<p>In this special episode, Ash is joined by her longtime friend Ash Murray. For years, both women battled addiction silently, only sharing the full depths of their stories with one another after coming into recovery. Today, Ash Murray is the Eating Disorder Lead and Therapist at The Wave Clinic in Malaysia, with her expertise grounded not just in study, but in lived experience.</p><p><br></p><p>Ash opens up about her personal journey through eating disorders and alcohol addiction, sharing what recovery has truly looked like beyond the surface. From the isolating depths of illness which nearly took her life, to the slow rebuilding of trust, self-worth, and connection, she reflects on the pivotal role that rehab, honesty, healing and self-care have played in finding lasting freedom.</p><p><br></p><p>Together, they explore the intersection of therapy and lived experience, how vulnerability and empathy can become powerful tools for healing both self and others. They unpack the mental health challenges that intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the importance of ongoing support in maintaining balance and wellbeing.</p><p><br></p><p>Episode chapter:</p><p>00:00 Introduction to Ashley Murray&#39;s Journey</p><p>02:57 Life in Malaysia and Work at the Wave Clinic</p><p>05:46 Navigating COVID-19 in Treatment</p><p>08:21 The Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health</p><p>11:08 A Photo that Represents Struggles</p><p>13:55 The Super Yacht Experience and Its Consequences</p><p>16:27 The Turning Point: Seeking Help</p><p>19:22 Life in Bali and the Struggle with Addiction</p><p>22:16 The Rock Bottom Moment</p><p>24:49 Desperation and the Path to Recovery</p><p>27:08 The Turning Point: Reaching Out for Help</p><p>31:53 Childhood Struggles: The Roots of Eating Disorders</p><p>44:03 Escaping Reality: The Need to Hide</p><p>48:25 Facing the Truth: A Journey of Self-Discovery</p><p>54:28 The Struggle of Surrendering Control</p><p>57:02 The Complexity of Eating Disorders</p><p>59:13 The Power of Intervention</p><p>01:00:41 Transformation Through Therapy</p><p>01:04:11 Building Trust in Recovery</p><p>01:06:15 The Importance of Honesty</p><p>01:08:57 Setting Boundaries for Recovery</p><p>01:13:03 Non-Negotiables for a Fulfilling Life</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Connect with Ash through:</strong></p><p><a href="https://thewaveclinic.com/"><u>https://thewaveclinic.com/</u></a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/thewaveclinic/"><u>https://www.instagram.com/thewaveclinic/</u></a></p><p><br></p><p>Follow and connect with Ash on: </p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/ashbutterss/%20%E2%81%A0"><u>⁠Instagram⁠</u></a><u> @ashbutterss</u></p><p>TikTok <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@behindthesmilewithashb"><u>@behindthesmilewithashb</u></a></p><p><a href="http://www.ashbutterss.com"><u>Website⁠ </u><strong>www.ashbutterss.com</strong></a></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Upcoming Workshops:</strong></p><p><strong>A Return To You | One Day Retreat </strong></p><p>Sunday 22nd February, 2026</p><p><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/a-return-to-you-one-day-retreat-tickets-1855565048009?aff=oddtdtcreator"><u>Tickets available here. </u></a></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Join Ash on retreat in 2026!</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.ashbutterss.com/the-embodied-woman-retreat"><u>The Embodied Woman Retreat | Gold Coast | May 2026 </u></a></p><p><a href="https://www.ashbutterss.com/bali-retreat-2026"><u>Rest and Renew Holistic Retreat in Bali | August 2026</u></a></p><p><br></p><p>Watch Ash’s <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfclluaXT4Q"><u>TEDx Talk here</u></a>!</p><p><br></p>