Pathway to Recovery

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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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In this episode of the Pathway to Recovery podcast, host Tara McCausland welcomes Dr. Adam Moore who explains the importance of recognizing and addressing multiple concurrent issues for effective recovery. The episode emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to healing, incorporating aspects like sleep, diet, and exercise along with therapy and 12-step programs. Dr. Moore also touches upon the broader philosophical aspects of recovery, urging listeners to embrace the process and find their unique healing path on their journey. The discussion concludes with practical advice for both newcomers and those who have been on their recovery path for a while, highlighting the importance of support and adaptation.

Connect with Adam on Instagram @dradammoore or go to selahealth.com

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Adam Moore
01:29 Welcome and Opening Remarks
01:52 Understanding Comorbid Conditions
05:47 Challenges in Addiction Recovery
16:28 Holistic Approaches to Recovery
27:40 Basic Self-Care and Biological Aspects
29:26 The Value and Limitations of Diagnoses
32:15 Labels and Their Impact on Recovery
33:44 Seeking Multiple Opinions
35:36 The Journey of Recovery and Acceptance
37:18 Liminal Spaces
45:45 The Importance of Adversity and Community
50:03 Final Thoughts and Advice

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In this episode of the Pathway to Recovery podcast, host Justin and guest Chris S discuss their journeys through the 12-step recovery process, focusing on Step 12. Chris shares his personal experiences of dealing with sex addiction, the emotional challenges, and the importance of vulnerability. He emphasizes how the 12 steps have not only helped him achieve sobriety but also transformed his approach to life, faith, and helping others. The conversation delves into the evolution of their understanding of God, the significance of sponsoring others, and practical ways to carry the message of recovery in all aspects of life.

00:00 Introduction and Host's Background

00:27 Guest Introduction and Journey to Recovery

02:54 Challenges and Realizations in Recovery

04:39 Embracing the Addict Label

06:25 The Role of Vulnerability and Honesty

07:56 Overview of the 12 Steps

09:42 Deep Dive into Step 12

13:10 Spiritual Awakening and Higher Power

33:30 Sponsorship and Giving Back

43:24 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Upcoming SAL 12 Step Conference April 26th, 2025 at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah:  https://www.tickettailor.com/events/sal12step/1640949

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In this episode of the Pathway to Recovery podcast, host Tara McCausland talks with Kristin Snowden about getting unstuck when we are feeling paralyzed or overwhelmed by betrayal trauma. Kristen introduces the 'Four Cs'—Choice, Control, Context, and Connection—key concepts that help betrayed partners feel empowered and regain stability. The episode also addresses the physiological and psychological impacts of betrayal trauma, the importance of group support such 12 step, boundaries, and offers advice for both betrayed partners and their spouses who are working towards recovery. Kristen emphasizes the significance of predictability, consistency, and humility in the healing process.

Connect with Kristin here.

Register for the S.A. Lifeline Light the Way Benefit Dinner here. 

Subscribe to the S.A. Lifeline Digital Recovery library here.

00:00 Introduction and Upcoming Events
02:27 Welcome to the Pathway to Recovery Podcast
02:40 Kristen Snowden's Journey into Addiction Recovery Work
06:18 The Four C's of Getting Unstuck
10:05 Understanding Betrayal Trauma
17:20 Reengaging the Four C's in Daily Life
21:20 The Role of Control and Boundaries in Recovery
24:49 The Complexity of Human Relationships
25:37 Understanding Boundaries
27:35 Challenges for Betrayed Partners
29:48 The Importance of Group Support
31:38 Reengaging Context in Trauma
36:53 The Power of Connection
40:39 Support for Betrayers
44:52 Final Thoughts and Resources

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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

Support the show

SA Lifeline Foundation
SAL 12 Step
Find an SAL12Step Meeting
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