Session 457: Exploring Sober Curiosity

In this episode of Therapy for Black Girls, host Dr. Joy Harden-Bradford welcomes back guest Kristen Feimster, a licensed marriage and family therapist and certified personal trainer, to explore the growing movement of 'sober curiosity.' The conversation delves into what it means to be sober curious—re-evaluating one's relationship with alcohol without necessarily committing to lifelong abstinence. Kristen shares her personal journey to sobriety at age 26, highlighting how early signs like hangovers, disrupted sleep, and emotional reliance on alcohol signaled a need for change. The discussion unpacks societal normalization of alcohol through pop culture, wellness marketing, and social rituals, and challenges the myth that one must hit 'rock bottom' to address problematic drinking. Practical steps like tracking alcohol intake, understanding emotional triggers, and experimenting with non-alcoholic alternatives are offered as tools for exploration. The episode also emphasizes the importance of emotional regulation skills—like naming feelings, journaling, and deep breathing—as alternatives to using substances for coping. Kristen stresses that true sobriety isn't just about abstaining from alcohol but about building resilience to sit with discomfort. The conversation concludes with guidance on how to support friends who are exploring sobriety and how to set boundaries without over-explaining. Overall, the episode positions sober curiosity as a compassionate, accessible entry point into deeper self-awareness and wellness.