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In this episode of the Pathway to Recovery Podcast, host Justin B. invites guest Alison T. to explore her journey through the SAL 12-step program, focusing specifically on Step 11. Alison shares her experiences of hitting rock bottom in 2020 due to her husband's sexual addiction, and discusses the pivotal moment of fully committing to her own recovery. The conversation delves into the nuances of prayer and meditation, the importance of fellowship and connecting with others in recovery, and the multifaceted ways one can improve conscious contact with God. Practical insights, personal anecdotes, and actionable advice are given for those new to recovery as well as seasoned members of the program.

00:00 Introduction to the Pathway to Recovery Podcast

00:31 Alison's Journey to SAL 12 Step

01:19 The Turning Point: Hitting Rock Bottom

02:11 Commitment to Recovery: Finding Support

04:06 Exploring the 12 Steps: A Personal Journey

08:08 Deep Dive into Step 11

16:08 The Power of Prayer and Meditation

21:55 Embracing Flexibility in Life

22:39 Trusting God's Plan

23:19 Finding Comfort in Stillness

24:40 Connecting with God Through Nature

25:22 Praying for Knowledge of His Will

27:36 The Power of Asking for Guidance

31:08 Personal Growth Through Recovery

39:50 Building a Strong Foundation

41:15 Advice for Newcomers and Veterans

44:00 Closing Thoughts and Encouragement

Upcoming SALifeline Benefit Dinner:  https://salifeline.org/2025benefitdinner-salifeline/

Upcoming SAL 12 Step Conference:  https://sal12step.org/

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In this episode, host Tara McCausland speaks with Matthew and Joanna Raabsmith about their personal experience with sexual addiction and betrayal trauma and their journey to now helping others with similar challenges. The discussion delves into common mistakes faith leaders make in addressing sexual addiction and betrayal trauma and emphasizes the importance of education, support, and using outside resources to better serve these couples. They outline three phases of rebuilding relational intimacy after betrayal: recovery, restoration, and renewal. The concept of not rushing or forcing forgiveness and trust is addressed. The episode concludes with advice for couples at various stages of recovery and details on how faith communities can support them. 

Find the Raabsmith's free resources here.

Get a copy of the 9 Best Practices for Faith Leaders pdf here.

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God, Help Me See My Reflection for This Day

In this episode of the Pathway to Recovery podcast, host Justin B. interviews fellow SAL member, Nikita B. They discuss Nikita's journey from being homeless, suicidal, and overwhelmed by addiction to finding freedom and spiritual awakening through the SAL program. The conversation focuses on the 12-step recovery process, with an in-depth look at Step 10—'continued personal inventory and prompt admission of wrongs.' Nikita shares insights on daily practices, spot checks, and the importance of vulnerability in recovery. The discussion also explores the role of RCA (Recovering Couples Anonymous) in healing relationships and families affected by addiction.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:40 Nikita's Journey to Recovery
02:41 Discussing the Steps of Recovery
04:17 Deep Dive into Step 10
07:19 The Importance of Self-Reflection
08:57 Challenges and Revelations
11:38 Practicing Step 10 Daily
23:12 Coupleship and RCA
27:40 Reading from the Big Book
29:58 Spot Check and Self-Reflection
30:38 Love and Tolerance as a Code
31:52 Step 10 Process and Promises
33:15 Overcoming Temptation and Addiction
36:35 Spiritual Conditioning and Daily Practices
45:01 Healing Families and Building Trust
50:18 Advice for Newcomers and Veterans
53:09 Closing Prayer and Final Thoughts

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In this episode, host Tara McCausland and Dr. Chelom Leavitt discuss the importance of learning about and developing healthy sexuality and how that is impacted by pornography and sexual betrayal. Key points include the necessity of establishing safety in relationships before healthy sexuality can be addressed, self-compassion, understanding sexual perceptions and expectations, overcoming the negative influences of pornography and the importance of open communication. The conversation also delves into how couples can work on their own healing in this area to positively impact their children's development of healthy sexuality. Strategies for fostering a family environment of open and frequent communication, honesty, and warmth around difficult topics are highlighted. The episode also touches on overcoming body image issues personally and in coupleship and talking about personal changes associated with problematic sexual behavior with children.

Connect with Chelom at chelomleavitt.com

00:00 Introduction and Upcoming Event
01:26 Guest Introduction: Dr. Chelom Leavitt
02:11 Understanding Healthy Sexuality
06:05 Impact of Pornography on Sexual Expectations
08:54 Developing Healthy Sexuality in Relationships
10:02 Challenges and Misconceptions in Sexual Education
11:34 Emotional and Physical Intimacy
18:05 Addressing Unhealthy Sexual Patterns
24:37 Healthy vs. Unhealthy Sexuality in Relationships
26:54 Identifying Relationship Wedges
27:29 Challenges of Lower Desire Partners
28:39 Emotional Connection and Communication
29:55 Body Image and Insecurities
31:26 Healthy Sexuality and Self-Acceptance
35:21 Talking to Kids About Healthy Sexuality
37:28 Creating an Open Family Dialogue
44:31 Overcoming Shame and Silence
49:58 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

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In this episode of the 'Pathway to Recovery' podcast, host Justin B. is joined by Heather B., who shares her heartfelt experiences in the rooms of SAL 12-step recovery. Together, they delve into Heather's journey through Step Nine of the recovery program. Heather recounts her background, from discovering her husband's addiction to her transformative process in understanding her limitations and achieving personal growth. She offers a candid look at the healing power of making amends, the challenges she faced, and the profound peace she found through God's guidance. Heather’s story underscores the essential nature of forgiveness, accountability, and continuous self-improvement in the recovery journey, providing both newcomers and long-time participants with invaluable insights and encouragement.

00:00 Introduction to the Pathway to Recovery Podcast

00:36 Heather's Journey into SAL 12 Step

02:18 Discovering the Reality of Addiction

03:32 The Shift in Focus: From Fixing Others to Self-Recovery

07:18 The Importance of a Sponsor

10:32 Reading and Understanding the 12 Steps

11:43 Heather's Experience with Step Nine

18:54 Challenges and Lessons in Making Amends

23:55 Miraculous Outcomes in Step Nine

28:19 A Nervous Encounter

29:20 Unexpected Transformation

30:13 Emotional Release

30:26 The Power of Amends

31:10 Making Amends with Myself

31:27 The Role of Counseling

32:36 Forgiving the Past

36:23 Living Amends

39:29 Healing Through Forgiveness

45:12 The Individuality of Step Nine

49:19 Final Thoughts and Experience, Strength, and Hope

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In this episode, host Tara McCausland and Dr. Kevin Skinner  discuss effective communication strategies for couples dealing with sexual betrayal and addiction. Dr. Skinner emphasizes the importance of slowing down conversations and understanding underlying emotions, such as fear and pain, rather than responding defensively. He suggests techniques like 'deep listening,' adult timeouts, and back-to-back communication to help break negative patterns. Dr. Skinner also highlights the importance of external support systems like sponsorship and groups, and advises against making quick decisions in the wake of betrayal. The conversation underscores the critical role of self-awareness and intentional effort in achieving healthier communication and ultimately, relationship recovery.

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Kevin Skinner
01:19 Welcome and Initial Thoughts on Communication
01:52 Challenges of Communication After Betrayal
03:43 Understanding Anger in Betrayed Partners
13:43 The Importance of Deep Listening
15:49 Breaking Communication Patterns
18:24 Techniques for Effective Communication
25:51 Understanding Attunement in Relationships
27:16 The Importance of Adult Timeouts
30:06 The Myth of Never Going to Bed Angry
32:16 Effective Communication Techniques
33:33 The Role of Support Systems
39:49 Final Thoughts and Advice

Connect with Dr. Kevin Skinner at humanintimacy.com.

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In this Pathway to Recovery episode, Jon I. shares his journey of addiction, hitting rock bottom, and ultimately finding healing through the 12-step process of SAL 12-Step. He discusses the process of working up to and including Step 8, which involves creating a list of people harmed and becoming willing to make amends. Jon describes how the real struggle wasn't making the list but finding the willingness to forgive those who hurt him, including himself. Through prayer and the support of his sponsor and fellow members, Jon learned to soften his heart and confront past resentments, which led to significant personal transformation. His recovery process wasn't linear, as he relapsed once, but ultimately, it was through humbling himself, staying committed to the program, and seeking connection with others that he achieved long-term sobriety and healing.

Jon’s recovery journey extended beyond personal transformation; it also deeply impacted his family. After a relapse, Jon faced the threat of losing his marriage and family.  The SAL 12 Step tagline of "Recovering Individuals - Healing Families" is very prominently testified of throughout this conversation. He emphasizes the importance of connection in recovery, particularly through reaching out to others, as this was a lifeline for him. His story highlights that recovery is an ongoing process requiring vulnerability, humility, and consistent action. Jon’s closing message is one of hope and encouragement, urging both newcomers and long-time members to stay engaged, keep working the program, and lean on the support of the community: “Keep coming back. It works if you work it, so work it. You are worth it.”

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In this episode, host Tara McCausland and guest expert Sherie Christensen discuss Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), its diagnostic criteria, and misconceptions around the term 'narcissist' within today's culture. Sherie explains the difference between narcissistic traits and true NPD, how personality disorders impact addiction, and emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between addict behaviors and NPD. The episode also explores other issues such as high-functioning autism (HFA) and its overlap with narcissistic or addict-like traits. Sherie elaborates on the necessity of comprehensive therapy alongside 12-step programs for effective recovery, highlighting the role of empathy, boundaries, and the importance of compassion in dealing with mental health issues. The episode concludes with a message of hope and the significance of consistent work in recovery.

Connect with Sherie on her podcast - Two Therapists Talking - or go online. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/sherie-adams-christensen-taylorsville-ut/489239

00:00 Introduction to Sherie Adams Christensen
01:22 Understanding Narcissism (NPD)
03:30 Diagnostic Criteria for NPD
13:39 NPD and Addiction
18:09 Types of Narcissists
22:44 High Functioning Autism and Addiction
27:07 Comorbid Issues in Addiction
32:00 The Importance of Therapy and 12-Step Programs
33:44 Understanding and Compassion for NPD
41:07 Final Thoughts and Hope in Recovery

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In this episode of the 'Pathway to Recovery Podcast,' hosted by Justin B., the discussion centers on step seven of the 12-step recovery program, featuring Kahi W., a betrayed spouse of a sexual addict. Kahi shares her personal journey of the support she found in SAL 12-step meetings since 2012, and the vital role these meetings play in her healing process. The conversation delves into humility, the importance of community support, and the continuous action required for recovery, emphasizing the significance of acknowledging both strengths and defects, and offering them to a higher power. Kahi provides practical advice and shares personal experiences highlighting the daily practice of surrender and trusting in a greater power to manage life's challenges.

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In this episode, host Tara McCausland speaks with Jeanne Vattuone, LCSW, CSAT, and current APSATS president. She explains the evolution of the trauma-informed treatment model and its benefits for the betrayed and the betrayer over the traditional co-addict or co-dependent model. Jeanne also details the APSATS multidimensional partner trauma model phases: safety and stabilization, grief and mourning, and reconnecting and rebuilding. The episode underscores the importance of specialized care for both those struggling with sex addiction and their partners and how understanding the impact of trauma helps relationships heal. Jeanne emphasizes the necessity of proper education, consultation, and certified training for effective therapy, as well as the roles and values of the Association of Sex Addiction Partner Trauma Specialists (APSATS).

00:00 Betrayal Trauma Healing: Insights with APSATS President, Jeanne Vattuone
02:42 Journey into Sex Addiction and Partner Betrayal Trauma
04:58 Founding and Evolution of APSATS
16:06 The Importance of Qualified Therapy
20:05 Understanding Trauma vs. Other Models
23:34 Grief and Mourning Stage
23:47 Transition to Post-Traumatic Growth
24:12 Non-Linear Healing Process
25:37 Reconnection and Transformation
26:41 Challenges in Recovery
28:06 Compassionate Healing
31:47 APSATS Resources and Support
35:43 Trauma Model in Practice
44:19 Closing Thoughts

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