Sophie Googenough, RN, BSN, has been volunteering for the SHE RECOVERS Foundation for just around a year and three months as a SHE RECOVERS Together Online Gathering Guardian. During this time, she has shown exceptional dedication to keeping the virtual meeting space safe, secure, and supportive, ensuring the well-being of all participants. Sophie has been described as “a beacon of strength, compassion, and reliability” in her role of guardian. She is always quick to provide emotional support in the chat and share relevant resources. Behind the scenes, she steps up whenever coverage or assistance is needed and provides valuable insights, guidance, and reassurance within the group. Sophie serves our community with unwavering empathy, grace, and humility.
She has recently been recognized as a SHE RECOVERS Gem.
SHE RECOVERS Gems are volunteers who have been acknowledged by their peers for their profound and life-altering contributions and service to our community.
We had the honor of interviewing Sophie Goodenough about her role as a SHE RECOVERS volunteer.
What does being a SHE RECOVERS Foundation volunteer mean to you?
As a childhood trauma survivor, safety means everything to me. Physical safety, but also feeling safe emotionally which can be harder to achieve. I love being a guardian because I feel like I am a part of creating an emotionally safe space for the brave women and non-binary individuals who show up at the gatherings and choose to share vulnerably.
What made you want to become a SHE RECOVERS Foundation volunteer?
I had been coming to gatherings for about six months at the time, and I was feeling more and more grateful for the safe space to come to and know that I could talk about what was going on in my life without being judged. I wanted to be a part of bringing that to other people.
What three words would your friends and peers use to describe you?
Inclusive, compassionate, and musical.
How do these aspects of who you are show up in your everyday life?
As a person on the autism spectrum, I was, and sometimes still am, not included in group activities. I often inadvertently made people uncomfortable because of my mannerisms or behaviors, and my trouble with social cues. I feel very passionate about inclusivity. That shows up in my life at work, as I take care of children with special needs, and also in my social life, especially at church. Sometimes churches can be exclusionary, and I do everything I can to welcome people into that space. As for compassion, it can be used anywhere and at any time. As the Dalai Lama says, “Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.” If I am by myself, and there is no one around, I can practice showing compassion to myself. If I struggle with showing compassion with my words, I can express it through my music.
What is something of which you are proud?
I am proud of the work I’m doing with my trauma therapist. It’s difficult, and I’m choosing to do it anyway so that I can have a peaceful life. And, so that I can try and bring that peace to others.
What do you do outside of your volunteer role for work and/or play?
Music is my big love. I like to make music by myself and with others. It always makes me happy when someone wants to make music with me. People learn quickly that I don’t care whether they experience themselves as talented or not. I believe that music does all kinds of amazing things for the body and spirit. Everyone who wants to make music should have a safe place to do so. I also enjoy playing with my beloved cats, drawing, and kayaking.
What does radical self-care look like for you?
First and foremost, it means taking care of myself by refraining from engaging and addictive behaviors. I can also be kind to myself by moving my body, reparenting the small parts of me, showing myself kindness and compassion, and surrounding myself with a chosen family of safe, kind people. Having fun and laughing a lot is good too!
Tell us a little bit about your recovery journey. What are you recovering from? What tools and resources do you weave into your patchwork of recovery?
I introduce myself at gatherings by saying that I’m in recovery from substance use, disordered eating, childhood trauma, and grief. I experienced sexual trauma as a child. These experiences were what led to the problems in my life, as I mentioned above. I had many psychiatric hospitalizations in my younger years, which were not helpful. I started going to 12-step groups in 2003 and experienced periods of abstinence — the longest was 3 1/2 years. I kept showing up and have made some lasting friendships, but I didn’t really feel like I belonged until finding SHE RECOVERS. This September, I will have two years sober, and I feel hopeful that I will continue on and break my record.
What or who is inspiring you right now?
I feel inspired in some way by almost every human I meet! Everyone has a story and challenges. I have met some amazing people in SheRecovers who inspire me. Aside from recovery circles, I feel inspired by people who stand up for what they believe in despite pushback from other people, especially if they’re able to do it using art or music. Some folks like that who inspire me are Greta Thunberg, Simone Biles, Alma Deutcher, Amanda Gorman, and Akiane Kramarik
What SHE RECOVERS Intention and Guiding Principle resonates with you the most?
We do our individual work in order to create & hold healing spaces for everyone. All women deserve recovery.
What is your favorite SHE RECOVERS resource?
All of the SHE RECOVERS Coaches and facilitators have something amazing to offer, but my most meaningful connection has been with Cary Kelley Wright. Her gatherings are so profound and her grief group has kept me afloat.
What is one piece of advice you would give to another woman/non-binary individual who is seeking a community like SHE RECOVERS?
Keep coming. Every gathering is a little different; every coach has a different style. Soon you will learn which ones work best for you. Reach out in the Facebook groups as well, and if you can get to an in-person gathering, even better!
