Send us a text 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. D…

Send us a text 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 complexit…

Send us a text 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 experie…

Send us a text 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 …

Send us a text 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, …

Send us a text 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 sh…

Send us a text 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 principl…

Send us a text 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 …

Send us a text 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 neur…

Send us a text 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 t…

Send us a text 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 experien…

Send us a text 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-relianc…

Send us a text 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 bet…

Send us a text 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 add…

Send us a text 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 …

Send us a text 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 th…

Send us a text 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. Just…

Send us a text 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 …

Send us a text 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 an…

Send us a text 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 St…

Send us a text 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 pos…

Send us a text In this special episode, therapist Dorothy Maryon presents on communication after betrayal for the SAL 12-Step Men's Online Workshop. Dorothy delves into the drama triangle—a concept explaining common unhealthy communication patterns that hinder relationship repair. She discusses strategies for breaking free from these patterns by un…

Send us a text In this Q&A, hosts Tara and Justin provide some final commentary on the subject of setting boundaries and bottom lines in the recovery process. They emphasize how boundaries and bottom lines can effectively help break the cycle of addiction and suggest that the creation of these action plans should take place during moments of relati…

Send us a text In this episode, host Justin B. speaks with SAL 12-Step members Karin and Jan to discuss the importance of setting healthy boundaries in recovery from betrayal trauma. Both Karin and Jan share their own experiences navigating relationships affected by betrayal. They describe setting boundaries as a way of protecting themselves and th…

Send us a text In this Q&A episode, host Tara McCausland interviews Steven and Rhyll Croshaw, co-founders of S.A. Lifeline Foundation, who share their experiences and insights on setting boundaries and bottom lines in relationships and personal recovery. They discuss the differences between boundaries and bottom lines. Steven explains how he sets h…

Send us a text In this episode, Tara McCausland talks with Dr. Sheri Keffer about the importance of setting and holding boundaries in relationships, particularly when dealing with sexual betrayal and addiction. Dr. Keffer shares her personal journey of recovery and emphasizes the need for betrayed partners to have courage and patience with themselv…

Send us a text In this Q&A, hosts Tara and Justin briefly review the origins of the 12 steps and touch on each one in preparation to take a deep dive into each of the steps in future episodes. They talk about the foundation, cornerstone, and keystone of the 12 steps, as well as the importance of first admitting powerlessness, turning to the God of …

Send us a text In this episode Justin B talks with Josh Walpole, a sex addict living in long-term recovery as well as a therapist who specializes in treating sexual addiction and betrayal trauma. We discuss the importance and perhaps necessity of qualified therapy to help all involved prepare and brace for impact. Both the impact of the consequence…

Send us a text Hosts Tara and Justin explore how their New Year's resolutions have evolved in the context of recovery learning and application. They discuss the significance of incorporating a higher power into their goal-setting process. The conversation delves into the concept of surrendering personal will and allowing divine guidance to shape go…

Send us a text Host Tara McCausland and therapist Dan Drake discuss the importance of finding a qualified clinician that has specialized training in sexual addiction and betrayal trauma. They suggest questions/ways to vet a therapist to ensure best therapist-client fit. They explore how having a therapist during the disclosure process is helpful, a…

Send us a text In this episode, host Tara McCausland is joined by her assistant and friend, Jeni Brockbank. They discuss the concept of "surrender" as part of recovery, especially during challenging times such as the holidays. A three-step surrender process "on your knees, on the phone, in a box" is also shared which includes prayer, reaching out t…

Send us a text In this episode, Tara McCausland interviews Kahi Winget, the SAL Women's 12 Step executive director. Throughout the interview, they discuss the structure and benefits of SAL 12-Step meetings for individuals suffering from betrayal trauma, the hurdles to joining the meetings, as well as the journey of recovery. Both encourage newcomer…

Send us a text Host Tara McCausland speaks with two leaders of the SAL 12-Step program, Kahi Winget and Andrew Schmucker. They discuss what originally brought them to SAL 12-Step meetings and how the reasons for their participation have evolved through the recovery process. Kahi and Andrew share unique blessings from working the SAL 12-Step program…

Send us a text In this episode Tara talks with Andrew S, the men's Executive Director for SAL 12 Step and a recovering addict. Andrew explains what someone can expect when they attend a 12 Step Meeting, and how SAL's 12 Step differs from other programs. Tara and Andrew discuss spiritual connection, one of the pieces in our Recovery Puzzle. How does…

Send us a text In this Q&A, hosts Justin and Tara compare and contrast healthy vs. unhealthy sexuality using a document prepared by Dr. Jill Manning. See the post here. Understanding the broad scope of this question, they suggest that personal values and a God-centered approach are helpful starting points for thoughtful individuals seeking guidance…

Send us a text This week, Justin B takes some time to talk quality education, the value of rigorous honesty in recovery, and experience in the school of life with Steven Croshaw. In this episode, Steven addresses if shame is the driving factor in addiction, the process of surrender, and helpful educational resources are discussed. Access those reso…

Send us a text In this Q&A episode, hosts Justin and Tara discuss the importance of having a common language and vocabulary to use when it comes to important recovery words and definitions. They discuss importance of having a strong sobriety definition as a basis for recovery that is understood and agreed upon and consider the S.A. Lifeline definit…

Send us a text This week Tara talks with licensed marriage and family counselor, author and podcaster Geoff Steurer. Part of the recovery puzzle for both pornography addiction and betrayal truama is to find quality education and therapy. How does one go about this? How do you know what sort of sources to trust? Tara and Geoff discuss these issues a…

Send us a text Tune in for the second portion of the 2023 S.A. Lifeline Conference Q&A Panel. Some of the questions answered in this episode include: -What are some effective methods you use, therapists, with your clients to help them process difficult emotions? -How can you navigate being in recovery, addict side, while being a nurse, or in the me…

Send us a text John H is a recovering sex addict with more than 3 years sobriety and member of SAL 12-Step. In this conversation with Justin B, he discusses the miracles and benefits of rigorous honesty in recovery after many years of continuous dishonesty. We discuss the SAL Recovery Puzzle with the emphasis on rigorous honesty. Support the show S…

Send us a text In this special Q&A episode, we share a portion of the Q&A Panel Discussion from our 2023 S.A. Lifeline Conference. Here are the questions answered in this segment: -What resources do you recommend for an individual in recovery who wants to understand how best to support their betrayed spouse? -I have four adult daughters. Who have b…

Send us a text Join Tara in this fascinating episode as she talks with Anna Lembke, author of Dopamine Nation. Learn how addiction works in the brain and how to keep the balance between pleasure and pain on an even keel. Anna discusses how rigorous honesty helps heal relationships and strengthens the brain. People who practice "strict" sobriety ten…

Send us a text Today is another Q & A with our hosts, Tara McCausland and Justin B. Most addicts lie about their behaviors because they think it will protect themselves and not hurt others around them. Justin discusses how he eventually recognized the error in his thinking and how honesty has improved his relationships. They talk about how dishones…

Send us a text Our annual S.A. Lifeline Conference Come Heal With Us: A Community Focus on the Effects of Pornography, Sexual Addiction & Betrayal Trauma is right around the corner on Sept. 9, 2023 in Sandy, Utah. In this special episode, we meet several of our speakers and hear in their words a brief overview of their presentations. We end with th…

Send us a text Allison T and her husband thought his pornography addiction would get better once they were married. She spent many years in a support role to her husband before she realized she had betrayal trauma. She explains how a willing heart came gradually as she recognized she had her own recovery work, separate from her husbands'. Allison s…

Send us a text Hosts Tara McCausland and Justin B speak again with Heather B about her experience developing a willing heart and choosing to work her recovery from betrayal trauma even though her husband, Justin, did not choose recovery for 7 long years after disclosure. Heather discusses how humble prayer, a helpful faith leader, and taking small …

Send us a text Host Tara McCausland speaks with betrayal trauma expert, Dr. Jill Manning, about how a betrayed partner can apply the recovery puzzle pieces of a willing heart, honesty, humility, accountability, commitment, and seeking spiritual connection to facilitate healing. As a betrayed spouse, it is easy to feel like a victim of our addicted …

Send us a text Tara has a conversation with Heather B and Justin B, a married couple who are living in long-term recovery from sexual addiction. The conversation goes into Heather's experience with "Discovery Day" and Justin's perspective of it. They discuss the miracle that happens when God is put at the center of the spouse, even if and when the …

Send us a text Justin B. has an insightful conversation with Irvin S, a sex addict living in recovery, about his experiences with obtaining, applying, and maintaining a willing heart to heal his family. We review the SA Lifeline Recovery Puzzle and discuss how a willing heart must include the following: Humility, Rigorous Honesty, Accountability, C…

Send us a text Hosts Tara McCausland and Justin B discuss what a willing heart, the central piece of the S.A. Lifeline Recovery Puzzle, looks like for a sexual addict. Justin describes the need for admission of addictive behavior as an important starting point and then an open-mindedness to new things in the recovery journey such as attending a 12-…