Understanding SSSA: Same-Sex Sexual Attraction

Are you a highly sensitive / high sensing person (HSP)? Mike Vaughn explains why sensitivity may be the #1 predictor of addiction, how to find out where you fall in the spectrum of sensitivity, and practical wisdom on navigating daily life without getting overstimulated. If you have felt like being sensitive is a weakness, this episode will help you understand and appreciate why sensitivity is a strength.Take the free self-test to see if you are highly sensitive or high sensation-seeking: hsperson.com/test/Mike Vaughn leads Bethesda Workshops as its Executive Director. Mike is an accomplished business leader and therapist, specializing in the areas of sex addiction recovery, intensive therapy, marriage therapy and trauma. Mike co-founded SureHope Counseling & Training Center (a large outpatient group practice) in Charlotte, NC, and has over 20 years of experience as a therapist. Mike continues to share his work nationwide as a national conference speaker with over 100 television appearances and is the author of an ebook for therapists on providing intensive therapy. Learn more about Mike and intensive therapy at counselingpracticecoach.comBethesda Workshops provides a place of healing for those damaged by pornography and other forms of compulsive sexual behavior, offering Christian-based, short-term, clinical workshops for male sex addicts, female sex addicts, partners of addicts, couples affected by sexual addiction, and adolescents and their parents. Learn more at bethesdaworkshops.orgSend us Fan MailTake the Husband Material Journey...Step 1: Listen to this podcast or watch on YouTubeStep 2: Join the private Husband Material CommunityStep 3: Take the free mini-course: How To Outgrow PornStep 4: Try the all-in-one program: Husband Material AcademyThanks for listening!

In this powerful teaching from the Same-Sex Connection Conference, Drew Boa breaks down the difference between SSA, SSSA, and sexualized attachment. You'll learn the 4 P's of attraction (preference, pleasure, pull, and power), the 5 types of intimacy, and why unmet attachment needs often get sexualized. This episode provides practical vocabulary and clarifies the truth that same-sex attraction is meant to lead you into healthy same-sex connection.Check out the SSA Coaching app!The SSA Coaching app helps you...Process your story with curiosity and compassionBuild strong friendships and own your masculinityLive in alignment with your Christian valuesInside, you’ll find:A personalized plan shaped around your sexual story, your values, and your goals.Daily lessons and guided reflections exploring SSA and SSSA through the lens of Internal Family Systems (IFS), sexual development, faith, and healthy brotherhood.Text and audio learning options, so you can read or listen anytime, anywhere.An AI coach that helps you reflect and put what you’re learning into practice.Get started now at ssacoaching.com.Mentioned in this episode:Healing & Recovery: Perspective For Young Men with Sexualized Attachments by Dr. Floyd GodfreySend us Fan MailTake the Husband Material Journey...Step 1: Listen to this podcast or watch on YouTubeStep 2: Join the private Husband Material CommunityStep 3: Take the free mini-course: How To Outgrow PornStep 4: Try the all-in-one program: Husband Material AcademyThanks for listening!

Unprocessed loss is one of the most common drivers of unwanted sexual behavior. When we don't allow ourselves to grieve, pain stays trapped in the body until it comes out sideways, often through unwanted sexual behavior. Mike Murray shares his story of losing his father at age eight, his personal healing process, and why we need to stop invalidating our pain and start giving our younger selves the love they need. You'll hear the 6 needs of the grieving, practical ideas on how to grieve well, and what happens when we invite Jesus into our grief.Mike Murray is a licensed independent social worker with 10 years of experience specializing in EMDR Therapy and grief work. Trained by grief experts Megan Devine and David Kessler, Mike is passionate about destigmatizing mental health in the church.Resources mentioned in this episode: It's Okay That You're Not Okay by Megan Devine (book)Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund (book)The Mystery of Life, Death, and Suffering (podcast episode where Drew tells his story of infant loss)Send us Fan MailTake the Husband Material Journey...Step 1: Listen to this podcast or watch on YouTubeStep 2: Join the private Husband Material CommunityStep 3: Take the free mini-course: How To Outgrow PornStep 4: Try the all-in-one program: Husband Material AcademyThanks for listening!

Why is anger after sexual betrayal so intense, unpredictable, and heartbreaking? Dr. Crystal Hollenbeck unpacks the complex dynamics of betrayal trauma anger for both the betrayed and the betrayer. You'll learn the S.C.I.P. protocol to manage anger and anxiety, the 7 phases of betrayal trauma anger recovery, and why sexual betrayal is like bullfighting. In the end, you'll leave with hope that grieving sexual betrayal can transform deep pain into even deeper healing.Dr. Crystal Hollenbeck is a Christian who believes every person is valuable. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, a Florida State Supervisor for those seeking a license in Mental Health Counseling or Marriage and Family Therapy, and a Certified Life Coach. Dr. H's approach to counseling and coaching is non-judgmental, caring, and solution focused. Dedicating her life to helping others as a therapist and coach is a result of post traumatic growth from her own personal life experiences. Learn more at crystalhollenbeck.comBuy Crystal's book:Betrayal Trauma Anger: You're not Crazy...You're Angry...And You Should Be! How to Process Complex Anger While Healing from the Impact of Sexual BetrayalDownload Crystal’s SCIP Protocol PDF: https://crystalhollenbeck.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/SCIP-Protocol.pdfRead Crystal’s journal article on betrayal trauma anger: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/0092623X.2024.2306940#d1e130Send us Fan MailTake the Husband Material Journey...Step 1: Listen to this podcast or watch on YouTubeStep 2: Join the private Husband Material CommunityStep 3: Take the free mini-course: How To Outgrow PornStep 4: Try the all-in-one program: Husband Material AcademyThanks for listening!

When sexual sin and shame are exposed, how does Jesus respond? See how compassion overcomes condemnation in the story of the woman caught in adultery. This sermon was originally preached on Sunday, September 27, 2026 at the Husband Material Fall Retreat in Colorado. Previous sermons from HM Retreats:Promised Land Sexuality (Deuteronomy 11:10-12)You Are Not Too Much (Mark 6:30-56)Excluded & Emasculated (Acts 8:26-40)David's Sexual Story (2 Samuel 11-12)The Beauty Of Brotherhood (Psalm 133)How Jesus Reverses The Curse (John 21)Send us Fan MailTake the Husband Material Journey...Step 1: Listen to this podcast or watch on YouTubeStep 2: Join the private Husband Material CommunityStep 3: Take the free mini-course: How To Outgrow PornStep 4: Try the all-in-one program: Husband Material AcademyThanks for listening!

What is narcissistic personality disorder, and how does it interact with porn and sex addiction? For someone with NPD or narcissistic traits, what does healing and growth look like?Dr. Alexandra Repke (CSAT, EMDR, C-PD) is a Christian psychologist who typically work with successful professionals facing challenges in their relationships or careers, often stemming from issues related to addiction, personality, or trauma. She is a lifelong learner, committed to understanding the complexities of mental health and advocating for practical, impactful solutions.Learn more at repkepsychologicalservices.comBooks mentioned (these are paid links):Thanks for the Feedback, by Douglas Stone and Sheila HeenThe Wizard of Oz and Other Narcissists, by Eleanor PaysonA Game Free Life, by Stephen KarpmanSend us Fan MailTake the Husband Material Journey...Step 1: Listen to this podcast or watch on YouTubeStep 2: Join the private Husband Material CommunityStep 3: Take the free mini-course: How To Outgrow PornStep 4: Try the all-in-one program: Husband Material AcademyThanks for listening!

Have you ever thought about the fact that Jesus has a penis? What are the implications? Considering Christ's full humanity confronts us with a fresh, shame-free perspective on male sexuality. Licensed therapists Brannon and Tyler Patrick explore this important topic by highlighting the goodness of sex, how sexual self-rejection comes out sideways in addiction and secrecy, why radical self-acceptance leads to freedom, and what it looks like to harness sexual energy with purpose. Brannon Patrick, LCSW, and Tyler Patrick, LMFT, are brothers and licensed clinicians who help individuals and couples heal after infidelity, addiction, and the trust rupture that follows. With 20+ years each in addiction and trauma work, they bring both depth and straight talk, translating complex psychology into practical next steps people can use immediately. Together, they host The Therapy Brothers, a weekly call-in show where real people work through betrayal, shame, trauma, and addiction in real time. Their approach centers on heart work: healing the underlying trauma and shame so couples can rebuild trust with honesty, accountability, empathy, and healthy strength. Learn more at therapybrothers.orgIf you're a man who has broken trust through infidelity or you're struggling with addiction to porn or sex, check out Tyler and Brannon's Rising Son Journey: online groups and in-person weekends at ⁠⁠risingson.orgNOTE: The views expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Husband Material Ministries. Featuring a guest is not an endorsement of their beliefs, methods, products, services, or any other content they may have created or promoted.We believe in the practice of discernment —so as with any resource, we encourage you to listen thoughtfully, test all things against sound wisdom and your own convictions, take what's helpful, and leave the rest behind.Send us Fan MailTake the Husband Material Journey...Step 1: Listen to this podcast or watch on YouTubeStep 2: Join the private Husband Material CommunityStep 3: Take the free mini-course: How To Outgrow PornStep 4: Try the all-in-one program: Husband Material AcademyThanks for listening!

What if at our very best, we are 97% honest with ourselves and others, and the 3% we withhold keeps us bound to shame, loneliness, and unwanted behavior? That's what Blake Roberts and Jamie Haigh discovered. In this episode, you'll hear their personal journeys through porn addiction recovery, the power of daily phone calls and radical honesty, and how to decide who has earned the right to hear your 3%. Blake Roberts and Jamie Haigh are best friends, licensed therapists, and co-creators of Three Percent. Three Percent is a men's mental health podcast and community turning emotional walls into deeper relationships with yourself, others, and God. Learn more at threepercentco.comListen to the Three Percent podcast at threepercentco.com/podcastRead Blake and Jamie's work on Substack at substack.com/@threepercentJoin The Basement, a private paid ($10/mo) community designed for those who are ready to move beyond surface-level connection and engage their emotional lives with more clarity and courage: threepercentco.com/membershipSend us Fan MailTake the Husband Material Journey...Step 1: Listen to this podcast or watch on YouTubeStep 2: Join the private Husband Material CommunityStep 3: Take the free mini-course: How To Outgrow PornStep 4: Try the all-in-one program: Husband Material AcademyThanks for listening!

How do you distinguish between sexual secrecy and sexual privacy? Learn 3 key differences between secrecy and privacy: motivation (fear vs. love), intention (control vs. care), and protecting addiction vs. protecting people. This episode includes 6 real-life case studies and 1 simple strategy any couple can use to strengthen their relationship.You don't have to share everything with everyone, but unlearning secrecy is the first step toward lasting freedom.What questions or comments do you have about secrecy vs. privacy? Let us know in the Husband Material Community at husbandmaterial.com/communitySend us Fan MailTake the Husband Material Journey...Step 1: Listen to this podcast or watch on YouTubeStep 2: Join the private Husband Material CommunityStep 3: Take the free mini-course: How To Outgrow PornStep 4: Try the all-in-one program: Husband Material AcademyThanks for listening!

For decades, Jeff Johnson hid his sexual attraction to other men. This secret kept him trapped in shame and isolation until everything changed in an open conversation with his now-wife, Jourdan. Jeff's story is proof that same-sex attraction does not disqualify anyone from marriage, ministry, or male connection. In this episode, you'll hear Jeff share honestly about faith, friendship, and a freedom that does not require the absence of temptation. It's truly inspiring!Jeff and Jourdan Johnson are worship leaders and pastors at Passion City Church in Atlanta, GA, with 25+ years of ministry experience. They've spent decades leading worship across the country, creating spaces where people can encounter God in a real and transformative way. Their journey has been deeply shaped by God's faithfulness—particularly through Jeff's decades-long experience navigating same-sex attraction while holding onto his faith. This led them to start Open Spaces, a podcast where they share their story and engage in honest conversations about faith, marriage, identity, and the power of living with vulnerability.Learn more at theopenspacescollective.comListen to Jeff and Jourdan's podcast at theopenspacescollective.com/podcastTo connect with Jeff or Jourdan, email [email protected] us Fan MailTake the Husband Material Journey...Step 1: Listen to this podcast or watch on YouTubeStep 2: Join the private Husband Material CommunityStep 3: Take the free mini-course: How To Outgrow PornStep 4: Try the all-in-one program: Husband Material AcademyThanks for listening!