Many years ago a car company, attempting to show the advantages of front wheel drive, aired a commercial showing an Alaskan dog sled team pushing its sled rather than pulling it. Of course, the sled moved nowhere and the dogs and sled were tangled in a chaotic mess. As a therapist specializing in the treatment…
Holiday Recipes for Relapse and Recovery by Forest Benedict MS, SAPT-C LifeSTAR the Central Valley
The holidays can be a challenging time for all of us, especially those in recovery. An increase in sugary, fatty foods, plus a decrease in structure, combined with a mixture of family chaos, can quickly become a recipe for relapse. Despite the many challenges of sustaining recovery in this season, there are essential strategies that…
Drama not Trauma
by Noelle Christensen, LPC LifeStar Therapist Have you ever expressed your needs to your partner and been told “stop being so dramatic!” If so, it may have felt like the wind was knocked out of you. In fact, what you may have heard instead is something like, “What you are feeling does not matter to…
Fighting Against Pornography- Part 1
The Broken Windows theory, developed more than 30 years ago, holds that police can stop higher levels of crime by giving more attention to the smaller crimes, such as breaking windows. By emphasizing law and order and a different level of community expectations, crime rates overall can be lowered. A lot of police and social…
Fighting Against Pornography- Part 2
Editor’s note: The following story deals with sexually-themed subject matter that will not be appropriate for some readers. Discretion is advised. This is part two in a four-part series. Read part one: “Ubiquitous assailant: The dangerous unasked questions surrounding pornography“. Read part 3: “Why laws to fight pornography aren’t being used.” Read part four: “How couples break the…
Fighting Against Pornography- Part 3
Editor’s note: The following story deals with sexually-themed subject matter that will not be appropriate for some readers. Discretion is advised. This is part three in a four-part series. Read part one: “Ubiquitous assailant: The dangerous unasked questions surrounding pornography.” Read part two: “Second-hand porn: the spreading circle of damage.” Read part four: “How couples break…
Fighting Against Pornography Part 4
SALT LAKE CITY — With an eye toward both preventing and recovering from the devastating impacts of pornography, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has launched a new website that is based on what one therapist calls “the enabling power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.” The website is titled “Overcoming Pornography Through the…
Fighting Against Pornography- Part 5
Editor’s note: The following story deals with sexually-themed subject matter that will not be appropriate for some readers. Discretion is advised. This is part four in a four-part series. Read part one: “Ubiquitous assailant: The dangerous unasked questions surrounding pornography.” Read part two: “Second-hand porn: the spreading circle of damage.” Read part 3: “Why laws to…
Of The Heart
In recovery work, we learn a lot about toxic shame. Toxic shame is the feeling that we are deeply flawed, inadequate, and therefore, unworthy of being accepted and loved. Toxic shame is like being plunged into darkness, with a very limited view of yourself and your abilities. Even worse, it hijacks your sense of being…
What is Pornography?
What is Pornography… As a therapist that specializes in pornography addiction I am constantly asked the question “what is pornography?” Many people would think that the answer is really simple, however, after working with couples that are battling pornography addiction the answer can sometimes be complicated. The dictionary defines pornography as “creative activity (writing or…
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