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This podcast episode features a women's 12-step panel from the 2025 S.A. Lifeline Virtual Conference. Moderated by Tara McCausland, the discussion centers on the SAL recovery puzzle, circle models, and how these tools aid in healing from betrayal trauma. The panelists—Madison, Jan, Sarah, and Lisa—share their unique recovery journeys, emphasizing the importance of a willing heart, seeking spiritual connection, humility, honesty, supportive community, qualified therapy, boundaries, and the surrender process. Each woman provides personal insights and practical advice on navigating the complex emotions and challenges in their healing process, reaffirming that recovery is a gradual but achievable goal. 

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In this episode of the Pathway to Recovery podcast, host Tara McCausland speaks with therapist Tammy Gustafson about 'incomplete recovery' in the context of sex addiction and how it affects both partners in the relationship. Tammy explains the concept of incomplete recovery, where behavioral changes without deep, relational character work leave partners feeling unsafe and dissatisfied. The episode also explores how triggers are indicators of unresolved trauma needing attention and offers strategies for calming the nervous system. Tammy provides advice for both addicts and betrayed partners, emphasizing the importance of emotional safety, self-compassion, and continued hard work for healing. She recommends shifting from performance-based to identity-based recovery and underscores the necessity of ongoing deep, character-transforming work for genuine recovery.

Want to connect with Tammy? Check out her website here. 

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In this brief holiday episode of the Pathway to Recovery podcast, host Tara McCausland reflects on the challenges faced by those dealing with sexual addiction and betrayal trauma during this season. Drawing parallels with Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, Tara explores how the past, present, and future present hurdles and opportunities for those grappling with these issues.  She emphasizes that change is always possible through honesty, accountability, and willingness, encouraging listeners to embrace hope for themselves and others and to take steps toward healing. 

00:00 Introduction and Holiday Reflections
01:48 A Christmas Carol and the Recovery Journey
02:53 Christmas Past: Reflections on Betrayal and Addiction
03:56 Christmas Present: Facing Reality and Seeking Change
04:51 Christmas Yet to Come: Fears and Hopes for the Future
06:02 The Power of Choice and Personal Transformation
07:56 Conclusion: Embracing Hope and Change

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In this special episode of the Pathway to Recovery podcast, host Tara McCausland shares a SAL 12-Step men's panel discussion from the 2025 S.A. Lifeline Virtual Conference. Moderated by Jonathan L., the panel includes men with years of experience in recovery, sharing their journeys of surrender, accountability, and spiritual growth. Key topics include applying the SAL recovery puzzle, circle models of addiction and recovery, the role of qualified therapy, effective boundaries, and the daily practice of surrender. The discussion aims to provide hope and direction for those seeking to step on the path to lasting recovery by keeping God at the center and doing the inner and outer work required.

Want to listen to the recorded conference? Get access here. 

00:00 Welcome to the Pathway to Recovery Podcast
00:45 Accessing Conference Recordings and Podcast Updates
02:19 Introduction to the SAL 12 Step Men's Panel
03:40 Panelist Introductions
07:12 Exploring the Recovery Puzzle and Circle Models
07:49 The Importance of a Willing Heart in Recovery
12:25 Spiritual Connection in Recovery
17:52 Humility and Rigorous Honesty in Recovery
22:50 The Role of Time and Patience in Recovery
25:28 Living in the Present Moment
27:23 The Value of Qualified Therapy
32:44 Establishing Boundaries for Recovery
36:12 The Practice of Surrender
40:22 Understanding the Circle Models
44:57 Keeping God at the Center
49:23 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

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In this episode, host Tara McCausland welcomes Tim Stein, co-founder of Willow Tree Counseling and president of the American Foundation for Addiction Research (AFAR). Tim shares how AFAR, originally founded by Dr. Patrick Carnes, is advancing research to validate sex addiction as a legitimate, diagnosable condition and to improve treatment accessibility. He explains how addiction changes the brain—creating what’s known as Reward Deficiency Syndrome—and why recovery requires more than willpower. “When you’re suffering from addiction, your brain is working against you,” Tim notes, emphasizing the importance of community, structure, and neurological healing.

The conversation also explores how dopamine regulation plays a key role in recovery and why embracing healthy discomfort through practices like honesty, meditation, and exercise can restore balance. Tim offers a hopeful reframe—seeing recovery not as a burden but as a blessing that deepens awareness and emotional resilience.

Later, Tara and Tim discuss the critical need for partner sensitivity in addiction recovery. Tim highlights how understanding a partner’s betrayal trauma can foster real healing. Drawing from his co-authored workbook Finding the Way Through, he explains how empathy, education, and shared understanding can transform recovery into a path toward reconnection and lasting change.

Learn more about AFAR here. 

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Connect with Tim at Willow Tree Counseling

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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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