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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.

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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

Support the show

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