Pathway to Recovery

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In this episode, Justin and Tara discuss the importance of overcoming fear as a major obstacle in successful recovery from addiction and betrayal trauma.  The discussion delves into personal experiences with fear and the significance of surrendering to a higher power to gain serenity. They emphasize the need for replacing self-reliance with  God reliance, and choosing to place faith in God not in outcomes. It is in this practice that one can face any calamity and maintain serenity. 

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In this episode of the Pathway to Recovery podcast, host Tara McCausland talks with therapist Amanda Christensen about first steps to take immediately following discovery of sexual betrayal. Amanda shares her personal and professional experience, emphasizing the importance of safety, stabilization, and recovery steps for both the betrayed and betraying partners. For the betrayed, prioritizing self-care, seeking support, and gradually setting boundaries are essential. The betraying partner must commit to sobriety and close all doors to acting out. The episode discusses establishing a structured recovery plan, including therapeutic disclosure, and pausing before making  major life decisions.  Amanda and Tara stress the importance of time, patience, and support in healing process for both partners. 

Connect with Amanda at https://hopemft.com

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In this episode of the Pathway to Recovery podcast, Tara shares a recent presentation given by Dr. Donald L. Hilton Jr., a neurosurgeon and academic who has studied the effects of pornography on the brain. Hilton discusses how his background informs his understanding of addiction and recovery, offering insights into the nature of addictions (including sexual addiction), and the journey towards healing.  Insightful stories, analogies, and quotes are used to explore the complexities of addiction, the impact of addictive behaviors on others, and the concept of recovery as a transformative process. The discussion also covers techniques for building empathy for others, the significance of a safe, supportive environment for recovery, and the idea that recovery is a continual journey of self-improvement and understanding.

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Hosts Tara McCausland and Justin B. delve into the crucial question of whether the God of one's understanding is strong enough to restore sanity in the context of recovery. They discuss the common doubts and struggles individuals in recovery face regarding their perception of a higher power, including feelings of abandonment and the question of God's existence and benevolence. Justin shares his personal journey of reevaluating his understanding of God five years into sobriety, inspired by the concept of 'firing' an old God and 'hiring' a new one to better support his recovery. They emphasize using the step two inventory exercise to identify and challenge preconceived notions of God influenced by authoritative figures in one's life. The hosts encourage listeners to reflect on their own beliefs and the impact these may have on their recovery process, underlining the need for a belief  in a trustworthy, loving, and powerful God in the path towards sanity and healing.

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The podcast episode features Justin B. and guest Julie M. discussing her personal journey through betrayal and recovery due to her husband's sexual addiction. Julie shares her initial reluctance to seek help for herself, believing she wasn't the one with the problem. However, upon realizing her life was unmanageable, she turned to the SAL 12 Step program for support. Throughout their conversation, they touch on learning to let go of control, finding strength and hope in community, and the gradual process of learning to trust in others,  one's Higher Power, and oneself after betrayal.

Check out our new Ambassador program here.

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In this episode, hosts Tara McCausland and Justin B. explore the concepts of powerlessness and unmanageability in the context of sexual addiction and betrayal trauma. They discuss how admitting to these states can be challenging yet crucial for individuals dealing with addiction and for those who are in a relationship with them.  Justin shares his personal journey of denial and eventual acceptance of his powerlessness over addiction, highlighting the relief and empowerment that comes from surrendering to a higher power. The episode emphasizes the importance of admitting one's limitations to open the door to hope for recovery. The dialogue encourages listeners to 'experiment upon the word' by  admitting powerlessness and unmanageability to unlock a pathway to recovery.

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In this episode, host Tara McCausland welcomes Dan Gray to discuss therapeutic disclosure in the healing process for individuals affected by sexual addiction and betrayal trauma. Dan emphasizes the critical role of disclosure to help break the cycle of secrecy and shame surrounding addiction, highlighting the benefits of therapeutic disclosure for both the addict and their spouse. He explains the ideal circumstances for disclosure, including the involvement of therapists for both parties to prepare and guide them through the process. Dan outlines common pitfalls of informal disclosures and stresses the importance of professional assistance to navigate the complex feelings and consequences involved. Additionally, the conversation touches on the considerations for support people, such as family members and faith leaders, advising them to listen, support, and avoid pressuring the individuals involved. Dan concludes by offering hope and advocating for reaching out for support and assistance in facing these challenging situations.

To connect with Dan, you can reach him via phone or email. 
Phone:801-891-6857
Email: [email protected]

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In this episode, hosts Tara McCausland and Justin B.  explore a listener's question about the distinction between calling oneself a sexaholic versus a sex addict, and the implications of that decision. The discussion delves into the SAL definition of sobriety, highlighting the importance of personal values in determining what terms and definitions one chooses to embrace for successful recovery.  Justin shares a personal account of seeking loopholes in sobriety definitions and the dangers it posed to his recovery. 

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In this episode of the Pathway to Recovery podcast, host Justin B. speaks with SAL 12-Step member Bryan F.  about  'Step Zero,' a concept not formally recognized in the traditional 12 steps but crucial for initiating the journey towards true recovery.  Bryan emphasizes the importance of community building  as the foundational piece of Step 0 and taking responsibility for his recovery instead of relying on others like his spouse to lead out.  Bryan discusses how his recent relapse brought him back to SAL 12-Step and discusses how a separation from his wife is helping him see himself and his situation more clearly and drawing him closer to God. He also emphasizes the transformative power of getting a sponsor, being rigorously honest, and letting go of outcomes in the recovery process. Both Justin and Bryan stress the significance of continual effort in personal recovery and the benefits of being involved in 'parking lot' meetings for additional support and connection after formal meetings.

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In this episode, hosts Tara McCausland and Justin B. discuss strategies for moving forward after the discovery of betrayal in relationships. The episode emphasizes the emotional turmoil that follows discovery, and the importance of establishing safety and stabilization. They share personal stories, including Justin's own missteps post-discovery and the journey towards healing. Tara and Justin advocate for setting boundaries, seeking support outside the marital relationship, and the necessity of finding a supportive community for both the betrayed and the betrayer. They stress that healing from addiction and betrayal is a shared but individual journey that requires patience, understanding, and outside help.

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