Navigating Identity & Sexuality: A Compassionate Approach for Parents

In this episode, Joel Warneking shares his profound journey through addiction and recovery. Joel is the director of 423 Communities, a ministry that is radically committed to helping others overcome all forms of unhealthy sexuality, restoring healthy sexuality and intimacy with others through, confessional, recovery communities. Joel opens up about his own history of pornography addiction and the isolating shame that came with it. He highlights how group work was crucial in his healing process, emphasizing the importance of community, grace, and accountability. We explore the essentials of a supportive group environment, the balance between grace and structure, and the need for action in recovery. Joel’s story and insights remind us that recovery thrives in the context of supportive relationships.To learn more about Joel and his ministry’s resources, visit 423Communities.org.Topics Covered in this Episode: Importance of group work in recovery from addictionPersonal experiences with addiction, particularly pornographyImpact of isolation and shame on individuals in recoveryRole of community and grace in the healing processEssentials of creating a supportive group environmentBalancing grace and accountability in recoveryDynamics of group therapy and mutual supportUnderstanding recovery as a journey beyond mere sobrietyConcept of "paying it forward" in recoveryBroader applicability of recovery principles for personal growth and transformationMore Resources: Join a 423 Communities groupGateway to Freedom 3-Day Intensive for MenGrace-Based Transformation*Related Podcasts: How Can Recovery Lead to a New Growth Mission? A 3-Year Roadmap of Recovery and Emotional GrowthMen Helping Men Grow and Mature*This is an affiliate link. Be Broken may earn a commission on qualifying purchases.----------Please rate and review our podcast: Apple PodcastsSubscribe to our YouTube channel.

In this episode, our guest Brad Warren shares his incredible journey of overcoming a troubled past, including struggles with pornography and infidelity. Brad opens up about the profound impact these issues had on his marriage and how he and his wife, Kristen, found healing. We dive into the transformative power of the Hope Rising Conference, a virtual conference for couples dealing with similar challenges. Brad shares how their recovery led them both to pursue careers in counseling, aiming to help others navigate their paths to healing. This episode is a testament to hope, honesty, and the power of God’s grace.To learn about the Hope Rising Conference, visit AffairRecovery.com/hope-rising.To learn more about Brad and Kristen’s counseling practice, visit RestfulMindTherapy.com. Topics Covered in this Episode: Personal recovery and transformation from a troubled backgroundStruggles with pornography and infidelity in marriageThe impact of a dysfunctional family environment on personal developmentThe journey of honesty and healing in relationshipsThe emotional challenges faced by betrayed spousesThe significance of community and support in the healing processThe role of the Hope Rising Conference in providing resources for couplesUnderstanding sexual addiction and its effects on relationshipsThe importance of inclusivity for all forms of betrayal, including pornography addictionVocational shifts towards counseling and helping others navigate similar challengesMore Resources:Register for Hope Rising ConferenceHelp for HusbandsHelp for WivesRelated Podcasts: The Journey to StayRebuilding a Healthy Marriage After BetrayalEarly Recovery Couples Empathy Model----------Please rate and review our podcast: Apple PodcastsSubscribe to our YouTube channel.

In this episode, I chat with Dr. Carol Tanksley, a ministry friend and author of the book Sexpectations: Reframing Your Good and Not-So-Good Stories About God, Love, and Relationships.  We dive into the complexities of sexuality, intimacy, and how personal and cultural experiences shape these aspects of our lives. Dr. Tanksley shares her personal journey of learning about sexuality and intimacy, emphasizing the importance of addressing heart issues and healing from past wounds. We discuss the difference between intimacy and sexuality, the necessity of community support, and the concept of sexual wholeness. Finally, Dr. Carol offers practical advice on creating an escape plan for temptations and highlights the transformative power of faith and vulnerability.To learn more about Carol and her resources, visit YourSexpectations.com. Topics Covered in this Episode: Exploration of sexuality and intimacy in the context of faith and relationships.Personal experiences and motivations behind writing "Sexpectations."The distinction between intimacy and sexuality, emphasizing their different roles.The importance of addressing emotional wounds and their impact on sexual behavior.The concept of sexual wholeness and its three key aspects: releasing the past, right-sizing sexuality, and cultivating intimacy.The role of community in fostering intimacy and support for individuals.Strategies for creating an escape plan to manage temptations related to sexuality.The significance of submitting one's sexuality to Christ for transformation.The journey from forgiveness to personal transformation and purpose.The potential for healing and redemption from past traumas and experiences.More Resources: Sexpectations* by Dr. Carol TanksleyDr. Carol's BlogRethinking Sexuality* by Dr. Juli SlatteryRelated Podcasts:God, Sex, and Your MarriageWhat are Your Sexpectations? Identity and the Goodness of Sexuality*These are affiliate links. Be Broken may earn a commission on qualifying purchases.----------Please rate and review our podcast: Apple PodcastsSubscribe to our YouTube channel.

My apologies for the poor audio quality of this episode. I hope it won’t distract too much from the content. In this episode, Stephen and I talk about the power of "co," meaning "together" or "jointly," in relationships and recovery. We dive into how collaboration and connection are essential for personal growth and healing, especially in marriage and overcoming addiction. Dr. Cervantes shares insights on co-parenting, co-planning, and co-nurturing, emphasizing that love and community are vital for a fulfilling life. We also discuss the church's role in fostering a sense of belonging and unity. Join us as we explore how embracing "co" can transform our lives and relationships.For daily insights from Stephen, visit DoctorMarriage.org. Topics Covered in this Episode:The significance of the prefix "co" in relationships and community.The role of collaboration and partnership in personal growth and healing.The impact of addiction on connection and the importance of overcoming isolation.Practical applications of "co" in everyday life, such as co-parenting and co-planning.The challenges individuals face in embracing a "co" mentality, especially after trauma or addiction.The journey of co-expression and the importance of sharing desires and fears.The concept of co-nurturing and its relevance in supporting relationships.The role of the church in fostering community and addressing emotional and cultural needs.The idea of community as "common unity" and the importance of shared goals.Encouragement for listeners to actively seek connection and collaboration in their lives.More Resources:Resources for MenResources for WivesResources for FamiliesRelated Podcasts:The Goal is ConnectingThe 7 (or More) Pillars of Emotional GrowthThe Power of Community----------Please rate and review our podcast: Apple PodcastsSubscribe to our YouTube channel.

In this episode, I’m joined by Stacey Fitzgerald, who shares her profound journey through betrayal trauma and her path to healing. Stacey opens up about the resurfacing of her trauma in 2021, describing intense physical symptoms like panic attacks and a racing heart. She emphasizes the importance of feeling safe and regulating the nervous system. Stacey’s healing process involved spiritual, emotional, and physical approaches, including prayer, music, and understanding the mind-body connection. Now, she helps other women navigate similar experiences through her platform, "Becoming Safe." To learn more about Stacey and her resources, visit BecomingSafe.com.Topics Covered in this Episode: Healing and safety in the context of betrayal traumaPersonal experiences of betrayal trauma in relationshipsResurfacing of trauma and its physical symptomsThe role of spiritual, emotional, and physical approaches in healingImportance of feeling safe and regulating the nervous systemImpact of trauma on mental and physical healthThe concept of holistic healing encompassing spirit, soul, and bodyTools and resources for women navigating similar experiencesThe significance of community support in the healing journeyAddressing the interplay between personal healing and external circumstancesMore Resources:Online Wives Care GroupsFind a Counselor or CoachFree Wives Care WebinarRelated Podcasts:Self-Care and Rest for Wives Healing from Betrayal TraumaEmotional Transformation Therapy for Betrayed WivesBetrayal Healing Phases----------Please rate and review our podcast: Apple PodcastsSubscribe to our YouTube channel.

In this heartfelt episode, I chat with Kate and Will Conwell about their journey through betrayal trauma and healing in their marriage. Kate shares her work with "Journey Beyond Betrayal," a ministry supporting women facing similar struggles. Will opens up about his past issues with sexual brokenness and infidelity, and how these impacted their relationship. We explore the importance of sharing personal stories for healing and connection and the crucial role of faith in recovery. This episode is all about offering hope and encouragement to couples dealing with betrayal trauma. If this is you, you aren’t alone!To learn more about Kate and her resources for wives, visit JourneyBeyondBetrayal.com.To learn more about 423 Men’s groups, visit 423Communities.org. Topics Covered in this Episode: The Conwells' journey through betrayal trauma in their marriage.Will's struggles with sexual brokenness and infidelity.The significance of sharing personal stories for healing and connection.The role of faith in overcoming challenges in relationships.The impact of early exposure to pornography on men's relationships.The process of confronting and addressing infidelity and its aftermath.The importance of self-awareness and communication in marriage.Messages of hope for individuals facing relationship struggles.Resources and support systems available for healing and recovery.More Resources:Wives Care Online GroupsGateway to Freedom 3-Day IntensiveHelp to Tell Your StoryRelated Podcasts:Living More than a Love StoryThe Journey to StayBetrayal Healing Phases

In this episode, Dr. Stephen Cervantes and I dive into the theme of emotional growth and the importance of relationships among men. We start by sharing some personal stories about our dads and male role models, highlighting how men often prioritize being providers over nurturing emotional connections. A key highlight of this episode features a movie character from our Gateway to Freedom workshop, who realizes his potential after being told, "You could have been great." This statement is loaded with powerful insights for men when they realize their lives are running on the wrong tracks. We want men to experience their full potential as image bearers of God; to know him fully and love others deeply.For daily insights from Stephen, visit DoctorMarriage.org. Topics Covered in this Episode: The significance of emotional growth in men's lives.The role of relationships and male connections in personal development.The impact of societal expectations on men's focus on productivity and financial success.Reflections on personal experiences with fathers and male role models.The portrayal of an emotionally stunted character in a movie and its implications.The wake-up call of recognizing one's potential and the importance of relationships.The concept of greatness and how it relates to emotional and spiritual fulfillment.The importance of accountability and honest feedback among male friends.The transformative power of truth and listening to others' stories.Encouragement for men to prioritize emotional well-being and meaningful connections.More Resources:Gateway to Freedom 3-day intensiveGrace-Based Recovery Online Study Groups49 Days of Growth*Related Podcasts: Men's Emotional Self-Awareness TestA 3-Year Roadmap of Recovery and Emotional GrowthWhat Can Stunt Your Emotional Growth Mission?*This is an affiliate link. Be Broken may earn a commission on qualifying purchases.----------Please rate and review our podcast: Apple PodcastsSubscribe to our YouTube channel.

In this episode, I welcome back Cat Etherington, the director of recovery at the Naked Truth Project. We explore the profound impact of betrayal trauma on wives and the journey towards healing and forgiveness. Cat explains the stages of healing: Safety and stabilization, Remembering and mourning, Reconnection She emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, not as a pressured obligation but as a personal outcome of healing. We also discuss how friends and family can provide tangible support during this difficult time. For more information on Cat and her resources, visit nakedtruthproject.com.Topics Covered in this Episode:Impact of betrayal on a wife and the process of healing and forgivenessEmotional aspects of navigating betrayal traumaKey stages of healing from betrayal traumaImportance of forgiveness in the healing processReadiness to forgive and precursors in the healing journeyDifferentiating between trauma triggers and griefReconnecting with the world after betrayal traumaSupport from friends and family for those experiencing betrayal traumaMore Resources:Wives Care GroupsWives Care Basics WebinarCounseling or CoachingRelated Podcasts:8 Practical Steps of ForgivenessThe Recovery Process for CouplesHelping Wives Recover from the Aftershock of Sexual Betrayal----------Please rate and review our podcast: Apple PodcastsSubscribe to our YouTube channel.

ONLY 1 WEEK LEFT TO DOUBLE YOUR GIFT!Thanks to a generous donor, we can offer a $75,000 match for gifts given between May 1 through July 31. Every dollar you give, collectively up to $75,000, will be DOUBLED!Give Today and double your impact. Thank you for your support!----------In this episode, I welcome back Pastor Marty Machowski to discuss the pressing issue of identity, particularly sexual identity. Marty shares his experiences counseling families whose children are grappling with gender and sexual orientation issues. He highlights the rapid acceleration of these challenges and introduces his book, "God Made Boys and Girls," as a resource for parents. We delve into the impact of public education on children's understanding of identity, the importance of grounding identity in biblical truth, and the need for compassionate, open conversations between parents and children. Marty also shares insights from his support group, "Affirmed," offering hope and practical guidance for families.To learn more about Marty and his resources for parents, visit MartyMachowski.com. Topics Covered in this Episode: Identity and sexual orientation struggles in childrenImpact of public education on children's understanding of identityDisconnecting physical reality from emotional and subjective feelingsDiversity within gender categories and its impact on identityTrauma and abuse's impact on individuals struggling with gender identityBiblical perspective on identity and being made in the image of GodImportance of open and honest conversations with children about identity and genderTransitioning from being disciplinarians to influencers in children's livesFacilitating support groups for families dealing with identity and sexual orientation strugglesEncouraging parents to build a foundation of relationship and compassion with their childrenMore Resources:God Made Boys and Girls* by Marty MachowskiCritical Conversations Webinar (Free!)Identity* by John FortRelated Podcasts:God Made Boys and GirlsExposing the Gender LieIdentity and the Goodness of Sexuality*These are affiliate links. Be Broken may earn a commission on qualifying purchases.----------Please rate and review our podcast: Apple PodcastsSubscribe to our YouTube channel.

DOUBLE YOUR GIFT!Thanks to a generous donor, we can offer a $75,000 match for gifts given between May 1 through July 31. Every dollar you give, collectively up to $75,000, will be DOUBLED!Give Today and double your impact. Thank you for your support!----------In this episode, I welcome back Carol Juergensen Sheets, better known as Carol the Coach, a certified sex addiction therapist. We reminisce about her last appearance in March 2020, where we focused on empathy for husbands. Carol shares her journey since 2007, emphasizing the importance of empathy in all relationships. She introduces her Early Recovery Couples Empathy Model (ERCEM), which involves working with both partners from the start to foster post-traumatic growth. Carol explains the role of empathy in healing from infidelity, highlighting the long-term process and the need for genuine understanding. She also provides resources for couples seeking support and offers a hopeful message for those on their healing journey.To learn more about Carol and her resources, visit SexHelpWithCarolTheCoach.com. Topics Covered in this Episode:Carol's background and expertise in sex addiction therapyThe importance of empathy in relationshipsDevelopment of the Early Recovery Couples Empathy Model (ERCEM)Key elements and focus of ERCEMThe role of empathy within ERCEMChallenges and time required for healing from infidelityCommon misconceptions about empathyProgress and resources available for couples seeking supportMessage of hope and encouragement for couples dealing with infidelityMore Resources:Help Them Heal Couples WorkshopHelp Them Heal bookHelp Them Heal online courseRelated Podcasts:Helping Husbands Learn and Practice Empathy4 Skills to Transform Your MarriageThe Recovery Process for Couples----------Please rate and review our podcast: Apple PodcastsSubscribe to our YouTube channel.