Counselor: Beyond Conventional Defense

From Jail to Healing: Adina’s Journey Through Trauma-Informed Defense

Episode Summary
In Part 2 of this compelling conversation, defense attorney William Pernik reunites with his former client Adina, whose story of addiction, trauma, and transformation sheds light on what it really takes to break the cycle of incarceration. Host Kevin Rosenquist guides the discussion as William and Adina reveal how trauma-informed treatment, client-centered advocacy, and unwavering persistence can offer a path out of our criminal justice system and into recovery.
Together, Willian and Adina unpack how treatment, though more painful than jail, can unlock healing when it’s properly supported, why shame keeps people from reconnecting with loved ones, and how defense attorneys can better serve clients battling addiction and mental illness. This episode is a must-listen for anyone working in the legal, recovery, or advocacy space.
 
Key Timestamps
01:21 – William explains why he asks “why” when someone is arrested, and how that question changes everything.
01:56 – Discussion on how mental health and addiction evaluations shape legal strategy.
04:33 – William breaks down what a holistic defense looks like, balancing legal motions with real-world healing opportunities.
06:28 – A case example: how treatment saved a woman from years in prison.
08:45 – William and Adina reflect on where they met and how far she’s come.
10:35 – Adina shares how her addiction began and the role trauma played.
12:05 – William discusses how Adina changed how he sees mental health in the legal system.
14:20 – A look at the strategy shift that gave Adina a real chance at recovery.
18:25 – Adina opens up about why jail was easier and why real recovery took so long.
21:01 – How shame and disconnection keep people stuck and how Adina reconnected with her family.
24:00 – What finally clicked for Adina and how she avoided giving up.
27:49 – William asks how attorneys can help people who don’t want help yet.
30:10 – Adina explains why no one can be forced into sobriety but why persistence still matters.
33:45 – William discusses how he gets clients to imagine a different future.
37:30 – A conversation about why jail isn’t a deterrent and why people fear life more than death.
39:10 – The importance of identifying disorders and the trauma beneath addiction.
40:40 – Adina shares what her life looks like now and how she’s helping others.
48:25 – William offers advice to clients on how to own their narrative once their legal case ends.
50:10 – Adina and William reflect on healing, advocacy, and what comes next.
 
About the Show:
Counselor: Beyond Conventional Defense challenges the traditional approach to criminal defense. Hosted by attorney William Pernik, this podcast goes deeper into trauma, recovery, and the human stories that fuel transformation. It’s a show for people impacted by the justice system, for families seeking hope, and for legal professionals who believe in real, systemic change.

From Trauma to Triumph: A Survivor’s Journey Through Addiction, Jail, and Recovery

Episode Summary:
In this emotional and eye-opening episode of Counselor: Beyond Conventional Defense, host Kevin Rosenquist and criminal defense attorney William Pernik are joined by Adina, a former client whose journey defies every stereotype about addiction and crime.
William shares his pioneering approach to criminal defense, targeted solution advocacy, and explains why trauma-informed representation is essential for breaking the cycle of incarceration. Together, they explore Adina’s powerful life story: from a strict religious upbringing and childhood abuse to heroin addiction, homelessness, incarceration, and, ultimately, sobriety, redemption, and professional success.
This episode challenges assumptions about who becomes addicted, how recovery works, and what the justice system gets wrong. It’s a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we treat the human being behind the case.
Key Timestamps:
00:06 – Introduction to the podcast
00:45 – William Pernik’s background and philosophy of targeted solution advocacy
03:20 – Why traditional defense misses the mark
05:27 – How Adina’s story sparked this episode
06:33 – Adina joins the show and shares her perspective on addiction and stigma
09:03 – The role of trauma in addiction and criminal charges
09:53 – Growing up in an ultra-Orthodox home
11:52 – Unspoken abuse and early emotional trauma
14:01 – How childhood silence led to isolation and risk
17:45 – First experiences with drugs and the power of heroin
20:37 – Full list of substances used and their effects
23:00 – Addiction, shame, and the vicious cycle of self-worth
24:30 – Surviving on the streets, thriving in dysfunction
28:40 – Why people have a hard time understanding addicts
32:33 – How fentanyl changed everything
35:02 – The truth about access to drugs in jail
39:58 – Why Adina left treatment after just one night
41:08 – Adina’s turning point
42:55 – Adina’s perspective on whether or not people really find recovery in a pattern of three
44:49 – The role of trauma therapy in Adina’s recovery
48:38 – Adina’s life today: two years sober, a licensed professional, and a house manager helping other women
About the Show:
Counselor: Beyond Conventional Defense explores criminal justice through a trauma-informed lens. Hosted by Kevin Rosenquist and featuring attorney William Pernik, the show challenges punitive norms and lifts up real stories of advocacy, recovery, and healing. Each episode reveals how compassionate defense can rewrite futures and how the system must evolve to truly serve justice.

A Counselor Vision for Evolving Legal Defense

Episode Summary:
 Counselor: Beyond Conventional Defense – Episode 1
In this first episode, I open up about why I started this podcast—and why I believe criminal defense has to go far beyond just winning cases.
I share a personal story that changed me forever: losing a close friend who could have been saved. That moment lit a fire in me, and it’s why I fight for my clients the way I do. I don’t just look at the charges. I look at the person behind the case—their trauma, their addiction, their pain—and what it’ll take to help them heal.
This podcast is for people who want to rethink what justice actually means. Whether you’re in the legal field, supporting a loved one, or just curious—this is a conversation we all need to have.
 Real stories from the courtroom
 Mental health, addiction & trauma in the justice system
 A new model of defense: client-centered, healing-focused, human
If you’ve ever felt like the system is broken… you’re not alone.
 
#CriminalDefense #LegalPodcast #JusticeReform #MentalHealth #AddictionRecovery #LawyerLife #TrueJustice
 
Key Timestamps:
00:06 – Welcome to Counselor: Beyond Conventional Defense
00:35 – William’s immigrant background and call to public service
01:39 – From psychology to law: His education and early career
02:32 – Why William started his own practice
03:23 – The personal loss that inspired this podcast
06:25 – His three-step defense model: law, facts, and human root causes
11:47 – Addressing addiction, trauma, and the human element
13:39 – Getting honest answers from clients
17:20 – Advice for family and loved ones supporting someone in crisis
19:17 – William’s core message: Second chances and rewriting your story
21:20 – Preview of next episode: Adina’s recovery story
22:42 – Who will appear on future episodes
23:45 – Where to listen and how to connect with William
About the Show:
Counselor: Beyond Conventional Defense challenges the traditional approach to criminal defense. Hosted by attorney William Pernik and Kevin Rosenquist, this podcast goes deeper into trauma, recovery, and the human stories that fuel transformation. It’s a show for people impacted by the justice system, for families seeking hope, and for legal professionals who believe in real, systemic change.