• The Scoop on Defining and Diagnosing the Problem and the Latest in Sexual Addiction Research w/ Stefanie Carnes
    Sep 3 2024

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    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
    stefanie@iitap.com


    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

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    49 mins
  • Q&A - What are some barriers to working Step 4 and how do I overcome them?
    Aug 27 2024

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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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    25 mins
  • Step 4 - Help Me See What I Am Not Seeing w/ Bill K
    Aug 20 2024

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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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    50 mins
  • Q&A - Is relapse a part of recovery?
    Aug 13 2024

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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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    18 mins
  • Why Couples Need to Grieve and Mourn to Facilitate Betrayal Trauma Healing & Addiction Recovery w/ Jake Porter
    Aug 6 2024

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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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    43 mins
  • Q&A - How do recovery principles change the way I parent?
    Jun 25 2024

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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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    18 mins
  • Step 3 - Willingness, Boundaries, and Relief w/ Brittany B
    Jun 18 2024

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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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    49 mins
  • Q&A - Why and how do I decide to turn my will over to God?
    Jun 11 2024

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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

    Support the Show.

    SA Lifeline Foundation
    SAL 12 Step
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    Transcripts

    Show More Show Less
    16 mins