Leadership Through the Lens of the 12 Steps
By Annette Pinder
There are very few people who know more about the importance of mental health than Karl Shallowhorn, a leading national mental health advocate and educator based in Buffalo. As a person in long-term recovery from mental illness and a co-occurring addiction disorder, Karl is devoted to eliminating the stigma associated with mental illness.
Karl experienced his first major psychotic episode when he was 18 years old, while pursuing his college education. His “rollercoaster ride” lasted for seven years, and included manic-depressive episodes, drug and alcohol dependency, multiple inpatient hospitalizations, and outpatient social services, misdiagnoses, and myriad prescribed medications. These experiences brought him pain, despair, and isolation, and ultimately led him to several suicide attempts. Ultimately, he was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder.
With the help of supportive family, friends, and behavioral health professionals, as well as a newly discovered passion for recovery, Karl got his life back on track, completed his bachelor’s degree, and received his credential in addictions counseling. With his drive to succeed ignited, Karl earned a master’s degree in Student Personnel Administration from SUNY Buffalo State, and pursued a career in mental health and higher education. Best of all, he has been happily married for 26 years, and is the proud father of two adult daughters.
With a goal of helping even more people learn what he did through the years, Karl has published Leadership Through the Lens of the 12 Steps, a workbook designed to help individuals grow and thrive mentally and professionally. Karl explains that the 12 steps are a set of principles and actions designed to help people recover from addiction originally associated with Alcoholics Anonymous, and a spiritual program not affiliated with any sect, religion, political movement, or outside organization or institution. First introduced in the 1930s, 12-Step groups have expanded to address many issues and conditions, including alcoholism, substance abuse, dependency, gambling, and overeating. Its principles address recognition on the part of individuals to admit their desire to manage their lives and take responsibility for their actions.
Well before COVID-19 shone a light on the fact that we need to do more to improve our lives and our communities, Karl has understood the importance of great leadership as a foundation for individual and organizational growth. A NYS credentialed alcoholism and substance abuse counselor and mental health first aid instructor for youth, adults, veterans, higher education and, older adults, Karl is devoted to continuing his efforts in mental health and recovery. He is a Health Foundation for Western and Central New York’s Health Leadership Fellow, serves on several state boards, is chair of the Erie County Anti-Stigma Coalition, and writes extensively for BP Magazine at www.bphope.com/karlshallowhorn.
Learn more about Shallowhorn Consulting, through which he offers clinically-based professional development and trainings at www.shallowhornconsulting.com. You can talk to Karl at 716-465-6508, and find his five-star rated new book, Leadership Through the Lens of 12 Steps on Amazon.com.
