Dr. Samantha Harte, an accomplished author, artist, licensed technician, and podcast host, celebrated the launch of her new book, Breaking The Circuit: How to ReWire Your Mind for Hope, Resilience, and Joy in the Face of Trauma, on Saturday, June 8th. The event took place at the stunning Rafi Lounge, a renowned wellness and lifestyle club located in the heart of Malibu, offering breathtaking ocean views.
The scenic venue, known for its energetic zen-like atmosphere and outdoor sanctuary, provided the perfect backdrop for Dr. Harte, a fitness and wellness guru who has prevailed over multiple cycles of trauma throughout her life. Triumphantly, providing a blueprint for anyone unearthing years of distress, addiction and adversity.
Dr. Samantha Harte & Tara Strong celebrate “Breaking the Circuit” Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images
Breaking The Circuit is a modern-day recovery anecdote that employs a fresh perspective and a step-by-step approach to the Twelve Step program, making it a valuable tool for both addicts and non-addicts. “This is for the person who immediately says, ‘I don’t identify with that. I don’t have a substance abuse disorder,’” explains Dr. Samantha Harte. “It’s really not at all what the book is about. Truly, addiction is a part of my story, but it’s not the message.”
Dr. Harte emphasizes that her cocaine overdose was not her rock bottom. For every addict and every person suffering and struggling within a cycle of emotional dysfunction, she shares that hitting rock bottom occurs on a soul level. It happens when your spirit has exhausted all its survival tactics and played them out repeatedly to the point of utter failure. That’s when you reach the end of your rope. “I was taken to my knees by cocaine,” she says. “But here I am 20 years later, dancing, singing, and performing. Doing all the artistic things I dreamed about as a child.”
Dr. Samantha Harte talks about “Breaking the Circuit” at the Rafi Lounge
Photo Credit: Josh Fogel
In Breaking The Circuit, Dr. Harte combines her personal experiences with practical advice. Each chapter begins with the original verbiage of a Twelve Step program step, which she then deconstructs. She shares her life story, detailing what she learned about concepts like power and powerlessness, and why these were difficult for her to confront as an addict. To make the material relatable, she offers alternative scenarios, such as navigating the dating scene after a divorce, illustrating how we can get stuck in negative feedback loops and struggle with self-worth.
The book also includes exercises designed to help readers work through their own issues. For instance, Dr. Harte prompts readers to acknowledge their powerlessness over various aspects of their lives, from traffic jams to personal relationships. This hands-on approach encourages readers to engage deeply with the material and apply the Twelve Step principles to their own lives.
Dr. Samantha Harte talks about “Breaking The Circuit” Photo Credit: Josh Fogel
Dr. Harte’s intention is to share her truth and let others know how hard things got for her, from the death of her sister to the divorce from her husband. And how even she made it to the other side, despite bad choices along the way. At the root, Dr. Harte, believes shame is the most corrosive emotion and that it claimed the life of her sister. By sharing her stories, she hopes to help others feel less ashamed and more empowered to live their lives fully. “My stories are for those people who are living at five out of ten,” she says. “How urgently are you living your life? I’m here to ignite a fire within these readers and encourage them to pursue their passions with vigor.”
Dr. Samantha Harte and her husband, Rob Harte, celebrate “Breaking the Circuit” at the Rafi Lounge in Malibu Photo Credit: Vivien Killilea/Getty Images
The book Breaking The Circuit is structured around the traditional 12-step program. Each chapter starts with the original wording of a normal program, followed by Dr. Harte’s personal reflections and stories. She delves into her experiences, exploring themes like power and powerlessness, and then presents relatable, everyday scenarios to help readers connect with the material. To aid in self-help, each chapter concludes with an exercise, prompting readers to write about their own feelings of powerlessness and work through their emotions. Dr. Harte emphasizes the importance of sharing her truth and experiences, aiming to help readers overcome shame and ignite a passion for living more fully. Her stories are meant to inspire and support those who feel stuck or ashamed, encouraging them to make positive changes in their lives.
“Breaking The Circuit” Books Photo Credit: Josh Fogel
