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In this special episode of the Pathway to Recovery podcast, host Tara McCausland shares a SAL 12-Step men's panel discussion from the 2025 S.A. Lifeline Virtual Conference. Moderated by Jonathan L., the panel includes men with years of experience in recovery, sharing their journeys of surrender, accountability, and spiritual growth. Key topics include applying the SAL recovery puzzle, circle models of addiction and recovery, the role of qualified therapy, effective boundaries, and the daily practice of surrender. The discussion aims to provide hope and direction for those seeking to step on the path to lasting recovery by keeping God at the center and doing the inner and outer work required.

Want to listen to the recorded conference? Get access here.

00:00 Welcome to the Pathway to Recovery Podcast
00:45 Accessing Conference Recordings and Podcast Updates
02:19 Introduction to the SAL 12 Step Men's Panel
03:40 Panelist Introductions
07:12 Exploring the Recovery Puzzle and Circle Models
07:49 The Importance of a Willing Heart in Recovery
12:25 Spiritual Connection in Recovery
17:52 Humility and Rigorous Honesty in Recovery
22:50 The Role of Time and Patience in Recovery
25:28 Living in the Present Moment
27:23 The Value of Qualified Therapy
32:44 Establishing Boundaries for Recovery
36:12 The Practice of Surrender
40:22 Understanding the Circle Models
44:57 Keeping God at the Center
49:23 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

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In this episode, host Tara McCausland welcomes Tim Stein, co-founder of Willow Tree Counseling and president of the American Foundation for Addiction Research (AFAR). Tim shares how AFAR, originally founded by Dr. Patrick Carnes, is advancing research to validate sex addiction as a legitimate, diagnosable condition and to improve treatment accessibility. He explains how addiction changes the brain—creating what’s known as Reward Deficiency Syndrome—and why recovery requires more than willpower. “When you’re suffering from addiction, your brain is working against you,” Tim notes, emphasizing the importance of community, structure, and neurological healing.

The conversation also explores how dopamine regulation plays a key role in recovery and why embracing healthy discomfort through practices like honesty, meditation, and exercise can restore balance. Tim offers a hopeful reframe—seeing recovery not as a burden but as a blessing that deepens awareness and emotional resilience.

Later, Tara and Tim discuss the critical need for partner sensitivity in addiction recovery. Tim highlights how understanding a partner’s betrayal trauma can foster real healing. Drawing from his co-authored workbook Finding the Way Through, he explains how empathy, education, and shared understanding can transform recovery into a path toward reconnection and lasting change.

Learn more about AFAR here.

REGISTER for the 2025 S.A. Lifeline Virtual Conference

Connect with Tim at Willow Tree Counseling

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In this episode of the Pathway to Recovery podcast, host Tara McCausland speaks to licensed therapist Debra Kaplan about the intricate link between financial infidelity and sexual betrayal, emphasizing the psychological and emotional impact on individuals and families. They explore the importance of a financial therapeutic disclosure, financial literacy for the betrayed partner, and the significance of establishing financial safety and transparency in order to heal relationships. The conversation is enriched with personal anecdotes and practical advice for both individuals and couples navigating the complex terrain of this double betrayal.

00:00 Introduction and Conference Invitation
01:54 Meet Deborah Kaplan: From Wall Street to Therapy
03:21 The Intersection of Money and Emotions
06:49 Personal Stories and Financial Strain
11:56 Understanding Financial Infidelity
13:22 Recognizing Financial Secrecy in Relationships
18:11 Empowerment Through Financial Literacy
25:23 Exploring the Emotional Impact of Betrayal
26:05 Financial Betrayal: A Deep Wound
27:01 Personal Stories of Betrayal and Recovery
29:56 Therapeutic Disclosure and Financial Secrets
32:47 Rebuilding Trust and Financial Stability
43:00 Teaching Financial Literacy to Children
46:46 Final Thoughts and Advice for Recovery

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In this episode, host Jonathan L. welcomes guest Lyman D., who shares his powerful journey of commitment to recovery from sex addiction. Highlights include the importance of willingness, the transformative power of connection with a Higher Power, and the significance of taking actionable steps to maintain commitment over time. Lyman also discusses practical strategies for sustaining commitment during challenging periods and how his recovery has positively impacted his relationship with God and others. This episode emphasizes the essential role of commitment and connection in the recovery process.

00:00 Introduction and Upcoming Event
01:15 Introducing the Special Guest: Lyman
01:52 Lyman's Journey to Recovery
04:09 Finding SA Lifeline and Finding Sobriety
06:13 Commitment to Recovery: The Key to Success
07:43 Navigating Challenges and Staying Committed
23:33 The Impact of Recovery on Relationships
25:48 A Heartfelt Apology from My Mom
27:11 Family Reactions and Support
29:37 Commitment to Recovery
31:20 Daily Actions of Commitment
38:22 Spiritual Connection and Guidance
43:56 Advice for Newcomers and Old Timers
46:02 Conclusion and Gratitude

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In this episode, host Tara McCausland speaks with Dr. Kenneth Adams, a top expert in the field of enmeshment and sex addiction. Dr. Adams explains the concept of enmeshment, its impact on family dynamics, and how it may play a role in the development of sexual addiction. He discusses the difference between enmeshment and covert incest, shares examples, and elaborates on how these dynamics can impede healthy adult relationships and sexuality. The episode provides insights into the recovery process from both addiction and enmeshment, focusing on the need for both partners in a relationship to create a sacred, boundary-rich space. Dr. Adams shares hope for recovery and the importance of self-acceptance and ownership in the healing journey.

Register for the 2025 SA Lifeline Virtual Conference HERE.

Want to connect with Dr. Adams? Find him at overcomingenmeshment.com

00:00 Introduction and Announcements
02:13 Guest Introduction: Dr. Kenneth M. Adams
03:36 Understanding Enmeshment
08:49 Enmeshment and Sexual Addiction
10:45 Case Studies and Real-Life Examples
19:13 Impact on Relationships and Recovery
36:13 Hope and Healing

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In this episode, interim host Jonathan L. welcomes Amber, a participant in the SAL 12-step program, to discuss her journey of healing from betrayal trauma and deepening her spiritual connection with the God of her understanding. Amber shares her experiences of overcoming personal barriers to spiritual connection, the importance of lamenting and feeling grief, and the transformative power of trusting and allowing yourself to be led by a Higher Power. She emphasizes the significance of choosing to turn towards God, and to be real and vulnerable in that relationship. The conversation offers insights into how individuals can more easily navigate their recovery journeys with the help of safe community and how continuous willingness to work the 12 steps lends itself to personal progression and a deeper relationship with others and God.

00:00 Introduction and Upcoming Events
01:26 Meet Amber: A Journey of Recovery
03:01 Exploring Spiritual Connection in Recovery
05:42 Overcoming Barriers to Trusting a the God of your Understanding
09:25 The Role of Lamenting and Feeling Emotion in Healing
13:01 Personal Experiences and Insights
19:45 The Importance of Community and Support
32:16 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

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In this episode, host Tara McCausland and therapist Geoff Steurer discuss principles to help youth already caught in the trap of pornography and other problematic sexual behaviors. The episode focuses on providing guidance to parents on creating a supportive environment where children feel safe discussing their struggles. Geoff emphasizes the importance of a relationship-first approach, validating children's sexual curiosity and modeling self-compassion, relational repair, and open communication. Highlights include the encouragement for parents to own their own struggles around device use, pornography and sexuality, and teaching discernment over mere avoidance. The powerful impact of connection before correction is emphasized. The conversation also explores when professional help might be necessary, especially in cases of recurring or developing compulsive behavior. This episode underscores the importance of ongoing, open conversations and compassionate guidance in helping children navigate these challenges.

Connect with Geoff at www.geoffsteurer.com

Register for the SA Lifeline Women's Workshop

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This episode re-shares a foundational discussion with Dr. Anna Lembke, a leading expert in addiction medicine, on the importance of radical honesty in recovery. Dr. Lembke explains the neuroscience behind addiction, highlighting the roles of dopamine and the brain's pleasure-pain balance. The conversation also delves into the necessity of rigorous honesty for long-term recovery, the concept of dopamine fasting, and the benefits of pressing on the pain side to maintain sobriety. Additionally, the episode provides insights into the role of pro-social shame in motivating change and offers practical advice for newcomers and those in long-term recovery.

Register for the S.A. Lifeline Women's Workshop HERE.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Repost Announcement
01:09 The Importance of Honesty in Recovery
02:19 Upcoming Women's Workshop and Contact Information
03:13 Introduction to Dr. Anna Lemke
04:49 Understanding Addiction and the Brain
07:18 The Pleasure-Pain Balance
12:13 The Role of Radical Honesty in Recovery
22:16 Dopamine Fasting and Pressing on the Pain Side
33:22 The Concept of Pro-Social Shame
37:11 Final Thoughts and Advice for Newcomers and Veterans

Support the show

SA Lifeline Foundation
SAL 12 Step
Find an SAL12Step Meeting
Donate
Contact to ask questions or make comments
Transcripts