In this intimate episode of The Hanley Effect, hosts Dr. John Dyben and Dr. Rachel Docekal dive into one of the most powerful, yet often overlooked, elements in addiction treatment and recovery: dignity.

John unpacks the Latin root of the word (“dignus,” meaning “worthy”) and reflects on how acknowledging a person’s inherent worth, regardless of their status, past, or circumstances, is not only essential in treatment, but transformational in life. Together, John and Rachel explore how dignity sets the stage for empathy, forgiveness, and ultimately healing, both in relationships and within ourselves.

They also share how dignity shapes Hanley’s approach, from the moment someone enters treatment to how families are reconnected through group therapy. It’s a deeply human episode that reminds us: every person has value simply because they are alive.

Key Topics:

• The definition and power of dignity in recovery work

• How shame often obscures our own sense of worth

• What it means to treat every person as a moral equal

• Why forgiveness is a process, not a performance

• The role dignity plays in family systems and Hanley's family program

• A powerful story about a therapy group with a prince, a rock star, and a grocery store clerk, each equally worthy

“Anybody listening who breathes in and breathes out can know that they have worth and value, as much as anyone else in this entire universe.” - Dr. John Dyben

Learn more about Hanley Center’s Treatment programs at: hanleycenter.org

Call for more information: 844-502-HOPE (4673)

In this episode of The Hanley Effect, Dr. John Dyben and Dr. Rachel Docekal sit down with Michael Herbert, a seasoned addiction counselor, interventionist, recovery coach, and author of The Recovery Roadmap: A Guide to Freedom and Adventure. With over 30 years of experience helping people heal, Michael brings not only deep professional insight but also a remarkable personal journey of transformation.

From running 155 miles through the Sahara Desert to feeding wild hyenas in Ethiopia, Michael's life is anything but ordinary, and so is his approach to recovery.

He shares why he believes the first months of sobriety are a time of discovery, not recovery, how he helps clients design their own unique path, and why traditional cookie-cutter methods often fall short when it comes to building a sustainable, joyful life.

Whether you're someone in recovery, a loved one, or a clinician, Michael's grounded wisdom and compassionate perspective offer hope, humor, and practical tools for real-life change.

• Why Michael thinks "recovery" isn't the right word for the early months of sobriety
• His thoughts on how to move beyond the 12-step script and find your path
• Why integrity isn't about being perfect, it's about being real
• How adventure and service have helped Michael and his clients grow stronger
• What families and professionals often overlook in early recovery
• How to build a life rooted in meaning, connection, and purpose

Michael Herbert has worked with CEOs, parolees, families in crisis, and individuals desperate for change. He's known for his Recovery Roadmap approach, practical, adaptable, and full of real-life strategies that meet people where they are.

He's run across deserts, climbed volcanoes, built schools, and walked with clients through some of the darkest moments of their lives. His work is about more than just sobriety; it's about rediscovery, authenticity, and building a life worth staying sober for.

Learn more about Michael's work at https://coachmichaelherbert.com/ and purchase his book The Recovery Roadmap: A Guide to Freedom and Adventure at https://a.co/d/4auZLAr

In this episode, we sit down with Katherine Murphy, CEO of NAMI Palm Beach County (NAMI PBC), to talk about what’s working now in community mental health. Katherine shares how NAMI’s peer-led model reduces stigma, connects people to care sooner, and supports families from first questions to long-term recovery. We delve into local programs, crisis navigation, and simple ways anyone can contribute to making Palm Beach County a safer and more informed place for individuals living with mental health conditions.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why peer support matters: How lived experience shortens the path from fear to help.
• You don’t have to wait for a diagnosis to seek support, early conversations save time and pain.
• Free programs you can use today: A quick tour of NAMI PBC offerings, from education classes to support groups and school presentations.
• Families & caregivers: Practical ways to show up, set boundaries, and avoid burnout.
• How peer-led education gives families and individuals the tools to navigate care and advocate confidently.
• Access in Palm Beach County: Gaps, new collaborations, and how NAMI PBC is meeting rising demand.
• How to help: Volunteering, training, advocacy, and supporting NAMI PBC events.

Resources & Links

NAMI Palm Beach County: Search local classes, support groups, and events. https://namipbc.org/

NAMI HelpLine: Information & support (M–F) 800-950-6264

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (24/7).

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