Conversations on Sex, Addiction, and Relationships

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.

Conversations: Betrayal Violence with Hope Raye

Welcome to Conversations on Sex, Addiction, and Relationships with Dan Drake and guests Wendy Conquest, Jeannie Vittone, and Tim Stein. Today, they delve into the challenging topic of betrayal violence with therapist and magazine creator Hope Ray. Hope introduces the concept, defining betrayal violence as a complex dynamic involving secrecy, repeated fidelity violations, and abusive behavior.

Quick Conversations: Men Support Groups

In this insightful conversation, Hope Ray discusses her work with men in a support group called Getting Dire Straight, where they delve into sensitive topics like male entitlement and misogyny.

Quick Conversations: What are the dynamics of relationships affected by addiction and betrayal?

In this episode, we speak with special guest Hope Ray on the dynamics of power and control in relationships affected by addiction and betrayal. We discuss how withholding essential information creates a power imbalance and restricts a partner's agency, ultimately leading to exploitation and harm. The conversation emphasizes the importance of transparency and informed consent in rebuilding trust and fostering healthy relationships post-recovery.