Pathway to Recovery

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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

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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

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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

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SAL 12 Step
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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

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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

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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

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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

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In this episode, host Tara McCausland welcomes  guest expert KayLee Dunn, a  psychotherapist and betrayal navigation coach. KayLee shares her expertise in helping individuals, especially women, rebuild trust and heal after intimate betrayal. She discusses the role of the nervous system in betrayal trauma, introducing concepts like neuro-intuitive boundaries and survival mode responses. The conversation delves into practical ways to self-regulate, the importance of self-compassion, and the power of pausing and observing one’s reactions. They also explore the dynamics between betrayed and betraying partners, emphasizing understanding and intentional responses. Whether new to betrayal recovery or an old-timer on this journey, Kaylee offers insightful advice and hope for navigating the complex path of healing.

Connect with KayLee at kayleedunn.com

03:43 Understanding the Nervous System
04:54 Personal Experience and Neurointuitive Boundaries
07:57 The Role of the Nervous System in Trauma Responses
14:05 Self-Compassion and Understanding Reactions
20:28 Practical Steps for Healing and Self-Education
23:37 Harnessing Your Inner Survivor Skills
27:18 Connecting with Higher Power and Intuition
35:07 Mindfulness and Meditation
37:20 Safety and Stabilization in Healing
41:50 Observing and Regulating Responses
48:27 The Importance of Community and Support
55:04 Final Thoughts and Resources

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In this episode, host Tara McCausland and S.A. Lifeline executive assistant Jeni Brockbank discuss how to manage trauma triggers effectively. Jeni shares insights on understanding trauma triggers and emphasizes the importance of self-compassion, self-care, and setting boundaries. The episode includes a discussion on practical steps to take when faced with trauma triggers—pause, breathe, practice self-care, and seek support. Jeni also shares a personal experience and the episode ends highlighting the importance of reaching out to others for support in the journey of recovery.

0:00 Q&A - How can I respond to trauma triggers in a healthy way?
01:06 Understanding Trauma Triggers
03:02 Role-Playing a Trigger Scenario
04:28 Practical Steps for Managing Triggers
08:37 Personal Experience and Self-Compassion
10:54 Review and Final Thoughts

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In this episode, host Justin B. and guest Harvey E. discuss the transformative power of Step Two in SAL 12-Step and in general 12 Step programs. Harvey, a 69-year-old Orthodox Jewish dentist and a recovering sexaholic, shares his journey of over 35 years struggling with same-sex attraction while being married, and shares his experience, strength, and hope of life in over 10 years of sobriety. They delve into the importance of recognizing a Higher Power's ability to restore sanity, focusing on the critical words 'that' and 'sanity' in Step Two's language. Harvey emphasizes how defining and understanding these terms was crucial in his recovery.  Harvey discusses his personal experience with therapy to address the trauma from his upbringing and the role this played in his recovery. By redefining their understanding of God and embracing love, hope, and trust, they illustrate how recovery can lead to a deeply fulfilling life. Harvey's insights into the importance of self-love, the elimination of the ego, and fostering a personal relationship with a loving, omnipresent God are explored as foundational elements for successful recovery.

00:00 Welcome to the Pathway to Recovery Podcast

00:30 Introducing Harvey E: A Journey of Recovery and Faith

01:41 Diving Deep into Step Two: Belief and Restoration

04:16 Exploring the Nuances of 'Sanity' and 'Insanity' in Recovery

10:21 The Impact of Addiction on Self and Relationships

21:08 Reimagining God in the Recovery Process

23:52 Navigating Modern Challenges and Finding Solace in Faith

25:03 Reimagining God: From Punishment to Support

29:25 Exploring the Second Step Inventory and Personal Growth

35:16 The Impact of Trauma and the Role of Therapy in Recovery

42:44 Embracing the Mystery of God and the Journey of Faith

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Support the show

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