Pathway to Recovery

Send us a text

In this episode of the Pathway to Recovery podcast, Justin B. explores step five of the SAL 12-step program with guest Carolyn E. Carolyn shares her personal journey through the steps, particularly her experiences with Step 5, highlighting the importance of rigorous honesty, accountability, and the support of a sponsor. She discusses the challenges and blessings of managing shame, the role of God at her center, and the impacts of her recovery on her family. The discussion emphasizes that healing comes from within, supported by faith and the willingness to confront and share one's truth.

Register for the 2024 S.A. Lifeline Conference.
Learn more about our conference sponsor - Circles of Grace.

Support the show

SA Lifeline Foundation
SAL 12 Step
Find an SAL12Step Meeting
Donate
Contact to ask questions or make comments
Transcripts

Send us a text

In this special episode of the Pathway to Recovery podcast, host Tara McCausland introduces speakers from the upcoming 2024 S.A. Lifeline virtual conference happening on September 26-28, 2024. The episode features insights from notable speakers like Janice Caudill, Dan Drake, Crystal Hollenbeck, Roy Kim, Tammy Gustafson, and MJ Dennis, covering critical topics such as betrayal trauma anger, the importance of group work in recovery, power dynamics, and sexual healing post-infidelity. Dr. Jill Manning also highlights the unique benefits of attending the conference, including reduced isolation, access to helpful resources, and the emphasis on both individual and couple recovery.

Register for the 2024 S.A. Lifeline Conference
Meet our sponsor, Circles of Grace

Support the show

SA Lifeline Foundation
SAL 12 Step
Find an SAL12Step Meeting
Donate
Contact to ask questions or make comments
Transcripts

Send us a text

In this episode, host Tara McCausland speaks with Dr. Stefanie Cranes about the challenges of defining and diagnosing sex addiction. Topics covered include the historical context for diagnosis problems, the stigma and societal misunderstandings surrounding it, and the prevalence and causes of sex addiction based on recent research. Dr. Carnes also shares the distinct impact of sex addiction on individuals and families, compares it to other addictions, and offers hopeful advice for those starting or already on their recovery journey.

REGISTER FOR THE 2024 S.A. LIFELINE CONFERENCE

Learn more about our conference sponsor,
Circles of Grace. https://circlesofgrace.health/

Resources and connect with Dr. Carnes:
sexhelp.com
iitap.com
[email protected]


00:00 Introduction and Conference Announcement
01:35 Guest Expert Introduction: Dr. Stephanie Carnes
03:38 Challenges in Diagnosing Sexual Addiction
05:03 Historical Context for Diagnosis Problems
07:51 Impact of Lack of Diagnosis on Treatment
11:55  Disparities in Care
23:36 Neuroscience and Behavioral Addiction
26:46 Debate Over Terminology and Classification
35:17 Prevalence and Future Trends
40:23 Primary Causes and Research Insights
44:46 Resources and Final Thoughts

Support the show

SA Lifeline Foundation
SAL 12 Step
Find an SAL12Step Meeting
Donate
Contact to ask questions or make comments
Transcripts

Send us a text

In this episode, hosts Tara McCausland and Justin B. discuss the challenges and significance of Step Four in the recovery process. The hosts elaborate on the fears and barriers associated with Step Four, emphasizing the need for trust in God, honesty, time, and support from sponsors and group members. They address the added complexities for betrayed partners dealing with acute trauma and discuss the need for individuals and groups to acknowledge the trauma and provide space and time for partners to achieve adequate safety and stability before proceeding with step 4 work. The episode concludes with insights on embracing pain as a necessary step towards progress and healing.

00:00 Introduction and Conference Announcement Click here to learn more about our conference sponsor, Circles of Grace.
01:49 Understanding Step Four
05:05 Personal Experiences with Step Four
08:52 Support Systems in Step Four
12:45 Addressing Betrayed Partners
20:05 The Role of Pain in Recovery
22:26 Encouragement and Final Thoughts

Support the show

SA Lifeline Foundation
SAL 12 Step
Find an SAL12Step Meeting
Donate
Contact to ask questions or make comments
Transcripts

Send us a text

In this episode of the Pathway to Recovery podcast, host Justin B., a recovering sex addict, discusses Step Four of the 12-step recovery program with guest Bill K. Bill shares his personal journey, exploring his struggles with sex addiction, his family’s history with alcoholism, and the impact of past traumas. He recounts his experiences working on a searching and fearless moral inventory, revealing both his weaknesses and strengths. Bill emphasizes the importance of honesty, forgiveness, and letting go of fears, illustrating how Step Four helped him uncover his sins and grace-filled moments, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of God's love and a path toward redemption. Key announcements include the virtual SAL conference and the podcast's sponsorship by Circles of Grace.

Register for the 2024 S.A. Lifeline Conference.
Learn more about our conference sponsor - Circles of Grace.

00:00 Introduction and Announcements

01:49 Introduction to Step Four

02:33 Bill K's Background and Journey

03:21 The Impact of Addiction

05:16 Facing the Past and Finding Recovery

08:00 Understanding Step Four

14:24 The Role of a Sponsor

16:02 Identifying Character Defects and Strengths

22:42 The Importance of Honesty and Vulnerability

29:44 Working Through Resentments and Fears

41:14 Addressing Harms and Making Amends

45:45 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Support the show

SA Lifeline Foundation
SAL 12 Step
Find an SAL12Step Meeting
Donate
Contact to ask questions or make comments
Transcripts

Send us a text

In this episode, hosts Tara McCausland and Justin B. discuss the concept of relapse in the context of recovery from sexual addiction. The main discussion revolves around whether relapse is part of recovery, differentiating between terms like lapse and relapse, and emphasizing the importance of rigorous honesty and a recovery mindset for long-term recovery. They also address the partner's perspective on dealing with relapse and the importance of having a relapse preparedness plan in place for safety. Throughout, they highlight the necessity of continuous and honest recovery efforts for sustainable recovery.

Register for the 2024 S.A. Lifeline Conference.
Learn more about our conference sponsor - Circles of Grace.
Check out Dr. Jill Manning's Relapse Preparedness Plan download.

00:00 Introduction and Announcements
00:21 Upcoming SA Lifeline Virtual Conference
01:56 Q&A: Is Relapse a Part of Recovery?
02:58 Defining Lapse vs. Relapse
04:11 The Importance of Rigorous Honesty
08:52 White Knuckle Sobriety vs. Positive Sobriety
12:04 Relapse Preparedness for Betrayed Partners
15:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Support the show

SA Lifeline Foundation
SAL 12 Step
Find an SAL12Step Meeting
Donate
Contact to ask questions or make comments
Transcripts

Send us a text

In this episode, host Tara McCausland and guest expert Dr. Jake Porter discuss the significance of grief in the healing process for betrayed partners and how essential it is for both partners in a relationship to engage in the mourning process. He emphasizes the need for safety and stabilization before addressing grief and mourning, and provides insights on how couples can support each other through the healing journey. The episode also highlights the importance of seeking qualified therapy and creating personalized mourning rituals to cope with betrayal trauma. Connect with Dr. Porter at www.daringventures.com.

00:00 Introduction and Event Announcement
01:41 Meet Dr. Jake Porter
02:58 APSATS and Betrayal Trauma
04:13 Phases of Healing in APSATS Model
05:00 The Importance of Grief and Mourning
08:07 Challenges of Grieving Betrayal
11:09 Supporting the Betrayed Partner
14:00 Grief Work for the Betraying Partner
21:06 Creating Rituals for Mourning
22:21 The Role of Qualified Therapy
25:47 Justice in Betrayal Trauma Treatment
34:13 Phases of Grief Work
38:24 Final Thoughts and Advice

Support the show

SA Lifeline Foundation
SAL 12 Step
Find an SAL12Step Meeting
Donate
Contact to ask questions or make comments
Transcripts

Send us a text

In this episode, hosts Tara McCausland and Justin B. discuss applying recovery principles in parenting and how these principles can positively impact parenting style. They emphasize the importance of surrender, trust in God, and the shift from control, fear and pride to surrender, faith, and humility. Personal anecdotes and member shares from the SAL book highlight the positive impact that recovery can have on family dynamics and individual serenity.

Register for the 2024 S.A. Lifeline Conference here. https://salifeline.org/conference-2024/

0:00 Q&A - How do recovery principles change the way I parent?
00:53 Summer Break and Podcast Updates
01:36 Announcing the 2024 Virtual Conference
03:48 Parenting and Recovery Principles
04:19 Personal Reflections on Parenting in Recovery
08:36 Applying Recovery Steps to Parenting
11:32 Real-Life Experiences and Testimonials
16:15 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Support the show

SA Lifeline Foundation
SAL 12 Step
Find an SAL12Step Meeting
Donate
Contact to ask questions or make comments
Transcripts

Send us a text

In this episode of the Pathway to Recovery podcast , host Justin B. and guest Brittany B. discuss the transformative power of the 12-step recovery program, focusing primarily on Step 3. They touch on the significance of turning one's will and life over to the care of God, the importance of willingness and boundaries, and the principle of sharing and growth. Brittany also shares how practicing these principles brings relief and peace into her life. Brittany shares personal experiences and insights on the application of the steps, her journey in dealing with her husband's addiction, and how acceptance and serenity play crucial roles in recovery. The conversation highlights the interplay between acceptance, personal boundaries, and spiritual growth.

Resource from this conversation: 

Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach:  https://amzn.to/3XovB2z 

00:00 Introduction to the Pathway to Recovery Podcast

00:55 Brittany's Journey to the 12 Steps

02:48 The Power of Sharing in Recovery

07:47 Understanding and Embracing Step Three

10:27 Personal Experiences and Challenges in Recovery

14:43 Navigating Support and Resources

23:55 Struggles with Blame and Surrender

24:11 The Process of Surrendering Blame

25:07 The Role of Humility in Surrender

28:02 The Serenity Prayer and Its Impact

30:54 Expectations and Disappointments

34:25 Acceptance and Boundaries

42:10 Understanding God and Spiritual Growth

45:10 Advice for Newcomers and Veterans

47:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Support the show

SA Lifeline Foundation
SAL 12 Step
Find an SAL12Step Meeting
Donate
Contact to ask questions or make comments
Transcripts

Send us a text

In this episode, hosts Tara McCausland and Justin B discuss the challenges and importance of Step 3 in the recovery process: making the decision to turn our will and lives over to the care of God. They delve into why this can be difficult, and how it is a daily commitment rather than a one-time action. The dialogue includes personal experiences and insights on how relinquishing control to the God of our understanding can support long-term recovery and spiritual growth.

0:00 Q&A - Why and how do I make the decision to turn my will over to God?
00:45 Exploring Step Three: Turning Will and Life Over to God
01:28 Challenges in Surrendering to God
02:17 The Daily Decision and Its Importance
03:59 Spiritual Shifts and Personal Experiences
06:23 Faith in Action: Moving Beyond Outcomes
08:26 The Role of Faith and Works in Recovery
12:19 Trusting God's Plan and Finding Purpose
14:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Support the show

SA Lifeline Foundation
SAL 12 Step
Find an SAL12Step Meeting
Donate
Contact to ask questions or make comments
Transcripts