Welcome to episode #280! When Your Body Is Trying to Tell You Something with Dr.Dave Janvier What if the urge to look at porn isn’t always about sex? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Dave Janvier, a clinical counselor and certified sex therapist, to explore embodiment—learning to recognize what’s happening inside our bodies, emotions, and nervous systems. Dave explains why simply trying to “think” our way out of addiction often isn’t enough. Sometimes the craving we experience is pointing to something deeper: loneliness, stress, grief, disconnection, or an unmet need for relationship and connection. Rather than running from uncomfortable feelings, we can learn to slow down, notice what’s happening in our bodies, and respond with wisdom instead of automatically reaching for an escape. And perhaps most importantly, we discover how this connects with our relationship with God. God doesn't just want us to know about Him—He wants us to experience His presence, love, grace, and acceptance. Key Takeaways Awareness creates space for choice. Learning to recognize physical sensations and emotions earlier can help us respond before we're overwhelmed.Porn can be a symptom, not the root. Sexual urges may sometimes mask deeper needs such as loneliness, grief, stress, or a desire for connection.You can't heal what you continually avoid. Instead of immediately numbing uncomfortable emotions, learn to notice them and sit with them in a grounded way.Our bodies matter. God created us as whole people—body, mind, emotions, relationships, and spirit.God is present in the struggle. Sexual brokenness doesn't mean we have to hide from God. His presence meets us with compassion, grace, and truth.Scriptural Highlight “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses...” — Hebrews 4:15Jesus understands what it means to live in a human body, experience emotion, face temptation, and experience suffering. We don't have to hide the difficult parts of ourselves from Him. This Week's Action Steps Pause and check in. A few times throughout the day, stop and ask: What am I noticing in my body right now? What am I feeling?Don't immediately escape the feeling. When a craving or difficult emotion shows up, slow down and breathe before deciding what to do.Ask what's underneath. When you experience an urge to act out, ask: What am I really longing for right now? Connection? Comfort? Rest? Acceptance?Bring it to God. Instead of hiding when you're struggling, practice noticing God's presence with you right in the middle of it.Practice before the battle. Build these awareness and grounding skills when you're calm—not just when you're already triggered.Freedom isn't simply learning how to stop a behavior. Sometimes it's learning to understand what that behavior has been trying to tell you. 🎧 Subscribe to the Pure Victory Podcast!💙 Want to help others find freedom? Visit PureVictoryPodcast.com to support the mission. You are not alone—and freedom is possible. Ask a question Have a question you'd like answered live on an episode? Send a voice recording of your question to braden@familylifecanada.com Share this with your friends Who do you know that can benefit from this podcast and other episodes coming in the future? Share it with them so they can subscribe as well. Subscribe Subscribe on any podcast app to make sure you catch new episodes! Resources FamilyLife Canada: Porn Recovery Resources FamilyLife Canada: Resources and events to strengthen your marriage Online marriage resources (FamilyLife Canada) Covenant Eyes Accountability Software - use promo code FLCANADA for 30 days freePure Freedom Community for men 18+Book a FREE call (men)Pure Freedom Journey for men and women Podcast Host BRADEN HAFNER Braden is the Regional Director in Alberta for FamilyLife Canada. He and his wife Kristen live in Edmonton, Alberta. He knows all too well the destruction that porn use and addiction can have, and now wants to see people experience freedom away from porn. Along with that he is passionate about seeing marriages grow and thrive, and helping couples move to a deeper oneness with one another and with God. FamilyLife Canada has a variety of resources and events to help you and your spouse take your marriage to the next level. See what would benefit you at www.familylifecanada.com
