First and foremost, David B. Bohl is a relinquishee and an adoptee. Professionally, he is an addiction and recovery professional, and he knows his business through and through having once been a consumer of mental health services. David has also recovered from Substance Use Disorder (he’s been in remission from alcohol and tobacco use disorder for many years). He is Masters Degreed, holds a Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) credential, and Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) license.

An author, an accomplished public speaker, and an adoption consultant, David’s biggest strength lies in having lived through the relinquishment and adoption experience. His knowledgeable approach is that of compassion and open-mindedness, and he combines his formal education with his own, natural compulsion to help others. If you were to ask David what his favorite work aspect is he’d tell you that it’s the ability to do something deeply meaningful and personal day-in and day-out. Whether this is through his work with individuals, families, and/or organizations experiencing addiction or by working with those who have gone through relinquishment trauma, or the combination of both, David offers a unique perspective that considers adoption (and/ or addiction) as a developmental and/ or chronic trauma or stress that affects everyone: the individual client, and their family—adopted and genetic.

David understands that although person in the recovery and relinquishment communities often lead similar lives to others, their experiences are specific to their background and individual stories. Those stories involve having to experience and overcome such hurdles as stigma, insufficient social supports, and home/work environments, loss, grief, identity development, self-esteem, lack of information about medical background (including mental health and addiction predispositions). Those stories are David’s story as well.

David lives in the Midwestern U.S. and shares his services in the U.S. and abroad.  He enjoys spending time with his wife of 40 years and adult children, and is fond of a meditative technique called Blue Mind (a calm mind state that’s found by being in and/or around the water). His pursuit of knowledge and understanding of personal growth and recovery is at the root of his personal and professional experiences.

In his volunteer work, David is also an Addiction and Recovery Consultant to the National Association of Adoptees and Parents (NAAP), and an Advisory Board Member of Wisconsin Family Connections Center (WiFCC). He previously facilitated an Addiction and Adoption virtual support group for individuals in the adoption constellation desirous of initiating, practicing, or supporting recovery.