This episode has been a long time coming, and trust us—it was worth the wait. Amanda and Sarah finally sit down with therapist Ben Taratuta, LMHC, to talk about trauma, healing, and how our past shapes us in ways we don’t always realize.

Ben gets personal about the moment his life changed forever—when his father suffered a traumatic brain injury—and how that experience led him to question everything, from his own emotions to the meaning of resilience. They dive into the connection between childhood trauma, addiction, and mental health, why so many people minimize their struggles, and what real healing actually looks like.

It’s an open, honest, and sometimes hilarious conversation about growth, therapy, and learning to shift from blame to understanding. If you’ve ever struggled with your past or wondered how to move forward, this episode is for you.

In This Episode:
🔹 How childhood trauma shapes identity, relationships, and mental health
🔹 Ben’s personal journey—from questioning everything to becoming a therapist
🔹 Why people minimize trauma & how to break free from that mindset
🔹 The link between trauma, addiction, and emotional regulation
🔹 How shifting from blame to understanding can change everything

Find Ben at Taratuta Counseling and connect with Amanda & Sarah:

Next Level Recovery Associates:
Instagram: @nextlevelrecoveryassoc
Facebook: Next Level Recovery Associates
LinkedIn: Next Level Recovery Associates
TikTok: @nextlevelrecoveryassoc
YouTube: Next Level Recovery Associates

Amanda Marino:
Instagram: @amandamarinorecovery
Facebook: Amanda Marino, Behavioral Health Consultant and Interventionist
LinkedIn: Amanda Marino
TikTok: @amandamarinorecovery
YouTube: @amandamarinorecovery

Sarah Frias:
Instagram: @sarahefrias