Phases of Recovery in Sex Addiction: Moving Beyond “I Can’t” Into Integrity and Healing

“I was told once that women cheat to leave and men cheat to stay.” But is that really the whole story? In this candid discussion with therapist Adam Nisenson, we explore the deeper realities behind why people cheat and challenge common stereotypes. Drawing from years of experience working with both men and women, Adam uncovers how infidelity often reflects complex emotional struggles rather than simple motives.

Join therapist and author Kim Litton as they courageously share their personal story of recovery from sex, love, and substance addiction in their memoir I Do It For Her. In this heartfelt conversation recorded at the ITAP Symposium, Kim opens up about the intense shame, struggles, and pain they faced—and how they found hope, healing, and freedom through recovery. Whether on your own healing journey or supporting someone else, Kim’s story is a powerful reminder that transformation is possible, even when it feels impossible. In this interview, Kim talks about the challenges of female sex and love addiction, navigating recovery while being a therapist and single parent, and the importance of vulnerability and raw honesty in healing. They share how finding hope and freedom gave them a new purpose, and why sharing stories can help others feel less alone on their path to recovery.

In this intimate conversation, Kim Litton opens up about the deeply personal story behind their memoir, I Do It For Her: A Memoir of Recovery and Redemption from Sex, Love, and Substances. With over 21 years in recovery, Kim reflects on the hidden struggles she faced—not only with drugs and alcohol but also with sex and love addiction, which went unrecognized for years. They share how early sobriety was marked by confusion and pain, navigating relationships without understanding the true nature of the addiction. From experiences as a therapist to the challenges of acting out while trying to heal, Kim’s story reveals the raw reality behind addiction’s many faces. Learn how the journey toward recovery is rarely a straight path, but rather a gradual process of lessening the frequency, intensity, and impact of addictive behaviors over time. This video offers hope and insight for anyone facing similar struggles, reminding us all that healing is possible—one step, one day, one moment at a time.

Welcome to a conversation with Allan Katz, author of Navigating the Phases of Sex Addiction Recovery. In this interview recorded live at the ITAP Symposium, Allan shares their unique journey from a marketing consultant to a certified sex addiction therapist, diving deep into what true recovery really means. This video explores how sobriety is just the beginning — the real work is adding meaningful value, purpose, and integrity to life beyond abstinence. Allan introduces their workbook designed to help people identify distractions like technology, work, and unresolved feelings that block authentic connection and fulfillment. If you or someone you know is navigating recovery, this conversation offers powerful tools and perspectives to move beyond just “not acting out” to embracing a life of values, honesty, and emotional connection. Whether you’re a therapist, in recovery yourself, or supporting a loved one, Allan’s approach is a valuable resource for building lasting change. Don’t miss this deep dive into how to reclaim your true self, build healthier relationships, and find purpose in sobriety.

Dating in recovery can feel overwhelming—especially when rigid “plans” feel like homework or too much pressure. In this heartfelt discussion, we explore the Compassionate Structure Plan written by Kim Litton, a flexible daily and weekly checklist designed to support women addicts navigating the dating world without losing their sense of self or feeling overwhelmed. Created as a softer alternative to traditional dating plans, this approach helps people stay aligned with their values through simple check-ins like: Am I doing most of the emotional heavy lifting? Are my partner’s actions matching their words? How am I honoring my boundaries and mission statement? Plus, discover the transformative Mothering Exercise—a powerful grounding tool to calm your inner child, shift your mindset, and bring compassion into healing and relationships. Whether newly sober or deep into the recovery journey, this video offers practical tools for creating healthy, honest connections with self and others—without losing yourself in the process.

In this episode, Allan Katz offers a clear and compassionate map for navigating the phases of sex addiction recovery—not just through abstinence, but through deep character transformation in his new workbook, Navigating the Phases in Sex Addiction Recovery. Using a framework built around values like integrity, ethics, respect, and vulnerability, Allan invites individuals to move from a mindset of “I can’t” to “I don’t”—shifting from pressure and deprivation to purpose and choice. This isn’t just about stopping old behaviors; it’s about becoming someone new. They explore how recovery can help people reconnect with their authentic self, rebuild trust, and replace destructive patterns with traits like generosity, diligence, and emotional honesty. With journaling prompts, real-life reflection, and powerful personal insight, this workbook helps guide people through each phase of lasting recovery.

What happens when sexual addiction doesn’t just take place outside the relationship—but inside it, too? In this conversation, Allan Katz explores how emotional pressure, lack of safety, and compulsive sexual behaviors can deeply affect intimacy within committed partnerships. They discuss how Allan’s workbook guides people toward meaningful change by moving beyond avoidance into emotional connection, personal integrity, and recovery built on values. Sobriety may be necessary—but it’s not sufficient. Real transformation happens when individuals choose to live differently, with purpose and clarity. This episode offers insight for anyone ready to repair what addiction has damaged—starting from within.

In this deep-dive April Mailbag episode, the hosts tackle a heartfelt email from a listener in recovery who’s doing everything “right”—meetings, therapy, step work—but still feels shut out by his partner. Why isn’t she engaging? Is it unresolved trauma, burnout, or a deeper disconnection? The team explores common pitfalls in couples healing after betrayal, the power of empathy, the danger of resentment, and the importance of relational repair—even when the door feels closed. If you're in recovery and feeling stuck, this episode offers validation, insight, and a challenge to lean in harder—with humility and heart.

What should you do when your partner won’t engage, even after you've committed to recovery? In this April Mailbag episode, the hosts discuss the emotional complexities of healing after betrayal—especially when the wounded partner closes off. From the importance of empathy letters and impact processing to resisting defensiveness and building emotional resilience, conversation gives insight is a must-listen for anyone walking the rocky path of relational repair. Even if the door feels closed, how you show up can shape what happens next.

In this thought-provoking April Mailbag episode, the hosts unpack a listener's email that dives into the painful space between recovery and reconnection. Why do some partners struggle to re-engage even when the addict is “doing the work”? Is it unresolved trauma, unspoken resentment, or just the truth of incompatibility? With candid insights into addiction, healing, and the emotional toll of long-term damage, this reflection offers a powerful reminder: recovery is only part of the story. What happens next is just as critical—and often more complex.