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In this episode,  Jonathan L. talks with guest Kaylene, who shares her powerful story of her betrayal trauma recovery journey after 20 years of struggle. They delve into the concept that recovery requires patience and time, illustrating how small, consistent actions over time can rebuild trust and promote healing. Kaylene emphasizes the importance of self-care, surrendering the need to control time, and using the healing process to empower oneself. This episode underscores the necessity of time in both individual and relational healing processes associated with addiction and betrayal trauma.

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In this episode of the Pathway to Recovery podcast, host Tara McCausland speaks to licensed therapist Debra Kaplan about the intricate link between financial infidelity and sexual betrayal, emphasizing the psychological and emotional impact on individuals and families. They explore the importance of a financial therapeutic disclosure, financial literacy for the betrayed partner, and the significance of establishing financial safety and transparency in order to heal relationships. The conversation is enriched with personal anecdotes and practical advice for both individuals and couples navigating the complex terrain of this double betrayal.

00:00 Introduction and Conference Invitation
01:54 Meet Debra Kaplan: From Wall Street to Therapy
03:21 The Intersection of Money and Emotions
06:49 Personal Stories and Financial Strain
11:56 Understanding Financial Infidelity
13:22 Recognizing Financial Secrecy in Relationships
18:11 Empowerment Through Financial Literacy
25:23 Exploring the Emotional Impact of Betrayal
26:05 Financial Betrayal: A Deep Wound
27:01 Personal Stories of Betrayal and Recovery
29:56 Therapeutic Disclosure and Financial Secrets
32:47 Rebuilding Trust and Financial Stability
43:00 Teaching Financial Literacy to Children
46:46 Final Thoughts and Advice for Recovery

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In this episode, host Jonathan L. welcomes guest Lyman D., who shares his powerful journey of commitment to recovery from sex addiction. Highlights include the importance of willingness, the transformative power of connection with a Higher Power, and the significance of taking actionable steps to maintain commitment over time. Lyman also discusses practical strategies for sustaining commitment during challenging periods and how his recovery has positively impacted his relationship with God and others. This episode emphasizes the essential role of commitment and connection in the recovery process.

00:00 Introduction and Upcoming Event
01:15 Introducing the Special Guest: Lyman
01:52 Lyman's Journey to Recovery
04:09  Finding SA Lifeline and Finding Sobriety
06:13 Commitment to Recovery: The Key to Success
07:43 Navigating Challenges and Staying Committed
23:33 The Impact of Recovery on Relationships
25:48 A Heartfelt Apology from My Mom
27:11 Family Reactions and Support
29:37 Commitment to Recovery
31:20 Daily Actions of Commitment
38:22 Spiritual Connection and Guidance
43:56 Advice for Newcomers and Old Timers
46:02 Conclusion and Gratitude

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In this episode, host Tara McCausland speaks with Dr. Kenneth Adams, a top expert in the field of enmeshment and sex addiction. Dr. Adams explains the concept of enmeshment, its impact on family dynamics, and how it may play a role in the development of  sexual addiction. He discusses the difference between enmeshment and covert incest, shares examples, and elaborates on how these dynamics can impede healthy adult relationships and sexuality. The episode provides insights into the recovery process from both addiction and enmeshment, focusing on the need for both partners in a relationship to create a sacred, boundary-rich space. Dr. Adams shares hope for recovery and the importance of self-acceptance and ownership in the healing journey.

Register for the 2025 SA Lifeline Virtual Conference HERE.

Want to connect with Dr. Adams? Find him at overcomingenmeshment.com

00:00 Introduction and Announcements
02:13 Guest Introduction: Dr. Kenneth M. Adams
03:36 Understanding Enmeshment
08:49 Enmeshment and Sexual Addiction
10:45 Case Studies and Real-Life Examples
19:13 Impact on Relationships and Recovery
36:13 Hope and Healing

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In this episode, interim host Jonathan L. welcomes Amber, a participant in the SAL 12-step program, to discuss her journey of healing from betrayal trauma and deepening her spiritual connection with the God of her understanding. Amber shares her experiences of overcoming personal barriers to spiritual connection, the importance of lamenting and feeling grief, and the transformative power of trusting and allowing yourself to be led by a Higher Power. She emphasizes the significance of choosing to turn towards God, and to be real and vulnerable in that relationship. The conversation offers insights into how individuals can more easily navigate their recovery journeys with the help of safe community and how continuous willingness to work the 12 steps lends itself to personal progression and a deeper relationship with others and God. 

00:00 Introduction and Upcoming Events
01:26 Meet Amber: A Journey of Recovery
03:01 Exploring Spiritual Connection in Recovery
05:42 Overcoming Barriers to Trusting a the God of your Understanding
09:25 The Role of Lamenting and Feeling Emotion in Healing
13:01 Personal Experiences and Insights
19:45 The Importance of Community and Support
32:16 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

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In this episode, host Tara McCausland and therapist Geoff Steurer discuss principles to help youth already caught in the trap of pornography and other problematic sexual behaviors. The episode focuses on providing guidance to parents on creating a supportive environment where children feel safe discussing their struggles. Geoff emphasizes the importance of a relationship-first approach, validating children's sexual curiosity and modeling self-compassion, relational repair, and open communication. Highlights include the encouragement for  parents to own their own struggles around device use, pornography and sexuality, and teaching discernment over mere avoidance. The powerful impact of connection before correction is emphasized. The conversation also explores when professional help might be necessary, especially in cases of recurring or developing compulsive behavior. This episode underscores the importance of ongoing, open conversations and compassionate guidance in helping children navigate these challenges.

Connect with Geoff at www.geoffsteurer.com

Register for the SA Lifeline Women's Workshop

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This episode re-shares a foundational discussion with Dr. Anna Lembke, a leading expert in addiction medicine, on the importance of radical honesty in recovery. Dr. Lembke explains the neuroscience behind addiction, highlighting the roles of dopamine and the brain's pleasure-pain balance. The conversation also delves into the necessity of rigorous honesty for long-term recovery, the concept of dopamine fasting, and the benefits of pressing on the pain side to maintain sobriety. Additionally, the episode provides insights into the role of pro-social shame in motivating change and offers practical advice for newcomers and those in long-term recovery. 

Register for the S.A. Lifeline Women's Workshop HERE. 

00:00 Introduction and Episode Repost Announcement
01:09 The Importance of Honesty in Recovery
02:19 Upcoming Women's Workshop and Contact Information
03:13 Introduction to Dr. Anna Lemke
04:49 Understanding Addiction and the Brain
07:18 The Pleasure-Pain Balance
12:13 The Role of Radical Honesty in Recovery
22:16 Dopamine Fasting and Pressing on the Pain Side
33:22 The Concept of Pro-Social Shame
37:11 Final Thoughts and Advice for Newcomers and Veterans

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The NEW SAL Book is now available for purchase on the website!  Come and get it here!

In this episode of the Pathway to Recovery podcast, co-host Justin B, has an interesting and meaningful conversation with Steve T., a recovering sex and multidisciplinary addict. They delve into the topic of rigorous honesty, a key piece of the new SAL recovery puzzle. The conversation highlights the importance of complete honesty in the recovery journey, addressing how self-deception and partial honesty can hinder true healing. Steve shares personal experiences, offering insights on the necessity of rigorous self-examination, acceptance, and turning outward to serve others as essential steps for lasting recovery. The episode also includes an introduction to the new SAL recovery book and puzzle, emphasizing the transformative power of God and community in overcoming addiction.

00:00 Introduction and Announcements

01:18 Guest Introduction: Meet Steve T

01:57 Understanding Multidisciplinary Addiction

04:27 The Root of Addiction: Selfishness and Self-Centeredness

06:22 The Solution: Connecting with God and Serving Others

10:37 The SAL Recovery Puzzle: Rigorous Honesty

13:34 The Importance of Rigorous Honesty in Recovery

26:29 Acceptance and Control in Recovery

37:40 Final Thoughts and Advice for Newcomers

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In this episode, host Tara McCausland talks with Sam Black, author of 'The Healing Church: What Churches Get Wrong About Pornography and How to Fix It'. They discuss the 5 Myths parents believe about pornography and their child and  the impact of pornography on the developing brain. They also discuss how parents and faith leaders can create safe spaces for discussing this sensitive topic as source of protection and preparation for youth to navigate a pornographic world. 
Want to connect with Sam? Reach out at [email protected]

Resources referenced in this episode:

www.covenanteyes.com/ebook

www.protectyoungeyes.com

www.access.org

Apply to be an S.A. Lifeline Ambassador

Purchase the NEW SAL book

00:00 Introduction and Announcements
02:10 Meet Sam Black: Author and Recovery Expert
06:21 Five Myths Parents Believe About Pornography
08:28 The Neurology Behind Pornography
12:12 Practical Advice for Parents
24:55 The Impact of Pornography on Children's Brains
25:37 Understanding the Amygdala and Teen Behavior
26:10 The Impact of Pornography on the Developing Brain
26:38 Artificial Stimulation and Its Consequences
28:24 Impulse Control and the Marshmallow Test
29:38 Teaching Kids Healthy Regulation
30:22 Trends Among Young Parents
32:06 Faith Leaders' Role in Supporting Youth and Parents
33:17 Training Parents to Address Pornography
38:47 Creating Safe Spaces for Authentic Conversations
44:13 Conversation Starters for Parents
48:00 Resources and Final Thoughts

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In this episode of the Pathway to Recovery podcast, Justin B., a recovering sex addict, speaks with Roxanna Johnson (Roxy), a pioneer of the SA Lifeline Foundation and the SAL 12-step program. We start our journey through the 12 pieces of the SAL Recovery Puzzle beginning with the central piece of a "Willing Heart".  Roxy shares her powerful journey of healing from the trauma of her husband's sexual addiction and how she found hope and recovery through the 12-step program. She discusses the importance of developing a willing heart, setting boundaries, and putting God at the center of one's life. The episode delves into the emotional challenges faced by spouses, the significance of empathy and trust in recovery, and the vital role of community support. Roxy also introduces her book, 'Forgotten in the Battle with Sexual Addiction: The Journey of a Spouse,' which aims to guide and support other spouses through their own recovery journeys.

00:00 Introduction and Recent Updates

01:32 Roxy's Journey Begins

02:54 Discovering the Depths of Addiction

05:14 The Path to Recovery

11:55 Understanding Willing Heart

13:48 Surrendering to God

25:26 Rebuilding Trust and Relationships

39:16 Roxy's Book and Final Thoughts

Resources from this Conversation:

SAL Recovery Puzzle

Forgotten in the Battle: The Journey of a Spouse 

SAL Book - Recovering Individuals, Healing Families 2nd Edition

SAL 12 Step Conference Recordings

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SAL 12 Step
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