When an addict says they’re “in recovery,” partners naturally want to believe them. But what does real recovery actually look like and how is it different from simply checking the boxes?

In this candid and clinically rich conversation, Wendy Conquest, Dan Drake, and Tim Stein unpack the distinction between authentic recovery and what they call “pseudo-recovery” in sex addiction. They explore common recovery activities, meetings, sponsors, therapy, working the steps, reading workbooks, and reveal how someone can participate in all of them while still hiding, avoiding vulnerability, or staying emotionally disengaged.

Whether you’re an addict questioning your own level of engagement or a partner sensing something’s off, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and a call to go deeper.

How does childhood attachment wounding lead to sex addiction and what does healing look like for both the betrayer and the betrayed?

In this powerful episode of Conversations on Sex, Addiction and Relationships, hosts Tim Stein, Jeanne Vattuone, Dan Drake, and Wendy Conquest welcome Matt Wenger, Executive Clinical Director, and Raina Hampton, Partner Clinical Coordinator, from the Begin Again Institute (BAI).

Together, they explore the deep connection between attachment wounding, sex addiction, betrayal trauma and how trauma-focused intensives are helping individuals and couples heal. Whether you're a therapist, a partner, or someone on the recovery journey, this conversation offers clarity, compassion, and hope.

Today's guests are from BAI, who are also sponsoring this episode. We invited them before they became a sponsor. Learn more at www.beginagaininstitute.com

In this new episode of Conversations on Sex, Addiction, and Relationships, Jeanne Vattuone and Dan Drake welcome Melissa, founder of WeTonglen, a private online community created to support women impacted by sexual betrayal and relationship trauma.

Melissa shares her own path from feeling isolated, misunderstood, and uncomfortable in early support spaces to finding genuine connection with others who understood her experience. That journey ultimately inspired WeTonglen: a carefully moderated, women-only community offering resources, peer connection, discussion spaces, and links to professional and peer-led support.

Together, Jeanne, Dan, and Melissa explore what makes a support group feel emotionally safe, including confidentiality, clear boundaries, and a culture that encourages sharing personal experience rather than giving unsolicited advice. Listen to this insightful episode now and learn more https://www.wetonglen.com/about