• Q&A - How do recovery principles change the way I parent?
    Jun 25 2024

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    In this episode, hosts Tara McCausland and Justin B. discuss applying recovery principles in parenting and how these principles can positively impact parenting style. They emphasize the importance of surrender, trust in God, and the shift from control, fear and pride to surrender, faith, and humility. Personal anecdotes and member shares from the SAL book highlight the positive impact that recovery can have on family dynamics and individual serenity.

    Register for the 2024 S.A. Lifeline Conference here. https://salifeline.org/conference-2024/

    0:00 Q&A - How do recovery principles change the way I parent?
    00:53 Summer Break and Podcast Updates
    01:36 Announcing the 2024 Virtual Conference
    03:48 Parenting and Recovery Principles
    04:19 Personal Reflections on Parenting in Recovery
    08:36 Applying Recovery Steps to Parenting
    11:32 Real-Life Experiences and Testimonials
    16:15 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

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    18 mins
  • Step 3 - Willingness, Boundaries, and Relief w/ Brittany B
    Jun 18 2024

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    In this episode of the Pathway to Recovery podcast , host Justin B. and guest Brittany B. discuss the transformative power of the 12-step recovery program, focusing primarily on Step 3. They touch on the significance of turning one's will and life over to the care of God, the importance of willingness and boundaries, and the principle of sharing and growth. Brittany also shares how practicing these principles brings relief and peace into her life. Brittany shares personal experiences and insights on the application of the steps, her journey in dealing with her husband's addiction, and how acceptance and serenity play crucial roles in recovery. The conversation highlights the interplay between acceptance, personal boundaries, and spiritual growth.

    Resource from this conversation:

    Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach: https://amzn.to/3XovB2z


    00:00 Introduction to the Pathway to Recovery Podcast

    00:55 Brittany's Journey to the 12 Steps

    02:48 The Power of Sharing in Recovery

    07:47 Understanding and Embracing Step Three

    10:27 Personal Experiences and Challenges in Recovery

    14:43 Navigating Support and Resources

    23:55 Struggles with Blame and Surrender

    24:11 The Process of Surrendering Blame

    25:07 The Role of Humility in Surrender

    28:02 The Serenity Prayer and Its Impact

    30:54 Expectations and Disappointments

    34:25 Acceptance and Boundaries

    42:10 Understanding God and Spiritual Growth

    45:10 Advice for Newcomers and Veterans

    47:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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    49 mins
  • Q&A - Why and how do I decide to turn my will over to God?
    Jun 11 2024

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    In this episode, hosts Tara McCausland and Justin B discuss the challenges and importance of Step 3 in the recovery process: making the decision to turn our will and lives over to the care of God. They delve into why this can be difficult, and how it is a daily commitment rather than a one-time action. The dialogue includes personal experiences and insights on how relinquishing control to the God of our understanding can support long-term recovery and spiritual growth.

    0:00 Q&A - Why and how do I make the decision to turn my will over to God?
    00:45 Exploring Step Three: Turning Will and Life Over to God
    01:28 Challenges in Surrendering to God
    02:17 The Daily Decision and Its Importance
    03:59 Spiritual Shifts and Personal Experiences
    06:23 Faith in Action: Moving Beyond Outcomes
    08:26 The Role of Faith and Works in Recovery
    12:19 Trusting God's Plan and Finding Purpose
    14:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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    16 mins
  • Your Nervous System During and After Sexual Betrayal w/ KayLee Dunn
    Jun 4 2024

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    In this episode, host Tara McCausland welcomes guest expert KayLee Dunn, a psychotherapist and betrayal navigation coach. KayLee shares her expertise in helping individuals, especially women, rebuild trust and heal after intimate betrayal. She discusses the role of the nervous system in betrayal trauma, introducing concepts like neuro-intuitive boundaries and survival mode responses. The conversation delves into practical ways to self-regulate, the importance of self-compassion, and the power of pausing and observing one’s reactions. They also explore the dynamics between betrayed and betraying partners, emphasizing understanding and intentional responses. Whether new to betrayal recovery or an old-timer on this journey, Kaylee offers insightful advice and hope for navigating the complex path of healing.

    Connect with KayLee at kayleedunn.com

    03:43 Understanding the Nervous System
    04:54 Personal Experience and Neurointuitive Boundaries
    07:57 The Role of the Nervous System in Trauma Responses
    14:05 Self-Compassion and Understanding Reactions
    20:28 Practical Steps for Healing and Self-Education
    23:37 Harnessing Your Inner Survivor Skills
    27:18 Connecting with Higher Power and Intuition
    35:07 Mindfulness and Meditation
    37:20 Safety and Stabilization in Healing
    41:50 Observing and Regulating Responses
    48:27 The Importance of Community and Support
    55:04 Final Thoughts and Resources

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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Q&A - How can I respond to trauma triggers in a healthy way?
    May 28 2024

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    In this episode, host Tara McCausland and S.A. Lifeline executive assistant Jeni Brockbank discuss how to manage trauma triggers effectively. Jeni shares insights on understanding trauma triggers and emphasizes the importance of self-compassion, self-care, and setting boundaries. The episode includes a discussion on practical steps to take when faced with trauma triggers—pause, breathe, practice self-care, and seek support. Jeni also shares a personal experience and the episode ends highlighting the importance of reaching out to others for support in the journey of recovery.

    0:00 Q&A - How can I respond to trauma triggers in a healthy way?
    01:06 Understanding Trauma Triggers
    03:02 Role-Playing a Trigger Scenario
    04:28 Practical Steps for Managing Triggers
    08:37 Personal Experience and Self-Compassion
    10:54 Review and Final Thoughts

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    14 mins
  • Step 2 - Love, Hope, and Trust w/ Harvey E.
    May 21 2024

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    In this episode, host Justin B. and guest Harvey E. discuss the transformative power of Step Two in SAL 12-Step and in general 12 Step programs. Harvey, a 69-year-old Orthodox Jewish dentist and a recovering sexaholic, shares his journey of over 35 years struggling with same-sex attraction while being married, and shares his experience, strength, and hope of life in over 10 years of sobriety. They delve into the importance of recognizing a Higher Power's ability to restore sanity, focusing on the critical words 'that' and 'sanity' in Step Two's language. Harvey emphasizes how defining and understanding these terms was crucial in his recovery. Harvey discusses his personal experience with therapy to address the trauma from his upbringing and the role this played in his recovery. By redefining their understanding of God and embracing love, hope, and trust, they illustrate how recovery can lead to a deeply fulfilling life. Harvey's insights into the importance of self-love, the elimination of the ego, and fostering a personal relationship with a loving, omnipresent God are explored as foundational elements for successful recovery.

    00:00 Welcome to the Pathway to Recovery Podcast

    00:30 Introducing Harvey E: A Journey of Recovery and Faith

    01:41 Diving Deep into Step Two: Belief and Restoration

    04:16 Exploring the Nuances of 'Sanity' and 'Insanity' in Recovery

    10:21 The Impact of Addiction on Self and Relationships

    21:08 Reimagining God in the Recovery Process

    23:52 Navigating Modern Challenges and Finding Solace in Faith

    25:03 Reimagining God: From Punishment to Support

    29:25 Exploring the Second Step Inventory and Personal Growth

    35:16 The Impact of Trauma and the Role of Therapy in Recovery

    42:44 Embracing the Mystery of God and the Journey of Faith



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    49 mins
  • Q&A - What is one of the biggest obstacles in recovery?
    May 14 2024

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    In this episode, Justin and Tara discuss the importance of overcoming fear as a major obstacle in successful recovery from addiction and betrayal trauma. The discussion delves into personal experiences with fear and the significance of surrendering to a higher power to gain serenity. They emphasize the need for replacing self-reliance with God reliance, and choosing to place faith in God not in outcomes. It is in this practice that one can face any calamity and maintain serenity.


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    15 mins
  • Post Discovery Triage Care: Establishing Safety & Stabilization for the Betrayed and Betrayer w/ Amanda Christenson
    May 7 2024

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    In this episode of the Pathway to Recovery podcast, host Tara McCausland talks with therapist Amanda Christensen about first steps to take immediately following discovery of sexual betrayal. Amanda shares her personal and professional experience, emphasizing the importance of safety, stabilization, and recovery steps for both the betrayed and betraying partners. For the betrayed, prioritizing self-care, seeking support, and gradually setting boundaries are essential. The betraying partner must commit to sobriety and close all doors to acting out. The episode discusses establishing a structured recovery plan, including therapeutic disclosure, and pausing before making major life decisions. Amanda and Tara stress the importance of time, patience, and support in healing process for both partners.

    Connect with Amanda at https://hopemft.com

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    48 mins