Faith & Feels

Rika Lopez
  • 5.0 (14)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Faith & Feels

Faith & Feels is a podcast dedicated to exploring the intersection of mental health specifically sexual brokenness and trauma, with a special focus on the Asian American faith-based community. Hosted by Rika Matoba Lopez, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT), these episodes will cover interviews of ordinary people as well as professionals who share stories and lessons on struggles with love/sex/porn addiction and emotional/betrayal trauma. Whether you're looking for guidance, encouragement, or simply a space to feel seen and heard, Faith & Feels is here to create a safe environment where men and women alike can journey through healing and wholeness together. Our goal is to make tough conversations less taboo and to remind you that you are not alone. Join us as we explore topics often kept in the dark and work towards breaking cycles of shame and silence, with honesty, vulnerability, and hope.

Episodes

  1. Ep.8 Breaking the Silence: A Conversation with Roy Kim (CSAT) and a Former Pastor

    6 DAYS AGO

    Ep.8 Breaking the Silence: A Conversation with Roy Kim (CSAT) and a Former Pastor

    In this episode of Faith and Feels, I sit down with Roy Kim, a former pastor turned certified sex addiction therapist, to discuss the crucial work of addressing sex and porn addiction within the church. Roy shares his expertise in leading individual therapy and group sessions for men, including pastors and church leaders, who are battling these hidden struggles. We explore the realities of addiction, the stigma surrounding it in faith communities, and the hope for healing through accountability and intentional recovery. Roy also highlights the resources available on his website, newlegacycounseling.com, including a self-guided sobriety curriculum designed for those ready to take control of their journey to freedom. Roy is also the host of two impactful podcasts: SA Speakeasy, which delves into topics of sex addiction recovery with expert interviews and practical insights.The Same Boat, a Christian podcast that openly addresses messy, real-life topics like divorce, abortion, and anger toward God, providing a safe space for honest conversations.Whether you or someone you know is struggling with sex or porn addiction, this episode offers valuable insights, encouragement, and practical steps toward recovery. Don’t miss this powerful conversation! Resources Mentioned: Roy Kim’s website: newlegacycounseling.comChurch in Culture Podcast: How to Recover from a Dark Divorce and AftermathPrivate Practice Skills YouTube: How to Find Your Specialty as a Therapistiitap.com*Pixabay Music : "Exciting Day" and "Small Miracle" Takeaways from This Episode: Roy Kim transitioned from being a pastor to a certified sex addiction therapist.There is a significant need for therapy focused on sex addiction within the church.Most of Roy's clients dealing with sex addiction are male.Empowerment in recovery often comes from acknowledging the need for hard work.Integrity in recovery means being whole and not fragmented.Love addiction shares similarities with sex addiction, focusing on false attachments.Self-guided sobriety work can provide structure and accountability for recovery.A target of 90 days of sobriety is crucial for brain healing and recovery.Guided meditation can help reset the brain and promote recovery.The church needs to create a safe space for discussing sexual addiction. Sound Bites: "The church needs to talk about it more." "You have to put in a lot of work." "Recovery work needs to be central in your life." "Integrity comes from being whole in yourself." "It's a great place to start." "The brain can change its shape." "You're not the only one." "God works with us."

    45 min
  2. Ep.7 Brief Overview of Sex Addiction (CSBD) and the Brain

    DEC 9

    Ep.7 Brief Overview of Sex Addiction (CSBD) and the Brain

    In this episode of Faith and Feels, I dive into the complexities of sex addiction, also known as Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder (CSBD). I’ll walk you through the diagnostic criteria for CSBD and share how sex addiction impacts the brain—from the role of dopamine in forming addictive patterns to how neural pathways reinforce compulsive behaviors. I’ll also discuss the cycle of addiction, the emotional toll it takes, and the hope for healing through an objective lens. I’ll highlight the importance of taking an assessment to better understand your struggles and seeking help through therapy or a support group. Whether you’re navigating this yourself or supporting someone you care about, this episode is here to provide insight, compassion, and hope. *Books referenced - "Out of the Shadows" by Patrick Carnes, "Soul of Shame" by Curt Thompson *Resources recommended - (Click on "Am I A Sex Addict" and scroll down for SAST Assessment) www.sexhelp.com (For the iitap site, scroll down to SDMI to learn about the porn assessment, SDI for sexual dependency or sex addiction) www.iitap.com/page/assessment_tools www.sa.org www.puredesire.org www.sexandrelationshiphealing.com (Youtube Video : "Road to Brighton" by Paula Hall) *Pixabay Music - "Delicate Reverie" "Fsm Team Positive Day" "Exciting Day" Takeaways: Compulsive sexual behavior disorder is now recognized by the WHO. The addiction cycle includes stages like preoccupation and despair. Dopamine plays a crucial role in reinforcing addictive behaviors. Neural pathways formed by repeated behaviors can become automatic responses. Recovery requires forming new healthy neural pathways. Shame and guilt often perpetuate the cycle of addiction. Self-control is impaired due to chronic activation of the reward system. Understanding addiction as a brain disease fosters compassion. Assessments can help individuals understand their level of addiction. There is always hope for healing and restoration. Sound Bites: "The emotional pain triggers another round of preoccupation." "Sex addiction is understood as a brain disease." "The brain's reward system becomes desensitized over time." "Recovery involves rewiring the brain with new pathways." "Shame has no oxygen to breathe in love." "There's always hope for restoration." Chapters: 00:00 Understanding Sex Addiction: An Overview 06:35 The Addiction Cycle: Stages of Compulsive Behavior 12:42 Assessing Sex Addiction: Tools and Resources 17:25 The Neuroscience of Sex Addiction 25:55 Healing and Recovery: Rewiring the Brain

    31 min
  3. Ep. 6 Reflections on Jordan and Sawyer's Interview

    DEC 2

    Ep. 6 Reflections on Jordan and Sawyer's Interview

    In this episode of Faith and Feels, I take time to reflect on the transformative experiences shared by Jordan and Sawyer, two college students who served at El Pozo De Vida, an anti-human trafficking organization in Mexico. I dive into themes of vulnerability, healing, and the importance of community support, while also addressing the battles of spiritual warfare. Through this reflection, I emphasize the need for empathy toward those who are broken and share the importance of displaying the heart of Jesus. I also encourage the power of inner healing as a path to finding freedom and wholeness in your own journey. *Books referenced - "Deep Wounds, Deep Healing" by Dr. Charles Kraft, "The Polyvagal Theory" by Dr. Stephen Porges, "The Screwtape Letters" by C.S. Lewis *For more info on Inner healing ministries, visit www.pihop.com and www.heartsyncministries.org *Pixabay Music - "Inspirational Background" "Calm Solo Piano" "Calm Bird" "Relaxing Piano" "Exciting Day" Takeaways: Vulnerability is essential for healing and connection. We need to lean on one another for support. Confession and accountability are critical in our faith journey. Spiritual warfare is a real and ongoing battle. Demons often remain hidden, influencing us without our awareness. Empathy allows us to understand our own brokenness and that of others. Jesus sympathizes with our weaknesses and offers us grace. Inner healing can help us process past trauma and pain. Forgiveness is necessary for experiencing God's healing. God's kindness leads us to repentance and transformation. Chapters: 00:00 Reflecting on Transformative Experiences 01:24 The Power of Vulnerability and Healing 04:35 Finding Support and Accountability 07:56 Understanding Spiritual Warfare 12:14 The Existence of Demons and Spiritual Battles 17:20 Empathy and Understanding Brokenness 21:09 The Heart of Jesus for the Broken 27:48 Exploring Inner Healing Ministry

    33 min
  4. Ep.5 *Special Interview - The Heart of Jesus in Action: Two College Students' Mission to Fight Human Trafficking

    NOV 25

    Ep.5 *Special Interview - The Heart of Jesus in Action: Two College Students' Mission to Fight Human Trafficking

    This Thanksgiving week on Faith and Feels, I’m so grateful to bring you a heartfelt conversation with two special guests, Jordan and Sawyer. These college students share their transformative experiences serving at El Pozo De Vida, an anti-human trafficking organization in Mexico. In this episode, they open up about the joy and hope they found in working with sexually trafficked minors, their personal struggles with vulnerability and shame, and the profound impact of inner healing through faith. We also talk about the importance of seeing others through God’s eyes, cultivating empathy toward everyone involved in human trafficking—including the johns and pimps—and the incredible power of community and vulnerability in the healing process. As we reflect on gratitude and healing this Thanksgiving, Jordan and Sawyer’s stories are a reminder to embrace our brokenness and seek the freedom and restoration that only Jesus can bring. I hope this conversation encourages and inspires you in this season of gratitude. *Find out more about El Pozo De Vida by visiting ⁠https://27million.com/⁠⁠ and follow their IG at ⁠https://www.instagram.com/pozodevida.us/⁠ *Pixabay Music - "Small Miracle" "Calm Solo" "Mixaund Dreamers" "Calm Piano" "Fsm Team Happy Days" "Exciting Day" Takeaways: El Pozo de Vida focuses on prevention, intervention, and restoration. Serving at El Pozo de Vida was both challenging and joyful. Vulnerability is key to experiencing God's healing. The mission trip changed their perspective on human trafficking. Joy can be found even in the darkest situations. Seeing others through God's eyes fosters empathy. Inner healing can lead to profound breakthroughs. Everyone has a story of brokenness and redemption. The church should be a refuge for the broken. Healing is possible for everyone, regardless of their past. Sound Bites: "The church needs to be a place where people see it as a refuge." "Freedom for all, including the pimps and Johns." "We are all broken, we all have that sin." "God can take this person and use them for His kingdom." "Trauma is when you have no one to talk to." "You are never too broken for Jesus to use." "The enemy came to steal, kill, and destroy." "There is healing and hope in vulnerability." "Bring your troubles and pains to light." "Jesus is with you in your brokenness." Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Faith in Fields and Guests 03:06 Understanding El Pozo de Vida 05:58 Daily Life on the Mission Trip 08:53 Personal Struggles and Vulnerability 11:48 Joy and Hope in Serving 15:08 Seeing with God's Eyes 18:00 Empathy for All: Victims and Perpetrators 20:56 Impactful Moments and Key Figures 23:56 Spiritual Warfare and Inner Healing 30:03 The Power of Inner Healing Ministry 34:56 Never Too Broken to Be Healed 40:09 Encouragement for Young Men 44:58 Conclusion and Reflections

    56 min
  5. Ep.4 Traits of Love Addiction and Porn Stats on Christian Women

    NOV 18

    Ep.4 Traits of Love Addiction and Porn Stats on Christian Women

    In this episode, we dive into the traits and features of love addiction, a struggle that often goes unnoticed but deeply affects many. We’ll also explore surprising statistics on Christian women and pornography, shedding light on silent battles within the church. Join me as we unpack these topics with honesty and hope, offering a path toward understanding, healing, and freedom. Whether this resonates with your own journey or someone you care about, this episode is a reminder that you are not alone. *Some concepts and quotes in this episode are referenced from Pia Mellody’s book, "Facing Love Addiction" and also from Christina Bell's "Love Addiction Kit" which is free for download at www.christinabell.net/downloads *Infographic/Stats referenced from Crystal Renaud Day, Founder of "She Recovery" (Support Group for Christian Women Struggling with Porn) www.sherecovery.com *Few concepts referenced from Katie Johnson's Presentation "Teen and Parent Engagement in the area of Sexual Brokenness," at She Recovery Virtual Summit. Johnson is also a coach for young women from www.423communities.org *For those interested in taking a self assessment on Love Addiction, please visit www.slaafws.org/40-questions/ *Pixabay Music: "Calm Acoustic" and "Exciting Day"

    27 min
  6. Ep.3 A Path of Healing and Hope: Reflections on Becoming an MFT

    NOV 11

    Ep.3 A Path of Healing and Hope: Reflections on Becoming an MFT

    In this heartfelt episode, I share some personal experiences that led me to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Growing up in a Japanese household, open communication around emotions and feelings was rare, creating a silence that left many struggles unspoken. Join me as I unpack the impact of these cultural practices and the challenges they created. Toward the end, I express my deep gratitude for Christ and His never-ending, unconditional love. As followers of Jesus, we can place our hope in Him, trusting that He will redeem and restore any brokenness in our past. My prayer is that this story will offer encouragement to those who have faced betrayal or divorce within their families. “The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God - children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” (John 1: 9-13) For anyone interested in learning about your "Attachment Style," please visit the site below. www.attachmentproject.com *Music by PIxabay - "Exciting Day/Inspiring Piano" "Autumn Relaxing" and "Calm Bird." If you have any questions, comments, or topic requests, please email me at faithandfeels@gmail.com

    37 min
  7. Ep.2 Why CSAT?

    NOV 4

    Ep.2 Why CSAT?

    "In this episode, I will briefly share what led me to become a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT). There are two pivotal stories that sparked my passion for helping others heal from sexual brokenness and addiction. Through these experiences, I came to understand the deep impact of shame, silence, and stigma surrounding these issues and how they can prevent people from seeking help. Join me as I reflect on the moments that impacted my career path and discuss my mission to create a compassionate space for open, healing conversations." Music by Pixabay "Exciting Day/Inspiring Piano" and "Atmospheric Inspirational" For further information about my CSAT training, please go to www.iitap.com If you have any questions, comments, or topic requests, please email me at faithandfeels@gmail.com

    16 min
  8. Ep.1 Welcome Episode

    OCT 29

    Ep.1 Welcome Episode

    Welcome to the very first episode of Faith and Feels! I’m Rika Matoba Lopez, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist(LMFT) and a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist(CSAT). In this episode, I’m excited to share a brief story of what led me to start this podcast and what you can expect in the episodes ahead. Faith and Feels is a space for honest conversations about mental health, specifically on sexual brokenness and trauma within the Asian American faith based communities. Join me as we begin this journey of healing, growth, and support together.

    15 min
  9. Faith & Feels Podcast Trailer

    TRAILER

    Faith & Feels Podcast Trailer

    Faith and Feels is a podcast hosted by Rika Matoba Lopez, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT). This show is dedicated to exploring the intersection of faith, mental health, and healing, with a special focus on sexual brokenness and trauma in the Asian American faith-based communities. Through candid conversations and guest interviews, Faith and Feels creates a safe space for listeners to break the silence and shame that often surrounds these topics. Whether you’re struggling with these issues or supporting someone who is, this podcast offers encouragement, insight, and biblical wisdom to guide you through the journey. Subscribe and join us as we walk this path together!

    1 min

Trailer

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out of 5
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About

Faith & Feels is a podcast dedicated to exploring the intersection of mental health specifically sexual brokenness and trauma, with a special focus on the Asian American faith-based community. Hosted by Rika Matoba Lopez, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT), these episodes will cover interviews of ordinary people as well as professionals who share stories and lessons on struggles with love/sex/porn addiction and emotional/betrayal trauma. Whether you're looking for guidance, encouragement, or simply a space to feel seen and heard, Faith & Feels is here to create a safe environment where men and women alike can journey through healing and wholeness together. Our goal is to make tough conversations less taboo and to remind you that you are not alone. Join us as we explore topics often kept in the dark and work towards breaking cycles of shame and silence, with honesty, vulnerability, and hope.

Information

  • Creator
    Rika Lopez
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    Faith & Feels

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