Meet Chris Grosso | Author, Public Speaker, Integral Addiction Counselor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chris Grosso and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chris, what do you attribute your success to?
I believe honesty, integrity, transparency, empathy, and compassion are the foundation upon which any success I experience with my offerings is built. Being an author, public speaker, and integral addiction counselor (amongst other things) is directly intertwined with my personal life, so in a sort of weird way, I am my brand. Luckily for me, what you see is what you get whether it’s in a chapter from one of my books, in a one-on-one session with someone, or if we’re sharing a cup of coffee together.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As previously mentioned, I wear a number of different hats (author, speaker, counselor, podcaster, film producer, writer) yet they’re all intertwined in a way that each lends itself creatively to the other. I struggle with self-doubt often but I try to reign myself in and when needed, I go back and read some of the really beautiful words that people have taken time out of their lives to share how my words or talks, etc., have helped them or their family members, or both. That means everything to me.

As far as what I’m proud of, the humble brag I suppose is that my work has been endorsed and shared by the likes of Tony Hawk, Jeff Bridges, Bam Margera, Ram Dass, Sharon Salzberg, and others. The heart feels when it comes to what I’m proud of, however, is literally helping people find their way back from addiction and mental illness, particularly teens and young adults.

None of this was, or is, easy by any stretch of the imagination, particularly on the emotional and mental side of things. One of the lessons I’ve learned along the way is how to set boundaries, well, on a good day at least. Filling others cups and never taking time to fill my whatsoever certainly played a role in a significant relapse to alcohol I experienced a few years ago that nearly killed me. But with the help of others, and the tiniest spark of hope flickering in my heart, I made it through that experience. By the skin of my teeth, but still, I, or no, WE made it.

That’s what I want the world to know, not only in regards to my work, but more importantly, in regards to their lives, and that is, there is ALWAYS hope. Until our last breath, hope is the last to die. So please, reach out to someone, anyone, if you’re struggling. If you feel like you’re burdening someone, I promise you, you’re not. You are worthy of help, kindness, and compassion as much as any other human who’s ever walked the face of this earth. I promise.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m new to San Diego (only been here about three months) so this one is a little tough, but with my limited geographical knowledge and social experience/knowledge, I’d make it a point to hit Balboa Park, stroll Ocean Beach and converse with some rad folks, take in a show at The Holding Company, and find random places to eat. I like not really having a “go-to” for food right now because it keeps me exploring and finding various wonderful spots around the city.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Most definitely. First and foremost my parents Brenda & Larry, my brother Jay and his wife Catie, and their two incredible young ladies Addison and Eleanor. Also, all love and respect due to my teacher Ram Dass and the Love. Serve. Remember. community. The same goes for my other teacher Ken Wilber and the Integral Community. My dear friends Justin Mehl, Matt Winkley and his wife Julie, and a plethora of other inspiring humans who’ve quite literally loved me from the brink of death (due to addiction and mental illness) back to life. I wouldn’t be here without them.

Website: www.integraladdictioncounseling.com

Instagram: @xchrisgrossox

Twitter: @xchrisgrossox

Facebook: @xchrisgrossox

Youtube: @chrisgrosso

Image Credits
Sarit Rogers.