#183: How Do I Know I'm Working Recovery For The Right Reasons?

Caller Brad's Question: "I’ve struggled with sexual addiction since childhood. Now I’m married and have kids of my own. Several times I’ve started on the path to recovery but I don’t know that I’ve ever done it for the right reasons. I’ve heard over and over again that recovery doesn’t begin until the pain of the addiction becomes worse than the pain of healing. I am tired of having to admit to church leaders and my wife that I’m struggling. I’m tired of not getting things done at work because I’m distracted. I’m tired of not really knowing who I am. However, there’s still a part of me that’s holding on to this as a source of relief and in fear of the recovery process. How do I get to the point that I want to do this for myself and not just for my wife or for anyone else?" In This Episode: 1. Why do people act out? What does it do for them? 2. What is "recovery"? What does it look like? 3. A dive into the question of "Who are you?" "Recovery is the uncovering. It's the unearthing of your actual authentic identity, a congruent life with your values of really who God says that you are." Chapter Summaries: [00:00:33] - Today's caller gets to talk to "Bob Ross" (Brannon's Halloween costume) [00:01:52] - Brad has struggled with addiction issues for most of his life. After COVID, he changed jobs, came to a new position, and was stressed out. He was also in a position of leadership with his church. He came clean with his wife and started doing some therapy at Tyler's place. [00:08:39] - Brad acts out as an escape from reality. [00:10:28] - Brannon explains to Brad the difference between addiction and sobriety. [00:16:47] - Brad struggles with self-doubts about who he is. The Lion King is a great example of the story of recovery. [00:24:09] - Brannon and Tyler talk about the importance of daily habits in building a positive self-image. They talk about addressing the root of things like trauma work. [00:31:54] - Brannon, Tyler, and Brad discuss the topic of men's self-acceptance and self-doubt. [00:38:47] - Tyler shares an example about his brother-in-law, Chase, about overcoming fears. [00:43:50] - Brad is afraid to take the next step in the recovery process because he's afraid of being vulnerable and putting himself out there. // SUBMIT A QUESTION + SCHEDULE A CALL // We would love to answer any questions you have about addiction, trauma, recovery, healing and anything you can think of. Click the link below to submit your question (and if you're open to being a guest on the podcast, you can schedule your call time as well)! We're also curious to know if there are any topics you'd like to hear us discuss on the podcast. https://www.therapybros.com/call-in-and-ask-a-question/ Send mail to: Therapy Brothers, 40 W Cache Valley Blvd Ste 3c, Logan, UT 84341 // Brannon Patrick LCSW | "The Expert" // Website: https://www.brannonpatrick.com Therapy Practice: https://therapyutah.org/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/brannon_patrick Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ExpertBrannon YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/bpatricklcsw // Tyler Patrick LMFT | "The Wandering Therapist" // 15-Minute Free Consultation Call: https://lovestrong.com/consultation-call Therapy Practice: https://lovestrong.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/the.wandering.therapist Facebook: https://facebook.com/love.strong.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXaR4084r-Z_251xVdoyMFQ // SUPPORT THIS CHANNEL // Newsletter: https://www.therapybros.com/subscribe Donations: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=XQUZPJ6QNC22C // COURSES // Boundary Bootcamp: https://www.brannonpatrick.com/Boundarybootcamp Pornography Addiction Recovery Kickstart: https://lovestrong.com/courses/overcome-pornography-addiction/ // EVENTS // Radiant Dawn | Women's Retreat: https://radiantdawnconference.com/ Rising Son | Men's Retreat: https://risingson.org Vibrant Love | Couple's Retreat: https://vibrantlove.org