follow up on so please seek a suitable professional to advise you on your personal situation.
Mentioned in this Episode:
- Free Midlife Quiz: www.midlifequiz.com
Connect with Michele D. Perron
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-d-perron/
- Website: www.drmicheleperron.com
- Free Gift& Podcast: https://gift.drmicheleperron.com/linkedin1
Connect with Suzy
Follow Suzy on Substack: https://substack.com/@womeninthemiddle
Midlife Doodle-Think™ Club: Slow down with Zentangle-inspired doodling. As a Certified Zentangle® Teacher (CZT), I invite you to slow down and create a space to think. Doodle-Think™ is about a simple, mindful doodling practice for midlife women who want more presence, clarity and confidence; no art skills or creative talent required! Join here! www.doodlethink.com
Next Chapter Direction Session Free: Next Chapter Direction Session: A Private 50-Minute Conversation to Help You Get Clear on What You Want Now. If something in your life feels a little off, unclear, or out of sync…this is where you figure out what’s really going on and what you want to do about it. session, This insightful session is designed to help you see where you may be getting in your own way and how I might be able to help you turn the page on your next chapter! Book Now www.talktosuzy.com
Midlife QUIZ: You’re also invited to take the free “Next Chapter Midlife Quiz” to discover if your next chapter is trying to get your attention! It only takes about 90 seconds! You can start the quiz here: www.midlifequiz.com.
Work with Me: Group Coaching Women in the Middle Academy: Learn to start living like time matters…because it does! The Academy helps you do this in a 12 month group format that includes coaching, community, creativity and connection. Get unstuck and create your happiness blueprint for your future! Apply now: www.womeninthemiddleacademy.com and book your free call to learn how I can help you find what’s missing so that you love your life after 50.
Private Coaching – Limited Availability. Midlife transformation coaching is the fastest way to rediscover joy and purpose after 50! Regret-Proof Private Coaching to get unstuck, clear and excited about your life again. Available in 3 month, 6 month and 1 year options. Powerful results! Flexible payment plans. Book your free, no obligation Momentum Call here
Masterclass: Get Unstuck: Midlife Clarity Fast &Easy: Take this fun DIY midlife masterclass and get clear about your next chapter priorities without spin, confusion and overwhelm in less than an hour!www.midliferoadmap.com
Download Suzy’s eBook: 50 Ways to Celebrate Life after 50: Get unstuck, avoid regrets, and live your best life: www.50waystocelebrate.com and Amazon
OTHER RESOURCES:
- Free Resources
- Free Monthly Webinars and Workshops offered by Suzy Rosenstein: https://suzyrosenstein.com/webinar/
- Email your feedback: info@suzyrosenstein.com
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