Emotional Sobriety, Not Labels: Redefining Recovery for High-Achieving Women

What if sobriety isn’t about labels—but about how you live, think, and feel every day?

In this episode, Shelby sits down with transformation coach Heather Simco to explore a more expansive and honest view of recovery. With over a decade of sobriety and 20+ years in entrepreneurship, Heather shares how high-achieving women can move beyond burnout, alcohol, and self-sabotage by focusing on emotional sobriety—not just abstinence.

Together, they unpack the patterns that often go unnoticed: shifting addictions, perfectionism, overconsumption, and the constant search for relief. This conversation goes beyond “quitting alcohol” and into what it really takes to be well—mentally, physically, and emotionally.

Heather also speaks candidly about her personal journey, rebuilding relationships, navigating motherhood, and the daily vigilance required to stay grounded in recovery. If you’ve ever questioned your habits, your coping mechanisms, or what true freedom looks like, this episode offers a grounded, real perspective.

In this episode, we explore:

•  Reframing sobriety and removing the stigma of being an “addict” 
•  Emotional sobriety and why it matters for long-term healing 
•  Hidden addictions: food, control, productivity, and more 
•  Nervous system regulation and mental health in sobriety 
•  Building a balanced, sustainable life after alcohol 

This is a conversation for sober women, sober curious women, and anyone navigating a sobriety journey or seeking emotional healing and clarity.

About the Guest
Heather Simco is a transformation coach and founder of Complete Concierge Solutions and Sober Boss Babe. She helps high-achieving women break free from burnout, alcohol, and self-sabotage through mental, physical, and emotional sobriety. Her work focuses on helping women reclaim their energy, elevate leadership, and build aligned lives and businesses.

Connect with Heather:
Website: www.heathersimco.com

Instagram: @heathersimco
TikTok: @heathesimco
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@heathersimco

About the Host
Shelby John is a licensed therapist and founder of Wholistic Living. Through the Confident Sober Women podcast, she explores mental health and sobriety, trauma recovery, and personal growth for women building lives rooted in clarity, confidence, and true freedom.

 Website: https://shelbyjohn.com

Support the show

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate & share this episode with a sober woman or someone suffering from anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep problems and negative thought patterns who needs to hear she is not alone. 

Oh, and by the way, if you didn’t know, my remote Neurofeedback Therapy program is up and running. Learn more here! Learn more about EMDR therapy, EMDR Intensives and Remote Neurofeedback.

And if you haven't read my memoir, grab a copy of Recovering in Recovery: The Life-Changing Joy of Sobriety wherever books are sold.