Create your best life.
I created Pretty Dark Places Coaching to help anyone struggling with addiction. What began as my memoir and personal story of recovery has become a larger platform for healing through my sobriety coaching. Read more about me, check out my blog, or read through some client testimonials if you’d like to learn more about my background and unique qualifications as a coach.
You’re ashamed because you’re using. You’re using because you’re ashamed. Wouldn’t it feel incredible to finally break the cycle?
Breaking the cycle of shame and using is about taking back your life. If you’re sick and tired of:
Waking up with brain fog and feeling sick
Carrying guilt for letting your friends & family down
Feeling stuck despite wanting to change
Transforming your trauma into power can help you break free.
Take it from someone who’s been there: a life free of addictions is a life of opportunity and promise. Wouldn’t you like to:
Feel better, look younger, and reduce health risks
Accomplish more, earn more, build more
Renew relationships and achieve greater closeness and intimacy with your family and loved ones
Read My Story
Pretty Dark Places
Transforming Trauma, Healing Addiction, and Cultivating an Empowered Life
“Part memoir, part meditation on recovery, and part exploration into the powerful world of plant and other natural medicines, Pretty Dark Places is the debut book by author Chrystal Lee. After her wrongful arrest in 2018 made news headlines, Chrystal spiraled into cocaine and alcohol addictions that nearly cost her everything.”
Who I am
Chrystal Lee is an author, dynamic public speaker, and passionate voice in addiction recovery and trauma healing. With true authenticity and compassion, Chrystal draws on her own lived experience to inspire individuals to break free from the trauma of their past and embrace a life of empowerment and possibility.
Coaching client
“Chrystal’s approach is uniquely disarming and effective for anyone struggling with addiction.”
Coaching client
“I credit our weekly sessions with helping me to stay grounded.”
“A raw and real podcast about recovery”
“Pretty Dark Places is about finding beauty in the darkest parts of our lives. What nearly breaks us eventually becomes our most powerful lessons and sources of hope. Transforming trauma into power brings incredible gifts—including the confidence in ourselves to handle whatever comes next. The new podcast is about having deep, meaningful conversations about recovery and our unique journeys to wholeness.”
FAQ
Is this program right for me?
Q: I've tried getting sober before and failed. Why would this be different?
A: This program addresses the root causes, not just the symptoms of addiction. Recovery isn't linear, and previous attempts weren't failures; they were part of your journey. I personally experienced multiple relapses before achieving lasting sobriety.
Q: I'm not sure if my childhood was “traumatic enough” to cause addiction. Do I belong here?
A: Trauma isn't just major events—it includes emotional neglect, having to be the "responsible one" too young, witnessing parental conflict, or feeling chronically unsafe. If you're using substances to cope with emotional pain, this program is for you.
Q: Can I do this program while still using?
A: While the goal is sobriety, I meet you where you are. The workbook and early modules focus on understanding your patterns. However, for your safety, I recommend medical supervision if you're physically dependent on substances.
About the approach
Q: What makes this different from AA or traditional rehab?
A: While I certainly respect all recovery paths, this program specifically addresses trauma-based addiction. I focus on healing shame, understanding childhood patterns, and rebuilding without requiring a specific religious framework (though spirituality is welcomed in whatever form works for you).
Q: Do I need to confront my family about childhood trauma?
A: Absolutely not. This work is about your healing, not about blame or confrontation. Many people heal without ever discussing their trauma with family members.
Q: Is plant medicine/psychedelic therapy required?
A: No. While I do share my experiences with plant medicine, the program teaches multiple pathways to recovery. Plant and similar medicines are presented as options, not requirements.
Practical concerns
Q: How much time does the program require?
A: The 10-module course is self-paced. Most clients spend 1-4 hours per week on materials, plus daily practices (10-15 minutes). The free workbook can be completed at your own pace.
Q: Will this trigger me or make things worse initially?
A: Exploring trauma can bring up difficult emotions. The program includes grounding techniques, crisis resources, and emphasizes going at your own pace. If you're in acute crisis, please seek immediate professional support first.
Q: Do I need a therapist while doing this program?
A: While not required, professional support is highly recommended, especially if you're dealing with severe trauma or active addiction. This program complements but doesn't replace professional treatment.
Q: What if I relapse during the program?
A: Relapse doesn't mean failure—it's often part of recovery. Module 5 specifically addresses the non-linear nature of healing. You won't be kicked out or shamed. I’ll strive to help you understand what happened and move forward.
Get my free trauma-to-recovery mapping workbook
My goal for this workbook was simple: create a straightforward, easy-to-use guide for anyone to identify specific trauma patterns and then connect them to their addictive behaviors. The book will help you understand certain triggers, recognize patterns of behavior, and develop coping strategies.
