Normalize therapy.

Caleb & Verlynda Simonyi-Gindele
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Formerly: The Marriage Podcast for Smart People

  1. 6D AGO

    Understanding Hypervigilance: Grounding Techniques When You Don't Feel Safe

    Introduction Understanding and calming hypervigilance through grounding techniques for feeling safe involves learning specific strategies that help regulate your nervous system while maintaining necessary environmental awareness. This guide immediately addresses the importance of grounding techniques for feeling safe, ensuring you have practical tools to manage heightened states of alertness. When you’re stuck in a state of constant alertness, traditional relaxation methods often feel impossible or even dangerous, making specialized grounding approaches essential for finding relief. The basics of grounding techniques involve simple, basic mental exercises that help manage anxiety, reduce negative thoughts, and refocus the mind. This guide provides concrete techniques that work specifically for hypervigilant states—those moments when your brain refuses to stop scanning for threats, even in safe environments. At the first mention, hypervigilance (a state of increased alertness where the brain is constantly looking for perceived dangers) is a key concept for understanding why these techniques are necessary. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUBxGhT5fP0 What This Guide Covers You’ll learn evidence-based grounding strategies designed for people whose nervous system stays in high alert mode, practical breathing techniques that calm without creating vulnerability, and daily routines that signal safety to an overactive nervous system that is working hard to detect threats. Specifically, you will discover: How hypervigilance differs from normal alertness and why it persists Nervous system regulation through awareness-maintaining grounding techniques The 5-4-3-2-1 technique adapted for safety-conscious individuals Box breathing methods for calming without vulnerability Building predictable routines that signal safety to your brain Who This Is For This guide is designed for individuals experiencing hypervigilance from trauma, anxiety disorders, PTSD, or chronic stress who need concrete techniques to feel safe in their environment. Whether you’re dealing with constant jumpiness from past trauma or anxiety that keeps you perpetually on edge, you’ll find practical strategies that honor your need for awareness while providing nervous system relief. Fear and feeling anxious are common experiences for people with hypervigilance, and grounding techniques can help manage these emotions and negative thoughts. Why This Matters Hypervigilance keeps your nervous system in constant activation, disrupting sleep, relationships, and daily functioning while creating exhaustion that never seems to resolve. Common symptoms of anxiety include increased heart rate, sweating, and difficulty focusing, and occasionally people experiencing hypervigilance may even develop recurring panic attacks during everyday activities. Grounding techniques offer relief by working with your nervous system’s natural regulation processes rather than against your survival instincts. If you experience persistent hypervigilance or anxiety, consider seeking professional help. Grounding techniques are not a substitute for professional mental health treatment. Next, we’ll explore what hypervigilance is, how it impacts your daily life, and why understanding your nervous system’s role is crucial for effective grounding. Understanding Hypervigilance and Its Impact Hypervigilance is a state of increased alertness where the brain is constantly looking for perceived dangers. This survival mechanism involves your brain’s threat-detection system working overtime, interpreting neutral situations as potentially dangerous and maintaining readiness to respond to perceived threats at any moment. Fear and negative thoughts often drive the brain’s threat-detection system into overdrive, making it difficult to distinguish between real and imagined threats. Unlike normal alertness that you can turn on and off as needed, hypervigilance represents an inability to “power down” your threat detection system. People with hypervigilance tend to develop certain symptoms or behaviors, such as being unable to relax or disconnect from their environment. Your brain stays activated even during activities that should feel relaxing, leading to exhaustion that rest doesn’t seem to fix. The Nervous System in Hypervigilance Your sympathetic nervous system—responsible for fight-or-flight responses—remains chronically activated during hypervigilant states. This means your body produces stress hormones continuously, keeping your heart rate elevated, muscles tense, and mind racing with anxious thoughts about potential dangers. Physical sensations during hypervigilance include jumpiness at unexpected sounds, difficulty concentrating on tasks, muscle tension that won’t release, and feeling overwhelmed by normal environmental stimuli. People in hypervigilant states tend to experience common symptoms of anxiety such as increased heart rate, sweating, and difficulty focusing. Your body maintains this state because your nervous system believes you’re still in danger, even when logic tells you otherwise. Why Traditional Relaxation Techniques May Fall Short Standard advice to “just relax” or “take deep breaths” often fails when you feel constantly unsafe because your threat detection system interprets relaxation as letting your guard down. When feeling anxious, people tend to avoid relaxation techniques that make them feel vulnerable or less aware of their surroundings. Techniques that involve closing your eyes or becoming less aware of your surroundings can actually increase anxiety and make you feel more vulnerable. This explains why you might find meditation difficult or feel more anxious when trying conventional stress management approaches—your nervous system prioritizes survival over calm. Understanding this helps explain why specialized grounding techniques that maintain environmental awareness while providing nervous system relief work better for hypervigilant states. With this understanding of hypervigilance and your nervous system, let’s look at how grounding can offer immediate and long-term relief. Benefits of Grounding Immediate Relief from Anxiety When you’re struggling with emotional overwhelm, anxiety, or carrying the weight of past trauma, grounding techniques offer you a proven path to reclaim your inner peace and stability. By gently guiding your attention back to this present moment, these powerful tools help soothe your nervous system and provide you with immediate relief from panic attacks or that crushing sense of anxiety that can feel impossible to escape. Building Long-Term Resilience When you practice grounding strategies consistently, you’re giving yourself reliable, expert-backed tools to navigate stress and regain that sense of control that trauma and anxiety can steal from you—even when your world feels like it’s spinning out of control. These aren’t just crisis interventions—they’re life-changing practices you can weave into your daily routine to nurture your overall emotional well-being and build lasting resilience. Over time, grounding helps you develop deeper self-awareness, empowering you to recognize the early warning signs when overwhelm begins to creep in and respond with the effective coping strategies that truly work. Whether you’re facing a particularly challenging day at work, navigating a difficult conversation that triggers old wounds, or working through the complex aftermath of trauma, grounding techniques provide you with a reliable anchor to the present moment, helping you reduce emotional distress while building the inner strength and resilience you need to face whatever challenges your healing journey brings. Now that you know the benefits, let’s explore the essential grounding techniques specifically adapted for hypervigilance and how to categorize them for your needs. Essential Grounding Techniques for Hypervigilance Grounding techniques can be categorized into sensory, mental, and physical strategies. Sensory grounding uses your five senses to anchor you in the present moment, mental grounding involves cognitive exercises to redirect your thoughts, and physical grounding focuses on bodily sensations and movements to establish a sense of stability. These categories often overlap and can be combined for a more comprehensive approach, allowing you to tailor your grounding practice to your unique needs and preferences. The basics of grounding techniques often include simple mental exercises, such as reciting familiar facts or basic sequences, to help manage anxiety and refocus your mind. Some grounding techniques use categories to help you choose and organize sensory details or thoughts, making it easier to structure your focus and decision-making. These approaches help shift your focus from internal anxiety and overwhelming thoughts to concrete, observable details in your immediate surroundings. Grounding techniques can create space from distressing feelings in nearly any situation and help control symptoms of trauma by turning your attention away from thoughts, memories, or worries and refocusing on the present moment. Sensory-Based Grounding Methods Visual grounding involves systematically scanning your environment and noting specific details of safe objects around you. Look for things you can see clearly—the texture of fabric on furniture, patterns in wood grain, or the way light hits different surfaces. This technique allows you to practice grounding while maintaining visual awareness of your space. Tactile grounding focuses on physical sensations you can feel right now. Notice the temperature and texture of your clothing against your skin, the feeling of your feet in your shoes, or the texture of objects within reach. You might hold an ice cube and describe how the cold water feels as it melts, or run your fingers along different surfaces to notice varying textures

    17 min

  2. DEC 8

    Marriage Conflict: What Is Your Fighting Style?

    “How couples argue and disagree about issues appears to be more consequential to the success of marriage than what they argue about or how often they experience conflicts.” To reword the above quote taken from an article by Hanzal and Segrin in the Journal of Family Communication, you could simply say “how we fight has far more influence on the future of our marriage, than what we fight about”. Therefore, our fighting style, or how we fight, really matters. Conflict in marriage arises from differences in preferences, backgrounds, and values between partners. Conflict in marriage is a natural and inevitable part of relationships, as two individuals bring together their unique perspectives, habits, and expectations. Before I get into the different styles of fighting, we need to be aware that gender differences make a big difference in our fights. In fact, a husband and a wife will experience the same fight differently. Not just because they have different perspectives, but because they are different genders. You might not be a typical couple, and that’s not necessarily a problem, but the following things, about how most couples operate are good to keep in mind. Studies show women tend to be more negative in conflict and use confrontational behaviors that say “this is all about me”, rather than the marriage. The behaviors include being demanding, hostile, threatening, insulting and insisting that all the change should come from their husband. Research shows that wives tend to use more destructive conflict behaviors than husbands, which can contribute to higher divorce rates. But to generalize men as well for a moment… Men are more likely to avoid. They get scared of the big emotions, so feel safer avoiding them altogether. Withdrawal behaviors, such as keeping quiet or leaving to cool down, especially when used by either husband, are linked to higher divorce rates. Another thing for men to keep in mind is that the less influence a woman feels she has in her marriage, the bigger the artillery she has to use to gain influence, so the more confrontational she will be. Husbands, if you want a happier wife, receive her influence! Remember, both husband and wife have the same end goal of trying to save the marriage, but they come at it from two completely different angles. Couples who engage in a demand-withdraw pattern, where one partner demands and the other spouse withdraws, are at a higher risk for divorce. Not only do they have different perspectives, but conflict behaviors in the early years of marriage can predict divorce rates over a span of 16 years. Some conflicts in marriage are perpetual and rooted in fundamental differences in personality or lifestyle, and unresolvable conflicts are inherent in all relationships because each partner is a unique person with their own reality. Nearly 70% of all marriage conflicts are considered perpetual and essentially unresolvable, but healthy conflict in marriage can lead to growth and deeper intimacy when managed well. Introduction to Conflict If you’re reading this, you likely understand that conflict is a natural part of your relationship journey—and yes, that includes your marriage. No matter how deeply you love your spouse, you will face moments when disagreements surface—whether they center on finances, parenting decisions, control dynamics, or simply the overwhelming pressures of daily life. Here’s what truly matters: it’s not whether conflict happens in your relationship, but how you and your partner navigate these challenges together as a united team. Learning to resolve conflict in a healthy, constructive way represents one of the most transformative skills you can develop for building the strong, loving marriage you deserve. Your marital conflicts often emerge from the beautiful complexity of bringing together two unique individuals—each of you carries distinct opinions, values, and personality traits that make you who you are. The key lies in approaching these differences with genuine mutual respect and a deep willingness to understand not only your own emotional experience, but your partner’s inner world as well. Effective conflict resolution begins with developing strong communication skills that will serve your relationship for years to come. This means you’ll practice active listening with intention, express your feelings with honesty and vulnerability (while avoiding the destructive patterns of finger-pointing or blame), and together create a safe emotional space where both of you feel truly heard and valued. Relationship expert John Gottman’s research demonstrates that couples who invest in truly listening and empathizing with each other experience far greater success in resolving conflicts and actually strengthening their bond through these challenges. It’s also essential for you to recognize that some disagreements—what Gottman identifies as “perpetual conflicts”—may never find complete resolution, and that’s perfectly normal. Rather than allowing these ongoing issues to create resentment or letting yourselves go to bed carrying anger, you and your partner can work collaboratively to address the deeper underlying concerns and discover constructive pathways forward. By genuinely acknowledging each other’s perspectives and functioning as a true partnership, you can prevent minor tensions from escalating into major threats to your relationship’s foundation. When you or your spouse feels hurt or misunderstood, addressing those vulnerable feelings with genuine care and shared responsibility becomes absolutely crucial. By avoiding blame and focusing your energy on deep understanding, both of you can feel supported and valued, even during moments of disagreement. Remember, your goal isn’t to “win” any argument, but to discover solutions that honor both of your needs while strengthening the intimate connection you share. By making conflict resolution a central priority in your marriage, you’re making a profound investment in a relationship that can not only survive life’s inevitable challenges but actually emerge stronger and more resilient over time. Whether you’re working through a specific difficult situation or simply navigating the everyday complexities of married life, developing the skills to manage conflict with empathy, respect, and open communication will help you build the loving, lasting partnership you both envision for your future together. Anger in Marital Conflict One thing that surprised us in the research for this topic, was that an angry wife has a far greater negative impact on marital satisfaction than an equally angry husband. The Proverb that says ”It is better to live in a desert land than with a quarrelsome and fretful woman” apparently is very true! It’s important to remember that hurt feelings in marriage can occur even when neither spouse has done anything wrong, often due to unmet expectations. Wives need to take their anger seriously! Yes, male anger can be more dangerous (and I don’t want to minimize that in any ways, but in non-abusive marriages a wife’s anger not only lowers their marriage satisfaction but their husband’s as well. The angrier we become (this goes for both husbands and wives but I’m specifically thinking of women), the more tempted we are to use nasty behavior such as demand, withdrawal, contempt, and criticism; all of which are particularly corrosive to marital well-being. Instead, expressing feelings openly and calmly, and acknowledging when you or your spouse feel hurt, can prevent anger from festering and help foster understanding and empathy. When anger has caused hurt, offering a genuine apology is valuable—sincere apologies can help heal wounds and strengthen the bond between partners. Styles Dr. John Gottman identified several marital conflict styles that describe how couples typically handle disagreements. Every marriage has its own particular set of disagreements, often rooted in the unique backgrounds, temperaments, and experiences of the two individuals involved. These differences naturally lead to relationship problems, as couples encounter conflicting desires and expectations. For example, a typical relationship problem might involve disagreements about money, division of chores, or parenting approaches. Couples often find themselves having the same argument repeatedly without resolution, which can lead to feelings of unfair treatment and misunderstanding. It’s important to recognize that most unresolvable marriage conflicts involve differences of opinion rather than moral issues, making it possible for couples to agree to disagree and address these challenges constructively. This model of fighting styles is taken from Dr. Gottman’s study in 1993. The first three are functional and work fine. The last two are considered unstable. 1. Avoiders Typical Behaviors Avoiders don’t think they are avoiders but don’t have any specific strategies for resolving conflict. They may wait stuff out or even talk stuff out, but never really go deep with each other. They kind of state their points, reaffirm their common ground and move on after coming up with some ambiguous solution. Impact on Marriage When issues are left unresolved, couples may end up feeling distant and lonely. Often have the same argument repeatedly without resolution, leading to feelings of unfair treatment and misunderstanding. Avoiders tend to shy away from open conversation, which is essential to solve problems and build intimacy. Couples who avoid discussing their differences are less happy over time, particularly women. Tips for Improvement Agree to start opening up to each other and stop bottling up issues in your marriage. Practice active listening and make time for honest conversations. Consider taking a communication and conflict resolution course like Talk To Me 101. Compromise and find solutions tha

    22 min

  3. NOV 24

    Gaslighting Explained: The Ultimate Guide to What It Is, Why It Happens, and How to Stop It

    Key Takeaways Gaslighting is a form of psychological abuse that makes victims question their memory, perception, and sanity through deliberate manipulation The term is originally derived from the 1938 play “Gas Light” where a husband manipulates his wealthy wife into doubting her reality as he attempts to steal her generational wealth Common tactics include lying, denial, minimizing feelings, blame-shifting, and rewriting history to gain power and control Victims often experience anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and difficulty trusting themselves or others Recovery involves seeking support, documenting incidents, trusting your instincts, and potentially leaving the abusive relationship https://youtu.be/NfJGNfpg2IQ If you’ve ever found yourself constantly second guessing your own memories, wondering if you’re “too sensitive,” or feeling like you’re losing your grip on reality in a relationship, you may be experiencing gaslighting. This insidious form of emotional abuse affects millions of people, leaving them confused, isolated, and questioning their own sanity. It is important to remember that gaslighting is not the victim’s fault; the abusive behavior is a choice made by the gaslighter. Be reassured: you’re not imagining things, and you’re not alone. Gaslighting is a real, documented form of psychological abuse that mental health professionals recognize as deeply harmful. Understanding what gaslighting involves, why people do it, and how to protect yourself is the first step toward reclaiming your reality and your life. What is Gaslighting? Gaslighting is a type of emotional abuse where one person manipulates another into doubting their own memory, perception, and sanity. This deliberate psychological manipulation causes confusion, self-doubt, and increases the victim’s reliance on the abuser. Unlike simple lying or disagreement, gaslighting specifically targets your sense of reality itself. As a result, victims often feel unsure about their own perceptions and reality, further deepening their confusion and vulnerability. The longer gaslighting continues, the more a victim may start to rely on the gaslighter to define reality. The term gaslighting comes from the 1938 play “Angel Street” (later called “Gas Light”) and the 1944 Alfred Hitchcock film adaptation. In the story, a husband systematically manipulates his wife’s environment—dimming the gas lights in their home while insisting she’s only imagining the changes. He denies her perceptions so persistently that she begins to believe she’s losing her mind. This is a classic example of a gaslighter gaslighting their victim, using manipulative tactics to make her question her reality. This deliberate campaign to undermine someone’s grip on reality gave us the word gaslighting. The distinction between gaslighting and other forms of manipulation or lying is crucial. While all relationships involve disagreement and (unfortunately!) even some lying, gaslighting specifically targets one’s sense of reality. It’s not about winning an argument—it’s about making you doubt your own perceptions, memories, and mental stability to gain control. Gaslighters may even suggest you have a bad memory, using phrases like “You’re crazy – that never happened,” to discredit your experiences and undermine your credibility. Gaslighting can occur in romantic relationships, families, workplaces, and friendships. The National Domestic Violence Hotline reports that 74% of women seeking domestic violence support have experienced gaslighting, making it one of the most common forms of psychological abuse. Women and marginalized groups are more likely to experience gaslighting due to systemic power imbalances. Types of Gaslighting Intimate partner gaslighting is the most recognized form, occurring in romantic relationships where an abusive partner systematically undermines the other’s reality. This might involve denying conversations, rewriting relationship history, or making their partner feel “crazy” for having normal emotional reactions. Workplace gaslighting involves colleagues or supervisors undermining your credibility, denying conversations about work assignments, or dismissing your concerns about workplace issues. This form of abuse often targets competent employees to maintain power structures or avoid accountability. Parental gaslighting occurs when caregivers manipulate children’s reality and emotions, denying abusive incidents or rewriting family history. Children who experience this form of abuse often struggle with self-trust and healthy relationship patterns into adulthood. Racial gaslighting involves denying or minimizing experiences of bias and discrimination. This might include dismissing someone’s experiences of racism as “oversensitivity” or claiming that racial bias doesn’t exist in certain situations. Racial gaslighting discredits the experiences of an entire racial or ethnic group to undermine their credibility. Medical gaslighting happens when healthcare providers dismiss patients’ symptoms or concerns, particularly affecting women and minorities who report pain or unusual symptoms. This can lead to delayed diagnoses and serious health consequences. These patterns are examples of an abusive person’s behavior, which can occur in any relationship type. Psychology of the Gaslighter Understanding why people gaslight others reveals a disturbing pattern of power-seeking behavior rooted in deep psychological issues. Gaslighters are primarily motivated by an overwhelming need for power, control, and dominance over others. Manipulative people often use gaslighting as a tactic to achieve their goals. Their actions stem from a fundamental inability to handle accountability, criticism, or perceived threats to their authority. Gaslighting harms those who experience it and leads to increased dependence on the partner who is behaving abusively. Some people who engage in gaslighting behaviors display specific personality traits that make them particularly dangerous in relationships. They typically lack empathy, show excessive need for admiration, and exhibit grandiose self-perception. These individuals often present different faces to different people, maintaining a charming public image while privately tormenting their victims. Gaining control over others is a core motivation for these individuals, driving their persistent use of psychological manipulation. Mental health professionals have identified strong connections between gaslighting behavior and certain mental health disorders. Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is particularly associated with gaslighting, as individuals with NPD require constant validation and cannot tolerate being wrong or challenged. They view relationships as competitions they must win rather than partnerships built on mutual respect. Gaslighting can also contribute to or exacerbate mental illness in victims, leading to conditions such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD. Antisocial personality disorder also correlates with gaslighting behaviors, as these individuals often lack conscience and view others as objects to be manipulated rather than people deserving of respect. However, it’s important to note that not everyone who gaslights has a personality disorder—some learn these behaviors from childhood trauma, dysfunctional family systems, or as part of covering up an addiction. Some gaslighters may be unconscious of their behavior, using reality distortion as a defense mechanism to protect their fragile self-image. However, the most damaging gaslighters are deliberately manipulative, systematically planning their psychological attacks to gain control over their victims. The role of childhood trauma cannot be overlooked in understanding gaslighter psychology. Many people who gaslight others grew up in homes where emotional abuse was normalized, where they learned that manipulation and control were acceptable ways to handle relationships. This doesn’t excuse their behavior, but it helps explain how these destructive patterns develop and perpetuate across generations. Common Gaslighting Tactics Gaslighters use systematic patterns of manipulation designed to confuse, control, and undermine their victims’ confidence. They may dismiss hurtful comments or actions as ‘just a joke’ to minimize their behavior and make the victim question their own feelings. These tactics often escalate in frequency and intensity over time, creating a web of psychological control that becomes increasingly difficult to escape. Recognizing the signs of gaslighting is crucial for understanding emotional abuse and taking steps toward recovery. Outright Lying and Denial One of the most blatant gaslighting techniques involves bold-faced lying, even when evidence clearly proves otherwise. Gaslighters will deny conversations, agreements, or events that obviously occurred, often responding with phrases like “That never happened” or “You’re making things up.” This tactic specifically targets a person’s memory, making them question and doubt their own recollection of events. This reality distortion goes beyond simple dishonesty—it’s a calculated attack on your ability to trust your own memories. When someone consistently denies obvious facts, they’re training you to doubt your own perceptions and rely on their version of reality instead. Gaslighters also create false narratives to justify their actions or behavior. They might claim you misunderstood their intentions, rewrite the history of arguments, or invent entirely fictional motivations for their abusive behavior. This constant reframing of reality keeps victims confused and off-balance. Reality Questioning Perhaps the most insidious tactic involves directly challenging your memory and perception. Gaslighters use phrases like “You’re remembering it wrong” or “It’s all in your head” to m

    22 min

  4. NOV 10

    Is My Spouse a Sex Addict? Understanding This Massive Challenge and Reclaiming Your Marriage

    Discovering that your partner might be struggling with sex addiction can feel overwhelming and frightening. You may be experiencing confusion, deep hurt, or uncertainty about your next steps. If you’re asking yourself, “Is my partner a sex addict?” this article is here to provide you with the understanding and clarity you deserve during this difficult time. Sexual addiction, also known as compulsive sexual behavior or hypersexual disorder, is a complex mental health condition that affects many individuals and the people who love them. Recognizing the signs and understanding the true nature of sex addiction becomes a powerful starting point for addressing its impact on your partner, your relationship, and your emotional well-being. Key Points in This Article Understanding Sex Addiction: Sex addiction is a mental health condition rooted in emotional and psychological wounds, characterized by compulsive behaviors similar to other addictions, affecting about 3% to 10% of the population. Distinguishing Sex Addiction from Healthy Sexuality and Porn Addiction: Unlike healthy sexuality, which fosters emotional connection, sex addiction involves secrecy, shame, and behaviors used to avoid difficult emotions, often linked with broader compulsive sexual activities and pornography use. Signs, Symptoms, and Causes of Sex Addiction: Signs include loss of control, preoccupation with sexual thoughts, risky behaviors, and continuation despite negative consequences, often caused by trauma, family background, neurochemical factors, and co-occurring mental health conditions. Treatment and Support Options for Sex Addiction: Effective treatment includes individual, group, and couples therapy, sometimes medication, and support groups like Sex Addicts Anonymous, focusing on managing urges, addressing emotional wounds, and rebuilding trust. Supporting Partners and Moving Toward Recovery: Supporting a partner involves encouraging professional help, honest communication, boundaries, and patience, with recovery being a long-term process that can restore trust and foster emotional healing. What Is Sex Addiction? Sex addiction is a real, tangible challenge rooted in deeper emotional and psychological wounds—not simply a relationship issue or a matter of willpower. It’s crucial for you to understand that sex addiction isn’t caused by a lack of love or attraction toward you; rather, it stems from underlying psychological struggles that require specialized, professional support. Sex addiction mirrors other addictions, such as substance abuse, involving compulsive behaviors, intense cravings, and difficulty stopping despite devastating consequences. Studies suggest that sex addiction may affect about 3% to 10% of the general population in North America. Additionally, sex addiction occurs more frequently in men than women, with research indicating that for every two to five males with hypersexuality, one woman is affected. This article explores what sex addiction truly is, how it differs from healthy sexuality, the underlying causes, and the proven treatment options available for those ready to reclaim their lives from this condition. Defining Sex Addiction Sex addiction is often misunderstood, creating confusion about what actually constitutes compulsive sexual behavior versus a healthy sexual appetite. It’s important for you to understand that sex addiction isn’t simply having a high sex drive or enjoying frequent sexual activity with your partner. Healthy sexuality involves intimacy, closeness, and affection that foster emotional growth and deeper connection between you and your partner. In contrast, compulsive sexual behavior is characterized by using sexual acts to avoid difficult emotions, ultimately leading to significant amounts of shame, lies, betrayal and alienation within your relationship. Sex Addiction vs. Porn Addiction Sex addiction is also distinct from porn addiction, though the two can be interconnected. While some individuals struggling with sex addiction may frequently engage in pornography or phone sex, sexual addiction encompasses a much broader range of compulsive sexual behaviors. These behaviors include reckless sexual activity, excessive masturbation, frequent one-night stands, infidelity, paying for sexual services, seeking out strangers for sexual encounters, or involvement with sex workers and strip clubs. Cheating on you as their partner is a behavior that arises from the compulsive nature of sex addiction, creating even deeper wounds in your relationship. Moreover, sex addiction is not synonymous with sex offending, although many sex offenders may also struggle with sexual addiction. Criteria for Sex Addiction Mental health professionals rely on specific criteria to identify this disorder, including: Loss of control over sexual actions and compulsive behaviors despite repeated efforts to stop. Preoccupation with sexual thoughts and fantasies that dominate daily life. Inability to fulfill personal, professional, or relational obligations due to compulsive sexual behavior. Continuation of sexual activities despite devastating consequences such as relationship breakdown, legal problems, or physical and mental health deterioration. Escalation of sexual behaviors to satisfy increasing cravings. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when unable to engage in sexual acts. For example, your partner may find themselves engaging in inappropriate sexual conduct even when it puts their work and/or personal health at risk or interferes with their daily responsibilities. Sex Addiction Assessments Sex Addiction Screening Test – Revised (SAST-R) This is one of the most widely used screening tools, which has been used in at least eight published, peer-reviewed empirical studies, and is routinely used in practice at several inpatient residential treatment centers, and by certified sex addiction therapists (CSATs) across the United States, and in other countries (Carnes et al., 2012). Originated in 1989, and has been subsequently revised to adjust to homosexual or female populations. In our practice, we use this as part of a larger assessment called the SDI which is a very comprehensive bundle of assessments which form an effective basis for planning treatment of sexual addiction. However, it is freely available on the Internet and is a great tool to use at the start of therapy to begin to understand the severity of your partner’s addiction. PATHOS Because the SAST is a little bit long, some folks also developed an assessment called PATHOS. It’s just six questions long and has had a couple of studies done already to establish its validity (Carnes et al, 2012): Do you often find yourself preoccupied with sexual thoughts? (Preoccupied) Do you hide some of your sexual behavior from others? (Ashamed) Have you ever sought help for sexual behavior you did not like? (Treatment) Has anyone been hurt emotionally because of your sexual behavior? (Hurt) Do you feel controlled by your sexual desire? (Out of control) When you have sex, do you feel depressed afterwards? (Sad) If your spouse answers “yes” to 3 or more of those questions, we gently recommend that you reach out to a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist who can walk alongside you on this healing journey. Please remember that this is an informal assessment, and there’s always the possibility of false positives or negatives—connecting with a qualified, compassionate clinician will help you gain the clarity and support you deserve for a proper understanding of your situation. We encourage you to approach self-diagnosis with care and kindness toward yourself. For instance, you might consider the example of a 22-year-old who is struggling with pornography—perhaps viewing it once a week. He could easily answer yes to 4, 5, or even 6 of those questions, but labeling him as a sex addict would really overstate and misrepresent the true nature of his challenge and potentially cause unnecessary distress. Many of the young adults we’ve had the privilege of supporting through pornography concerns find their path to recovery and maintain lasting sobriety after just 10 to 14 counseling sessions. In contrast, someone with a more complex sex addiction typically embarks on a deeper 3 to 5-year therapeutic journey to build the robust foundation of sobriety and healing they deserve. Your journey is unique, and there’s hope and specialized care available no matter where you find yourself today. The Addictive Cycle As compulsive sexual behaviors escalate, individuals often experience intense excitement or heightened arousal that reinforces the addictive cycle, making it even harder to break free. This cycle is influenced by the type of dopamine response triggered by different types of sexual stimuli or behaviors, which can further entrench the addiction. These signs and symptoms reflect a serious impulse control disorder that deserves the addict’s attention and compassionate care. There are various types of proven therapy available to address sex addiction, and treatment is often tailored to your partner’s individual needs and any co-occurring mental health conditions. If you’re concerned about your own or your partner’s behaviors, take a moment to journal about the patterns you’ve noticed. This can help you determine whether these behaviors fit the patterns of sex addiction and guide you toward the support you both deserve. Differences Between Addictive and Healthy Sexuality Understanding the contrast between addictive and healthy sexuality can help you gain clarity about whether your partner’s sexual behaviors might indicate a serious problem. Characteristics of Addictive Sexuality Addictive sexuality often involves shame, secrecy, and dishonesty, frequently compromising personal values and creating self-destructive patterns. It may rely on fear, reenact childhood abuse, disconnect individuals from their authentic selves, and

    21 min

  5. OCT 27

    Loving a Sexual Abuse Survivor: A Partner’s Practical Guide

    Loving someone who is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is a journey many walk but few discuss openly. As the partner, you stand in a unique and often challenging place. You may feel confused by triggers, hurt by what feels like rejection, and helpless in your desire to connect with the person you love. The past trauma can feel like a third person in your marriage, impacting everything from sexual intimacy to everyday affection. You are not alone in this. And more importantly, there is hope. Healing is possible, not just for the survivor, but for the relationship. We invited author, speaker, and survivor Mary DeMuth to Normalize therapy for a compassionate and practical conversation. She and her husband, Patrick, have navigated this path and offer a rare window into the journey from both sides. https://youtu.be/XcpGYV0JfJ8 Here is an edited transcript of our conversation, offering practical wisdom for partners who are committed to loving their spouse toward healing. Meet Mary DeMuth: A Survivor’s Perspective Caleb: Mary, thank you so much for joining us. Your willingness to speak on difficult topics like this is a lifeline for so many. Before we dive in, for listeners who may not be familiar with your story, could you share a little bit about why this topic is so close to your heart? Mary: Yeah. So as you mentioned, I am a survivor of sexual assault in, uh, several different kinds of forms, primarily one year as a kindergartner, uh, for multiple times. And so there’s just a lot of sexual brokenness there. Knowing the statistics and knowing how many people, whether men or women who have been sexually assaulted… it deeply impacts your intimate relationships. And… no one ever talked to us about it, and it was not an easy climb out of that hole. So I just am here to offer some hope because there were many years where I felt hopeless about it. The “Hottie For Your Honey Seminar”: Why Culture Gets Sex Wrong for Survivors Caleb: In one of your articles, Mary, you described being at a woman’s conference where the speaker was exhorting women to be a “hottie for your honey”. And… your description of feeling so uncomfortable and out of place… you also use the phrase of feeling like a “skinny girl at a sumo wrestling seminar,” that kind of really powerful image of feeling alienated. Can you talk about that gap between the common cultural or church narrative about marital sex and the actual reality for survivors of childhood sexual abuse? Mary: I remember sitting in that room… and I was so mad. I knew the statistics and I knew that between anywhere from 40 to 75% of those women had been sexually assaulted in some way. And for them to be forced or pressured… to act a certain way, was hard enough for someone with no injury, but… almost impossible for someone with sexual injury. There’s two problems. One problem is, as a survivor of sexual abuse, some of the things they were telling us to do were impossible for me, at least at that time. The second part was that in a lot of these spaces… they’ll be like, “Don’t have sex before marriage”. Okay, great. The moment you’re married, then suddenly… you have to just be a hundred percent okay with everything when you’ve been told that it’s bad and awful and terrible up until that point. So if you take those two things together, if you’re a sexual abuse victim and you’ve been raised in that kind of evangelical complex… it makes for a very disappointing and freaked out… wedding night. Caleb: Yeah. And then day of marriage, you’re supposed to flip a switch… I can’t even imagine layering on top of that when you’re a survivor of sexual violence and your body is just like, “What? This is safe now?” It’s very confusing. Beyond the Bedroom: When Even a Hug Feels Unsafe Caleb: And so while it… makes sense that the sexual intimacy is a huge challenge, you’ve also written about how trauma affects… everyday non-sexual affection too. You used… this beautiful and kind of funny metaphor about it being easier to “chase an aloof cat” than to hug your own family sometimes. Can you unpack that for us? How does the trauma footprint extend beyond sex into daily acts of physical touch? Mary: Well typically, and not always, but typically in an abusive situation, um, your body helps you by disassociating you. For instance, when I was being harmed… as a five-year-old, I’d fly up to the top of the trees. I would dissociate from it. And… that becomes this like safety pattern for you… this fear of connecting with your body. I also was raised in a home where there was very little affection. I had to beg for it. And so when my kids would be injured, I knew what the right thing to do was. I knew that I needed to comfort them. I needed to wrap my arms around them. …but that was not innate to me. And I, so I had to tell myself to do those things… My fallback was to disassociate. And so I had to coach myself internally. Like, “Your child is crying. They need a hug”. …there’s a huge vulnerability in eye to eye contact or kissing or hugging. You… open yourself up… to be harmed if you’re vulnerable that way. Caleb: …it makes a lot of sense that it does have that reach. And it’s almost like you had to coach yourself into that… real time… to remind yourself, “Okay, this is safe right here. This is my child.” Mary: Yes, at along with a begging of the Lord, “Please help me do this naturally”. …there was a real ache inside of me of I just… I’m tired of coaching myself and I want this to be a natural thing. The Partner’s View: “Why Doesn’t She Love Me This Way?” Caleb: …just shifting a little bit toward the partner experience. One of the things that you have written about… is from your husband, Patrick. …he wrote part of, Not Marked. …at the end of every chapter, he shares his perspective. For the husband or partner listening right now who feels… completely lost or just… unsure, what were some of Patrick’s initial reactions, uh, misunderstandings when you realized the depth of how your past was impacting your present? Mary: I think part of the problem was… myself. When we started dating, I’ve, I’m always a very open book… He knew all about the sexual abuse. But I couched it in, “But God has healed me”. Not understanding that the moment I had sex, I would be 100% triggered. Not realizing that I would be on layers and layers and layers of healing for the rest of my life. So… to be fair to him, I… did disclose. He thought everything was fine. ’cause I told him it was fine. And the moment we got married… I just pushed it down because I wanted to be this godly Christian wife. Any sort of… terror or fear, I just tolerated it. Now that is not fun for a couple. And then… his bewilderment over, “Why… does she have to psych herself up and why doesn’t she love me this way?” “Why is it hard? It’s like a chore for her, but for me it’s a delight”. …for several years I just pretended… because I wanted to be a good Christian girl. Caleb: …it makes sense too that when you… don’t really have a frame for fully understanding what’s going on, like perhaps in Patrick’s case, it’s easy to blame yourself or to… interpret it as rejection. Mary: 100%. He felt rejected. I mean, it’s a valid feeling because it happened. …it wasn’t intentional. I was… trying my hardest, but it still feels that way. I think… he even said once he was just… really, really mad at those neighborhood boys that did that to me as a 5-year-old… because they stole something from our marriage. And I agree they did. The Turning Point: From Helpless Anger to Empathetic Partner Caleb: In one article I read Patrick wrote with incredible honesty about his own journey from feeling helpless and angry… to becoming a safe place for you. What… was that turning point for him? Mary: When I was writing, Not Marked… he started reading some books about… trauma and sexual trauma and his eyes were really open. And he… was like, “Oh my gosh… You are trying so hard. And you, I thought you weren’t trying at all”. …there’s this metaphor… I talked about this maze… I was at the end of the maze and there were a hundred obstacles before I would make it to the end. He was at toward the end of the maze and had to make maybe two or three turns to get to the end. …he finally realized that I was at the back of the maze and I was just beginning my journey. …he thinks we’re starting at the same place. But I’m way back here. Caleb: …it makes a ton of sense. And I… love the fact that he read books too. …it sounds like that was a real turning point for him just getting educated about the experience of survivors. Practical Advice for Partners: How to Rebuild Safety and Trust Initiating Intimacy Without Causing a Trigger Caleb: What practical advice can you offer partners on how to initiate intimacy, both emotional and physical, in a way that feels safe and honoring to their survivor spouse? Mary: A sexual abuse victim had no agency… and obviously no intimacy before that happened. …a sexual abuse victim feels raped, even though it is not the intention of the spouse. They would be completely devastated to hear that. But it’s a reality. And so you have to be extra cautious about… approaching your spouse if you’ve done no deposits into the relational bank. [We] will just feel so used, like “I’m just a body to you.” …it will trigger us back. Now that’s a different thing… than them doing something that triggers you. So that’s, that requires an honest conversation. …it’s very delicate. But I found that as we were more honest in those areas… there was a relief that came. …it’s better if we’re honest, even though it’s… so scary. …once we… jumped over that hurdle, things got

    47 min

  6. OCT 13

    Is Past Trauma Affecting Your Singing Voice?

    For many performers, the voice can feel like a mystery. You practice the techniques, you know the music, but a persistent block, chronic tension, or crippling stage fright holds you back from your true potential. What if the root of that struggle isn’t in your technique, but in your history? The body keeps a score of our experiences, and for a singer, whose very instrument is their body, the impact of past trauma can be profound. Unresolved trauma can manifest as physical “body armoring,” a deep sense of being unsafe on stage, and a destructive inner critic. To explore this powerful connection, Therapevo’s Caleb Simonyi-Gindele sat down with our colleague Ron de Jager. Ron lives at the unique intersection of world-class performance and clinical counselling. As a Doctor of Musical Arts, an accomplished vocalist, and a specialist therapist, he offers a unique and compassionate perspective on what it takes to heal the instrument and set your voice free. https://youtu.be/h67KrGHF7hg Here is a polished transcript of their conversation. Why is a singer’s experience of trauma so profoundly different? Caleb: For our listeners, can you start by explaining one of the powerful statements from your research: “A singer’s body is his or her instrument.” Why does that make a singer’s experience of trauma so profoundly different? Ron: I started as a pianist, so my instrument was here in front of me. It was me and the instrument, and the audience was there. Then all of a sudden, you take that away and it’s just me. That becomes a much more vulnerable situation. When you’re vulnerable, more things will start to show up. We might be a little bit naive in thinking that we’ve got it masked and covered very well, but sometimes the audience is pretty perceptive. No matter our best job at covering it, our body will still show certain things. As a singing teacher, I started to become aware of those things, like, “Where is that showing up, why is it showing up, and what is it indicative of?” It’s a symptom of something rather than just being the problem. Just something like getting nervous—if you get a little nervous when you’re speaking, the voice can start to quiver, you don’t get enough breath underneath it, and all of a sudden you squeak and crack. That body stuff might show up more for singers than other kinds of musicians because it’s just you and your voice out there. How can past trauma manifest in a singer’s performance? Caleb: You’ve said that trauma affects the entire organism—physical, mental, social, and spiritual. Can you give us an example of how a past trauma, like childhood sexual abuse, might manifest in a singer’s voice or performance in a way that most of us would probably not even recognize? Ron: For sure. Especially if it’s undealt with, it can show up physically in different ways. Some things that I’ve noticed with singers is locking through the lower abdominal areas, through the solar plexus, and right into the pelvis. It can be in the knees and the buttocks as well. All those areas will just lock and get tense. It can be jaw or tongue tension as well. You can see it sometimes if the individual is really trying to get sound out without releasing; you can see trembling in the lower abdominal area. Jaw tension is often a position of “we’re not going to let anybody in.” In a place where you’re trying to express very openly and freely, when you’re not letting people in, people can see something’s going on there. If the tongue is really tense, it will pull the larynx high, which means you’re going to have to work extra hard. Imagine if we’ve got tension here, and here, and we’re trying to make a free sound—how much that’s going to hold the singer back, not just in their sound, but in their storytelling. You’re working against all these roadblocks. How can singing be both healing and re-traumatizing? Caleb: Many people see singing as a joyful and expressive act. How does unresolved trauma create a paradox where the very act of singing can be both a source of potential healing and, simultaneously, a source of re-traumatization? Ron: Music is such an amazing healer, and we can never underestimate that. From a singer’s standpoint, the fact that we have to inhale from a really deep place and then release breath—that breathing itself is cathartic. But then feeling that all of a sudden we can make sounds, that we actually have a voice and that voice matters. Often with abuse, the voice is squelched, physically or psychologically. If there was ever a time when the individual felt that their voice didn’t matter, all of a sudden it starts to matter. You have something worth saying. And you don’t have to just say it with words; you can say it with music added to it, because there’s so much more behind it. At the same time, it can be retraumatizing. I never really thought about this until I was working with singers more and I would ask them to breathe low. You’d think, “Why can’t they let go? Just breathe.” But especially if there’s been childhood sexual abuse, we’re asking them to release the very part of their body where they were violated. There’s no wonder they can’t. So this is a much more gentle process, and you have to be patient. It’s about finding that space that’s safe to let go. That part can be incredibly healing—letting go of the violation as well while you’re breathing. What is “body armoring” and what are the signs? Caleb: You use the term “body armoring.” In your work with singers, what are the first things you look for that tell you that their technical struggle is possibly more rooted in trauma rather than a lack of training? Ron: That’s a great question. I think it’s probably the persistence of whatever technical thing that we’re trying to overcome, that there’s just no release in it. When you listen to a singer, some things you watch for are physical things. Is there actual holding on? Is there tension? How about the release of breath? Can they actually just sigh and make it sound consistent? Then the actual sound can tell you a fair amount. The rate of vibrato, which is just a natural wave if the voice is free. If that vibrato is typically really fast, we call that a tremolo. If it gets really wide, we call that a wobble. That can be from a lack of proper breath movement or hypertension through here. The sound can tell you a lot. And lastly, how they interpret a piece. Are there certain pieces that are traumatic for them that they just can’t connect with?Maybe it’s too close to home for them to connect with where they’re at in their journey. How does attachment history make the stage feel unsafe? Caleb: Performers often seek validation from an audience. How might a history of insecure attachment, which so often stems from childhood trauma, amplify that need for approval and turn the stage into a place that feels very unsafe? Ron: If there’s been a time when an attachment has been broken, especially between primary caregivers like a father or mother, it definitely transfers over into, “We want to be accepted and we want to be good enough.” Especially if a parent expected more of a child, and what they did was never good enough. No matter how hard the child strove, they could never reach that full approval. If we translate that into going in front of an audience, it’s almost like the performer can put the burden of the response on the audience before they’ve even performed. “I know that they’re not going to like me because my technique isn’t up to snuff, and Sally Jane, who just sang before me, is a much stronger singer. They’re going to like her better.” All those thoughts are racing through someone’s head. That’s a huge burden to carry. And then to say, “I’ve got this incredible message I want to share with you,” and yet it’s hampered by all this going on in the mind. It’s just the hamster wheel. It’s exhausting. So working through where that lack of validation started and how is it different now? And taking that burden off the audience. What if we actually allow them to just respond however they’re going to respond? It’s about trusting the process more than trying to exert so much control over it. Can trauma cause a literal or psychological loss of voice? Caleb: You wrote, “When the silenced voice is that of a singer, issues of both childhood sexual abuse and singing are compounded.” Can you unpack that a little bit? Are we talking about a literal loss of vocal function, a psychological block, or both? Ron: It can be both. There’s something called Muscle Tension Dysphonia, which can come from a variety of things, and one of them is trauma. I have worked with singers who have experienced trauma and within a few days, lost their voice because something traumatic happened. The muscles through here get really tight. So it can be psychological that affects the physical, for sure. Another one is called Mutational Falsetto or Puberphonia. That can happen with young men when they’re going through puberty. It just means the voice doesn’t change. Typically the voice will drop an octave, but with Puberphonia, they’ll go right through it and the voice won’t drop.Those are sometimes indicative of something traumatic that’s happened where the young man just can’t get through into that lower voice. How can a teacher create safety and avoid triggering a student? Caleb: It was fascinating to read that even specific pedagogical exercises can be triggering for a singer. When a singer works with you, how do you create that sense of safety that allows them to explore their voice without that fear of being re-traumatized? Ron: I just discovered this more and more into my years of teaching, when I started to become more sensitive towards things that could possibly be triggering. For example, alignment and b

    38 min

  7. SEP 29

    How Do I Know When My Marriage Is Beyond Repair?

    Key Takeaways Dr. John Gottman’s research identifies four critical predictors of divorce: criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling Safety must come first – marriages involving abuse cannot and should not be repaired until the abusive partner commits to change Many seemingly hopeless marriages can be saved through emotion-focused therapy when both partners show willingness to reconnect The presence of fundamental respect, shared values, and mutual commitment to growth often indicates a marriage worth saving Professional intervention through couples therapy significantly improves outcomes for distressed marriages when both partners participate https://youtu.be/wvZFraXEKyQ Asking yourself “how do I know when my marriage is beyond repair” represents one of the most painful moments in any relationship. When your marriage feels broken beyond repair, it’s natural to wonder if the damage can ever be undone. The constant fear that your entire relationship has reached an irretrievable breaking point can create an overwhelming emotional toll on your physical and mental health. Yet here’s what decades of research in emotion-focused couples therapy reveals: not all marriages that feel beyond repair actually are. While some relationships face truly insurmountable challenges, many couples who believe their marriage is beyond saving can rebuild their emotional connection and create a healthy relationship through professional guidance and mutual commitment to the healing process. Understanding the difference between a troubled marriage experiencing severe distress and one that’s genuinely beyond repair requires examining specific warning signs, recognizing when safety concerns must take priority, and knowing when hope for rebuilding remains possible. Immediate Warning Signs Your Marriage May Be In Serious Danger When couples find themselves feeling uncertain about their relationship’s future, certain warning signs indicate that immediate intervention is necessary. These symptoms don’t necessarily mean your marriage is beyond repair, but they signal that professional help is urgently needed to prevent further deterioration. Complete emotional shutdown represents one of the most serious warning signs. When one partner or both partners feel absolutely nothing positive toward each other anymore, the emotional distance has reached a critical point. This goes beyond temporary disconnection during stressful periods—it’s a persistent state where spending time together feels forced and artificial. Persistent contempt emerges through eye-rolling, name-calling, mocking behavior, and deliberate attempts to make your spouse feel inferior. Unlike healthy disagreements that focus on specific issues, contempt attacks your partner’s character and worth as a person. This toxic environment creates lasting damage to self-esteem and mutual respect. Total communication breakdown lasting months or years without any genuine attempts at resolution indicates that both partners have essentially given up on genuine communication. When conversations only involve logistics about daily life or escalate immediately into harmful behaviors, the foundation for rebuilding trust becomes severely compromised. Repeated betrayals involving infidelity, financial deception, or other major violations of trust—especially when accompanied by no genuine remorse or commitment to change—create a pattern that becomes increasingly difficult to overcome. The repeated betrayals destroy the safety necessary for emotional intimacy to survive. Active avoidance of each other and complete refusal to discuss relationship issues may indicate that one or both partners have emotionally checked out. When couples live separate lives under the same roof and actively avoid quality time together, they’re functioning more like hostile roommates than married partners. Spouse refuses all forms of marriage counseling or professional intervention, demonstrating an unwillingness to acknowledge problems or work toward solutions. When one partner categorically rejects the possibility of change or growth, the prognosis becomes much more challenging. The Four Horsemen: Gottman’s Predictors of Divorce Dr. John Gottman’s groundbreaking research spanning over four decades has identified four communication patterns that predict divorce with remarkable accuracy. These “Four Horsemen” represent toxic patterns that gradually erode the foundation of even previously strong marriages. Understanding these patterns helps distinguish between relationships experiencing temporary distress and those facing more serious threats. Criticism vs. Complaints Healthy marriages involve addressing problems through specific complaints that focus on particular behaviors or situations. Destructive criticism, however, attacks your partner’s character rather than addressing the underlying issues causing conflict. Constructive complaint: “I felt hurt when you forgot our anniversary dinner because it’s important to me that we celebrate our milestones together.” Destructive criticism: “You never remember anything important because you’re completely selfish and don’t care about anyone but yourself.” Notice how criticism uses absolute language like “always” and “never” while attacking character traits rather than specific actions. This pattern gradually erodes your spouse’s self-esteem and creates defensive reactions that prevent meaningful problem-solving. Contempt: The Most Dangerous Horseman Among the Four Horsemen, contempt stands as the strongest predictor of divorce when left untreated. Contempt involves deliberate attempts to make your partner feel inferior through expressions of disgust, superiority, and emotional cruelty. Common contempt behaviors include: Eye-rolling during conversations Name-calling and verbal insults Mocking your partner’s concerns or feelings Sarcastic responses designed to hurt Acting morally superior or talking down to your spouse Contempt destroys the emotional safety required for vulnerable communication and creates a toxic environment where emotional support becomes impossible. When contempt becomes a regular pattern, it signals that the fundamental respect necessary for a healthy marriage has been severely damaged. Defensiveness and Stonewalling Defensiveness occurs when partners respond to legitimate concerns by playing the victim, making excuses, or counter-attacking rather than taking responsibility for their actions. While occasional defensive reactions are normal, chronic defensiveness prevents couples from resolving conflicts constructively. Stonewalling involves completely shutting down emotionally during conversations, often accompanied by physical withdrawal like leaving the room or refusing to respond. Men tend to stonewall more frequently than women, often as a response to feeling emotionally overwhelmed or criticized. Both defensiveness and stonewalling prevent the honest communication necessary for addressing deeper issues in the relationship. When these patterns become entrenched, couples find themselves stuck in negative cycles where every attempt at connection leads to greater emotional distance. When Safety Must Come First: Marriages Involving Abuse Any marriage involving abuse cannot and should not be repaired until safety is established and the abusive partner demonstrates sustained commitment to change. This represents an absolute boundary where the question of whether the marriage is beyond repair becomes secondary to protecting the victim’s well being. Physical violence of any kind—hitting, pushing, blocking, throwing objects, or any form of physical intimidation—creates an environment where genuine therapeutic work becomes impossible. The constant fear generated by domestic violence prevents the emotional vulnerability required for healing and rebuilding trust. Emotional abuse through threats, intimidation, extreme control tactics, isolation from family members, financial abuse, or persistent verbal attacks creates equally harmful psychological damage. Victims of emotional abuse often struggle to recognize the severity of their situation because the abuse may be intermittent or justified by the abuser as “loving” or “caring.” Critical safety considerations: The abused partner cannot work on marriage issues while living in constant fear or under coercive control. Professional safety planning and often separation are necessary before any repair attempts can begin. Marriage counseling is actually contraindicated when active abuse is present, as it can escalate danger for the victim. In these cases, the abusive partner must demonstrate sustained commitment to change through individual therapy specifically addressing abusive behaviors, accountability groups, and consistent behavior modification over an extended period—typically measured in years, not months. Only after these safeguards are in place and the abusive partner is showing sustained commitment to reform over time would it be reasonable to consider engaging in couple’s therapy. Victims should contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support, safety planning, and resources. Local domestic violence organizations can provide legal guidance, emergency housing, and specialized counseling services designed for abuse survivors. Important note: Again, couples therapy should never be attempted while abuse is ongoing. Individual therapy for both partners, with specialized treatment for the abuser, must occur first. Only after sustained safety and genuine accountability can any form of relationship work be considered. Signs Your Marriage Can Still Be Saved While recognizing warning signs is crucial, understanding when hope remains possible can prevent couples from giving up prematurely on relationships that could be restored. Even marriages experiencing sever

    43 min

  8. SEP 15

    Symptoms of Pornography Withdrawal: A Complete Guide

    Key Takeaways Pornography withdrawal can cause both psychological symptoms (anxiety, depression, irritability) and physical symptoms (insomnia, fatigue, headaches), commonly referred to as porn addiction withdrawal symptoms (PAWS). The most common porn withdrawal symptoms include intense cravings, mood swings, difficulty concentrating, and sleep disturbances that typically peak within the first week. Additionally, increased sexual thoughts that are difficult to control and irritability are frequently reported. Withdrawal symptoms occur because regular pornography use alters brain chemistry and dopamine pathways, creating dependency similar to other behavioral addictions. Symptoms usually last anywhere from a few days to several weeks, with severity depending on frequency and duration of previous pornography use. Professional support and healthy coping strategies can help manage withdrawal symptoms and prevent relapse during the recovery process. https://youtu.be/ol8Ypi3v5hk If you’ve made the brave decision to quit porn, you may find yourself experiencing unexpected physical and emotional changes. These withdrawal symptoms are your brain’s natural response to breaking free from a behavioral addiction that has rewired your neural pathways over time. Professional help is often recommended to manage these symptoms and navigate the recovery process successfully. Understanding what to expect during this recovery journey and having a competent addictions counselor walking through it with you can help you navigate the challenges ahead with greater confidence and self-compassion, leading to stronger sobriety. The symptoms of pornography withdrawal are real, well-documented, and temporary. While the experience can feel overwhelming, especially in the first few weeks, recognizing these symptoms as part of your healing process is an important step toward lasting recovery and improved well being. Understanding Pornography Withdrawal Pornography withdrawal happens when someone who has developed a strong porn habit suddenly cuts back or stops using pornography altogether. This change sets off a complex series of neurobiological adjustments as the brain learns to function without the artificial dopamine rush that comes from watching porn. These brain changes are similar to those seen in other addictive behaviors, where compulsive use leads to dependence and then withdrawal symptoms. The intensity of these symptoms often relates directly to the severity of the addiction. When you regularly watch pornography, your brain chemistry—especially the dopamine pathways that govern pleasure, motivation, and reward—undergoes significant shifts. Over time, your brain gets used to these intense dopamine spikes, which can lead to tolerance. This means you might need more stimulating or novel content to feel the same satisfaction as before. This neuroadaptation plays a central role in what makes pornography addictive. Just like other addictive behaviors, repeated pornography use can trigger withdrawal symptoms resembling those experienced in substance addiction. Additionally, changes in libido, including a drop in sexual desire, are common after quitting as the brain recalibrates. The experience of withdrawal shares many features with other behavioral addictions such as gambling or compulsive gaming. However, unlike drug or substance addiction, porn withdrawal generally does not involve severe physical dangers, though it can produce significant psychological symptoms driven by dopamine dependence. While the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) does not currently recognize pornography addiction as a formal diagnosis, compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD) is discussed within the context of behavioral addictions. This highlights the importance of recognizing and understanding these conditions for effective treatment. It’s important to note that not everyone who stops using pornography will face withdrawal symptoms. Those most likely to experience them are individuals who have engaged in compulsive sexual behavior, used pornography daily over long periods, or relied on porn as their main way to manage stress or sexual release. Early evidence suggests that pornography withdrawal shares traits with other behavioral and addictive disorders, underscoring the need for more research and clinical focus. Psychological Symptoms of Pornography Withdrawal The psychological symptoms of pornography withdrawal often emerge within 24-48 hours and represent some of the most challenging aspects of the recovery process. Physical symptoms, such as insomnia and muscle tension, may also accompany these psychological changes. Understanding these mental health changes can help you prepare for what lies ahead. Anxiety and Panic Attacks Many people experience withdrawal symptoms in the form of heightened anxiety and, in some cases, panic attacks. This anxiety often stems from the brain’s struggle to regulate emotions without its usual coping mechanism. The anxiety may feel particularly intense during times when you would normally watch porn, such as when alone and stressed. Depression and Emotional Numbness Depression frequently accompanies porn addiction withdrawal as the brain’s reward system recalibrates. You might experience persistent sadness, feelings of hopelessness, or a condition known as anhedonia – the inability to feel pleasure from activities you once enjoyed. This emotional flatness is temporary but can be particularly distressing during the early recovery period. For other people, withdrawal can actually alleviate symptoms of depression and feelings of numbness. Intense Cravings and Urges Perhaps the most significant or likely withdrawal symptom involves powerful cravings to return to pornography use. These urges can be triggered by stress, boredom, loneliness, or even seemingly unrelated stimuli that your brain has associated with porn consumption. The intensity of these cravings typically peaks in the first week but may continue in waves throughout the recovery journey. Brain Fog and Concentration Difficulties Many individuals report experiencing brain fog – a mental cloudiness that makes it difficult to think clearly, focus on tasks, or remember information. This cognitive impairment can affect work performance, academic achievement, and decision-making abilities. The brain fog typically improves as your neural pathways heal and adapt to natural stimulation levels. Mood Swings and Irritability Emotional volatility is common during pornography withdrawal. You might find yourself experiencing rapid mood swings, becoming easily frustrated, or having angry outbursts over minor triggers. These emotional fluctuations reflect your brain’s efforts to restore emotional equilibrium without artificial stimulation. These mood swings or the irritability may also be revealing the fact that your coping mechanism of choice is no longer available to you and so you will need to learn new ways of tolerating, expressing, and processing difficult emotions. Social Withdrawal and Relationship Challenges The recovery process often involves increased social anxiety and a tendency to withdraw from friends, family, and social situations. This isolation may stem from shame about past behaviors, fear of triggers in social settings, or simply the emotional exhaustion that accompanies withdrawal. Again, for other people the withdrawal may actually have the opposite effect of opening you back up to friendships or social networks you may have been drifting away from. Not everyone’s experience is the same! Physical Symptoms of Pornography Withdrawal While pornography addiction is primarily psychological, the physical symptoms during withdrawal can be surprisingly pronounced and uncomfortable. Sleep Disturbances and Insomnia Sleep problems represent one of the most common physical symptoms of porn withdrawal. Many people struggle to fall asleep, experience frequent night wakings, or have vivid dreams related to sexual content. These sleep disturbances occur because pornography often served as a sleep aid, and the brain must now learn alternative ways to wind down. There may also be latent sexual material in your mind and nervous system that will take a while to defuse, sometimes leading to nocturnal emissions (for men). Fatigue and Low Energy Persistent tiredness and low energy levels are frequently reported during the early stages of withdrawal. This fatigue results from the brain’s energy-intensive process of neuroplasticity – literally rewiring itself to function without pornography. The fatigue typically improves as the brain adapts to more sustainable energy patterns. Sexual Dysfunction and Changes in Sexual Desire Paradoxically, many people experience a temporary decrease in sexual desire or erectile dysfunction after quitting pornography. This “flatline” period occurs because the brain is readjusting its response to natural sexual stimuli after years of artificial overstimulation. While concerning, this temporary loss of sex drive typically resolves as the brain heals. Physical Discomfort and Tension Headaches, muscle aches, and general physical tension are common during withdrawal. Some individuals also report restlessness, difficulty sitting still, and an overall sense of physical discomfort. Less commonly, people may experience nausea, sweating, or mild tremors, particularly during the acute withdrawal phase. Changes in Appetite Both increased and decreased appetite can occur during pornography withdrawal. Some people find themselves eating more as they seek alternative sources of dopamine, while others lose interest in food entirely. Maintaining proper nutrition becomes especially important during this time to support brain health and recovery. Timeline of Withdrawal Symptoms Understanding the typical progression of withdrawal symptoms can help set realistic expectations for your recove

    23 min
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About

Formerly: The Marriage Podcast for Smart People

Information

  • Creator
    Caleb & Verlynda Simonyi-Gindele
  • Years Active
    2014 - 2025
  • Episodes
    310
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Caleb & Verlynda Simonyi-Gindele, 2025. For personal self-help use only.
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    Normalize therapy.

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