Conversations on Sex, Addiction, and Relationships

Quick Conversations: Balancing Empathy and Accountability

The discussion also touches on balancing empathy with accountability. While it's important to avoid shaming the client, it's equally essential not to minimize their relapse. The approach includes both encouragement and challenge, analyzing what happened and identifying steps to prevent future relapses.

The goal is to help clients harness feelings of regret as motivation for change, without letting them fall into a deep shame spiral. This balanced approach seems to foster more open communication and honesty from clients regarding their behaviors. 

Mailbag: Relapse and Recovery With Sex Addiction

Today’s mailbag episode tackles a complex question from a listener about relapse and recovery.

The question revolves around the pain of discovering a partner’s hidden sex addiction and the struggle with the concept that relapse is part of recovery. We explore whether relapse is acceptable or justifiable, discuss the impact on partners, and delve into the accountability of sex addicts.

We address the idea that while relapse can occur, it’s not an excuse for continued harmful behavior. Our discussion highlights the importance of clear expectations and accountability in recovery, and we offer insights on how to manage and prepare for potential setbacks.

Would the treatment for sex addiction differ if most addicts were women instead of men?

Would the treatment for sex addiction differ if most addicts were women instead of men?

Clinically, the model remains the same for both genders, holding all addicts to the same standards of recovery. However, societal perceptions often differ, giving different leniencies to men and women. While the treatment approach focuses on ""progress, not perfection"" for everyone, societal and partner reactions to addiction and relapse can vary based on gender dynamics.

Stay tuned for our future video!

Is Relapse an Excuse? The Hard Truth About Addiction, Sobriety, and Recovery

In our latest discussion, we explore the complex issue of addiction, relapse, and recovery, particularly in the context of sex addiction. The central question is whether it is ""okay"" for a sex addict to cause harm to their partner and family, with the justification that ""relapse is part of recovery."" 

While relapse may occur for some addicts, it is not ""okay"" or an excuse for harmful behavior. There is a distinction between sobriety and recovery; sobriety is the starting point, and recovery involves ongoing work to heal the damage caused by addiction. Stay tuned for our future video!

Technology's Influence on Relationships

Join us for an insightful discussion on the double-edged sword of technology in today's world, featuring Tim Stein, Jeannie Vittoni, Dan Drake, and Wendy Conquest. In this episode, we dive into how technology shapes our lives and relationships, the impact it has on our brain chemistry and development, and the challenges we face in staying truly connected.

Drawing insights from an interview with Dr. Pat Carnes, we explore topics like screen time, social isolation, and the addictive nature of our devices. From personal stories to research findings, we discuss how to find balance and stay mindful in a tech-driven age. Don’t miss this engaging conversation! 

Quick Conversations: Are we happier with cell phones

Did you know that 39% of Americans report feeling lonely or lacking significant relationships? In today's episode, we explore the growing sense of isolation and disconnection many of us feel in our technology-driven world. From walking our dogs while glued to our phones to missing out on real-life interactions, we're slowly burying ourselves in our devices. We discuss an alarming trend: the inverse relationship between a country's wealth (GDP) and its happiness levels. Stay tuned for our future episode.

Quick Conversations: Don't Touch My Phone

Have you ever thought about how often you reach for your phone daily? In this episode, we dive into our growing attachment to technology—phones, computers, and beyond. Stay tuned for our future episode.

Healing From Sexual Betrayal with Dr. Barbara Steffens, PhD, BCC, CCPS, CPC

Today, we are thrilled to host Barbara Steffens, a trailblazer in betrayal trauma research. Barbara shares her groundbreaking PhD study, which revealed that nearly 70% of betrayed partners met the criteria for PTSD. Discover how her work has reshaped the understanding of betrayal trauma and the treatment of affected partners. Don't miss this insightful discussion with a true pioneer in the field.

Quick Conversations: How Is Trauma Recognized In Betrayed Partners with Dr. Barbara Steffens, PhD, BCC, CCPS, CPC

In this video, we explore the early days of recognizing trauma in betrayed partners, particularly focusing on the impact of infidelity. Dr. Barbara Steffens shares her journey, highlighting the anxiety and determination she felt while presenting their groundbreaking work around 2006-2008. Stay tuned for our upcoming full-length video soon.

Quick Conversations: What Happens To Partners Who Were Betrayed & Experience Trauma with Dr. Barbara Steffens, PhD, BCC, CCPS, CPC

In our latest episode, we speak on the groundbreaking PhD study that explores whether partners who were betrayed experienced trauma and to what degree. With a background in trauma and crisis intervention, we discuss with Dr. Barbara Steffens, PhD, BCC, CCPS, CPC, a researcher set out to understand this dynamic beyond the traditional labels of co-addiction and codependency. Stay tuned for our full episode.