Conversations on Sex, Addiction, and Relationships

NEW BOOK by Allan Katz: Navigating Sex Addiction Recovery with Integrity & Connection

Welcome to a conversation with Allan Katz, author of Navigating the Phases of Sex Addiction Recovery. In this interview recorded live at the ITAP Symposium, Allan shares their unique journey from a marketing consultant to a certified sex addiction therapist, diving deep into what true recovery really means.

This video explores how sobriety is just the beginning — the real work is adding meaningful value, purpose, and integrity to life beyond abstinence. Allan introduces their workbook designed to help people identify distractions like technology, work, and unresolved feelings that block authentic connection and fulfillment.

If you or someone you know is navigating recovery, this conversation offers powerful tools and perspectives to move beyond just “not acting out” to embracing a life of values, honesty, and emotional connection. Whether you’re a therapist, in recovery yourself, or supporting a loved one, Allan’s approach is a valuable resource for building lasting change.

Don’t miss this deep dive into how to reclaim your true self, build healthier relationships, and find purpose in sobriety.

Dating in Recovery with Kim Litton

Dating in recovery can feel overwhelming—especially when rigid “plans” feel like homework or too much pressure. In this heartfelt discussion, we explore the Compassionate Structure Plan written by Kim Litton, a flexible daily and weekly checklist designed to support women addicts navigating the dating world without losing their sense of self or feeling overwhelmed.

Created as a softer alternative to traditional dating plans, this approach helps people stay aligned with their values through simple check-ins like:

Am I doing most of the emotional heavy lifting?

Are my partner’s actions matching their words?

How am I honoring my boundaries and mission statement?

Plus, discover the transformative Mothering Exercise—a powerful grounding tool to calm your inner child, shift your mindset, and bring compassion into healing and relationships.

Whether newly sober or deep into the recovery journey, this video offers practical tools for creating healthy, honest connections with self and others—without losing yourself in the process.

Phases of Recovery in Sex Addiction: Moving Beyond “I Can’t” Into Integrity and Healing

In this episode, Allan Katz offers a clear and compassionate map for navigating the phases of sex addiction recovery—not just through abstinence, but through deep character transformation in his new workbook, Navigating the Phases in Sex Addiction Recovery.

Using a framework built around values like integrity, ethics, respect, and vulnerability, Allan invites individuals to move from a mindset of “I can’t” to “I don’t”—shifting from pressure and deprivation to purpose and choice. This isn’t just about stopping old behaviors; it’s about becoming someone new.

They explore how recovery can help people reconnect with their authentic self, rebuild trust, and replace destructive patterns with traits like generosity, diligence, and emotional honesty. With journaling prompts, real-life reflection, and powerful personal insight, this workbook helps guide people through each phase of lasting recovery.

Pushing My Partner to Have Sex: with Allan Katz

What happens when sexual addiction doesn’t just take place outside the relationship—but inside it, too? In this conversation, Allan Katz explores how emotional pressure, lack of safety, and compulsive sexual behaviors can deeply affect intimacy within committed partnerships.

They discuss how Allan’s workbook guides people toward meaningful change by moving beyond avoidance into emotional connection, personal integrity, and recovery built on values. Sobriety may be necessary—but it’s not sufficient. Real transformation happens when individuals choose to live differently, with purpose and clarity.

This episode offers insight for anyone ready to repair what addiction has damaged—starting from within.

“I’m Doing the Work—Why Isn’t She?” Navigating Disconnection in Recovery

In this deep-dive April Mailbag episode, the hosts tackle a heartfelt email from a listener in recovery who’s doing everything “right”—meetings, therapy, step work—but still feels shut out by his partner. Why isn’t she engaging? Is it unresolved trauma, burnout, or a deeper disconnection? The team explores common pitfalls in couples healing after betrayal, the power of empathy, the danger of resentment, and the importance of relational repair—even when the door feels closed. If you're in recovery and feeling stuck, this episode offers validation, insight, and a challenge to lean in harder—with humility and heart.

When She Shuts Down: How Addicts Can Keep Showing Up with Empathy

What should you do when your partner won’t engage, even after you've committed to recovery? In this April Mailbag episode, the hosts discuss the emotional complexities of healing after betrayal—especially when the wounded partner closes off.

From the importance of empathy letters and impact processing to resisting defensiveness and building emotional resilience, conversation gives insight is a must-listen for anyone walking the rocky path of relational repair. Even if the door feels closed, how you show up can shape what happens next.

Why Isn't My Partner Loving Me? A Hard Look at Partner's Reactions to A Recovering Addict

In this thought-provoking April Mailbag episode, the hosts unpack a listener's email that dives into the painful space between recovery and reconnection. Why do some partners struggle to re-engage even when the addict is “doing the work”?

Is it unresolved trauma, unspoken resentment, or just the truth of incompatibility? With candid insights into addiction, healing, and the emotional toll of long-term damage, this reflection offers a powerful reminder: recovery is only part of the story. What happens next is just as critical—and often more complex.

Understanding Kink: Healthy Expression or Hidden Addiction? -- Dr. Stefanie Carnes Explains

Kink. Fetishes. BDSM. Are they expressions of healthy sexuality—or signs of addiction and unresolved trauma? In this powerful and nuanced conversation, Dr. Stefanie Carnes joins the Conversations on Sex Addiction and Relationships team to unpack what kink really means, how it intersects with sex addiction, betrayal trauma, and recovery, and what therapists and couples need to know when navigating arousal templates, consent, and communication.

Whether you're in recovery, partnered with someone who is, or simply curious, this is the kink conversation most are afraid to have—until now.

When Kink and Sex Addiction Recovery Collide – Dr. Stefanie Carnes

What happens when non-traditional sexual behavior, recovery, and relationship dynamics intersect? In this 3.5-minute deep dive, Dr. Stefanie Carnes explores the delicate balance of reintroducing sexual expression in relationships impacted by sex addiction and betrayal trauma.

From managing arousal templates and consent, to honoring recovery boundaries and partner triggers, this conversation opens up crucial dialogue for couples and clinicians alike. Tune in to find out more.

Kink or Addiction? How to Tell the Difference: Dr. Stefanie Carnes Explains

Is kinky sexual behaviors a healthy sexual expression or a sign of addiction?

In just 2.5 minutes, Dr. Stefanie Carnes unpacks the critical difference between kink and compulsive sexual behavior. Whether you're a therapist, someone exploring your sexuality, or simply curious, this short but powerful conversation tackles the intersection of healthy sexuality, fetish, BDSM, and when it might cross the line into addiction.

Don’t miss this essential guide to understanding what the difference is—and what might be an escalation driven by addiction.