{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Raw, Authentic & Vulnerable","title":"The \"Path\" to Sobriety with Derek Bylsma","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":2971,"description":"I am so grateful for the opportunity to have Derek Bylsma on the show. As we dived into his 20-year journey of sobriety, his belief in recovery was consistent. His belief strengthened my understanding that recovery and healing aren’t a straight line. There are setbacks, the same highs and lows as life, guilt, shame, love, joy and gratitude. It’s all-encompassing, and there is no one-size-fits-all path. It’s about exploring what works best for you and what resonates with you and then giving it your best shot. When a setback happens, which it will, always remember that it’s a choice to stay there. That choice belongs to you.\nAbout Derek Bylsma:\nDerek is the Executive Director of Millennium Counseling Center and heads their 3A and Sports divisions. He is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and a nationally board-certified counselor. He is also fully trained in EMDR Therapy.\nIn addition to two bachelor's degrees, one from Kalamazoo College and the other from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Derek also holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Roosevelt University. After a successful career in business and strong family ties in the helping professions, it became apparent that Derek’s true calling was to help those struggling with life’s many challenges.\nDerek specializes in recovery-related work, mood disorders, co-occurring disorders and issues unique to athletic performance. He is particularly enthusiastic about leading the sports division at Millennium Counseling Center as it marries two of his lifelong passions: helping others and athletics. As a soccer player, Derek was a two-time college All-American and All-Big Ten player and, after graduating, went on to play professional soccer in the U.S. More recently, Derek’s ties to athletics shifted from player to coach and he has been recognized as one of the top High School soccer coaches in Illinois. His experience as a high-performing athlete and coach, as well as his...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/1buYqcJt52_opPlyxfa1Hy3gLI1n3B2gEmCuWZTXAWw/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS82NTkz/ZjZiYmM1ZGFiNWI4/YmY3NzU4YmI0M2Yy/OTllMS5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}