*TRIGGER WARNING: Episode discusses themes of sexual abuse, assault and rape* This is part II of a 2-episode series on the topic of sexual abuse, assault and rape. In this episode, we discuss the process of defining and processing sexual abuse experiences and outline stages of healing, practical work and different coping strategies. We also cover the topic of rape, as well as the intricacies involved with disclosing sexual abuse experiences to loved ones. We also offer tips to parents, spouses, ...
Oct 01, 2021•1 hr 16 min•Season 4Ep. 21
*TRIGGER WARNING: Episode discusses themes of sexual abuse, assault and rape* This is part I of a 2-episode series on the topic of sexual abuse, assault and rape. In this episode, we tackle some relevant definitions and statistics, discuss some reasons why survivors do not disclose their sexual abuse experiences, and highlight some of the psychological and emotional repercussions of sexual abuse. We also cover some facts and myths with regards to unwanted sexual experiences, particularly those r...
Sep 27, 2021•1 hr 29 min•Season 4Ep. 20
This is the fourth and last part of our 4-episode comprehensive series on understanding and overcoming porn and sex addictions. In this episode, we examine together relevant spiritual themes on the journey of sexual recovery, including patience, perseverance, surrender, repentance and going back to Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala. We also discuss many lessons from the story of Prophet Yunus (PBUH) in relation to sexual recovery. What are some gems that we can learn from Prophet Yunus (PBUH)'s story th...
Sep 24, 2021•45 min•Season 4Ep. 19
This is part III of a 4-episode comprehensive series on understanding and overcoming porn and sex addictions. In this episode, we examine together the withdrawal period, potential pitfalls and mind games on the journey of healing and recovery, as well as practical tips and tools that we can use on our journey. We also talk about helpful apps, websites and support systems, how to deal with periods of difficulty, and how to disclose to people close to you, should you choose to do so. What would I ...
Sep 20, 2021•1 hr 18 min•Season 4Ep. 18
A 17-minute meditation that involves mindfulness, breathing and connecting with Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala using some of His Divine Names, reorienting our being as we call unto Him and ask for His help. Background music from Benjamin Tissot (Bensound). Send us a text
Sep 17, 2021•17 min
A 13-minute meditation focused on breathing and a full body scan to practice mindfulness and demystify triggers. Background music from Benjamin Tissot (Bensound). Send us a text
Sep 17, 2021•13 min
A 10-minute meditation focused on grounding and breathing to practice mindfulness and demystify triggers. Background music from Benjamin Tissot (Bensound). Send us a text
Sep 17, 2021•10 min
This is part II of a 4-episode comprehensive series on understanding and overcoming porn and sex addictions. In this episode, we discuss many practical techniques to help us demystify sexual triggers and overcome the urges of sexual "acting out". How can I communicate with my "inner addict" and deconstruct my urges? How do mindfulness and conscious awareness exercises help me overcome my sexual triggers? What are some practical tools that can be used when I experience intense urges to watch porn...
Sep 17, 2021•1 hr 11 min•Season 4Ep. 17
This is part I of a 4-episode comprehensive series on understanding and overcoming porn and sex addictions. In this episode, we discuss what addiction is, from physiological, emotional and personal perspectives. We also look at the damaging effects of porn and the horrifying realities associated with the porn industry. Do I have a compulsive sexual behavior disorder? How does compulsive porn use, masturbation or sexually acting out affect the physiology of my brain and nervous system and lead to...
Sep 13, 2021•1 hr 5 min•Season 4Ep. 16
In this episode, we explore the topic of masturbation comprehensively, from its legal (fiqh), physiological and psychological angles, taking into consideration particular complexities and nuances relevant to men and women dealing with same-sex attractions. We also discuss practical tips and tools to help us keep masturbation in check in our lives. Under what conditions can masturbation be considered haram or halal? What are the benefits and harms of masturbation? If a single man or woman dealing...
Sep 10, 2021•47 min•Season 4Ep. 15
In this episode, we explore together some of the ripple effects of the sexual revolution and gay liberation movement, discuss the nature of morality in Islam, and introduce relevant sexual ethics and gender norms within Islam based on the male-female dichotomy. What are some of the tangible effects of the sexual revolution that we witness nowadays? How do we understand morality, sexuality and gender norms within an Islamic framework, and how does that contrast with the modern Western paradigm? A...
Sep 06, 2021•47 min•Season 4Ep. 14
This is part II of a 2-episode series on setting boundaries. In this episode, Amina and I discuss setting boundaries with people who have narcissistic tendencies, how to prepare mentally for any pushback, and how to avoid being pulled into the arena of what many psychologists call "pathological narcissists". What are some characteristics and behaviors of "pathological narcissists", and how might they behave when we start setting boundaries with them? How do I deal with parents, relatives, partne...
Aug 20, 2021•1 hr 2 min•Season 4Ep. 13
This is part I of a 2-episode series on setting boundaries. In this episode, Amina and I discuss what boundaries are, how to define your own boundaries, communicate them and maintain them, as well as techniques on how to say "no" and how to clearly communicate your needs with others in your life. Are my boundaries loose, rigid or flexible? What are the three main types of boundaries, and how can I assess these boundaries in my life? What is the difference between emotional dumping and venting? H...
Aug 16, 2021•1 hr 40 min•Season 4Ep. 12
This is part II of a 2-episode series on healing codependency and emotional dependency. In this episode, Amina and I discuss how to reclaim our place and power in relationships, how to help men reclaim their masculinity, how to reconnect with our path and purpose, as well as how to begin to heal emotional dependency. How do I feel more secure in my friendships and romantic relationships? How can a cost-benefit analysis help me continue with or sever a relationship? How can men dealing with codep...
Aug 13, 2021•1 hr 29 min•Season 4Ep. 11
This is part I of a 2-episode series on healing codependency and emotional dependency. In this episode, Amina and I discuss how codependency shares similar traits with addiction, and we explore some of the goals, expectations and practical tips on the healing journey, starting with reclaiming our personal power. How can I stop people pleasing and focus on my own growth instead? What aspects of self-care help me overcome codependency and emotional dependency? Why are expressing feelings and bound...
Aug 09, 2021•1 hr 11 min•Season 4Ep. 10
In our second episode in the series on attachments, codependency and emotional dependency, Amina and I discuss the mental, emotional and behavioral characteristics that many individuals dealing with codependency and/or emotional dependency tend to exhibit. What is the difference between caring and care taking? Why do I avoid confrontation and resort to people pleasing? Why do I hide my mistakes and have an attitude of perfectionism? Why do I enjoy giving but struggle with receiving? Why do I str...
Aug 06, 2021•1 hr 28 min•Season 4Ep. 9
In a series of episodes on emotional attachments, dependency and codependency, my friend Amina joins me to discuss the origins and characteristics of these themes as well as relevant and practical healing and recovery work. In this episode, we talk about the origins of attachment styles in adulthood, the four styles of adult attachment, and we introduce the topic of codependency. Why am I anxious in my relationships with others? Why am I avoidant of commitment and intimacy? What is codependency ...
Aug 02, 2021•58 min•Season 4Ep. 8
An important theme along the healing and recovery journey is inner child work and re-parenting. In this episode, we dive into childhood attachment theory, introduce the inner child, inner parent and inner adult, as well as the inner child archetypes, and we talk about practical tools of inner child work and the reparenting process. Who is my inner child and how different is he/she from my inner adult? What does this kind of work have to do with the healing and recovery journey? How can I communi...
Jul 23, 2021•1 hr 29 min•Season 4Ep. 7
This is part 4 of a four-episode series on understanding the origins and characteristics of complex trauma as well as paving a holistic path of healing. In this episode, Aadam and I talk about a holistic approach to healing complex trauma using the bio-psycho-social-spiritual model, wrapping up our series on complex trauma. How do proper nutrition and sleep impact my healing and recovery? What are some grounding techniques that could help me deal with my triggers? How can relationships help me h...
Jul 19, 2021•1 hr 36 min•Season 4Ep. 6
*General trigger warning: episode involves discussion of traumatic events and may be triggering to some listeners* This is part 3 of a four-episode series on understanding the origins and characteristics of complex trauma as well as paving a holistic path of healing. In this episode, Aadam and I continue our talk on the effects and characteristics of complex trauma by discussing interpersonal and relationship aspects. We also cover the topic of trauma bonds developed by Dr. Patrick Carnes. How d...
Jul 16, 2021•1 hr 28 min•Season 4Ep. 5
*General trigger warning: episode involves discussion of traumatic events and may be triggering to some listeners* This is part 2 of a four-episode series on understanding the origins and characteristics of complex trauma as well as paving a holistic path of healing. In this episode, Aadam and I talk about how complex trauma impacts our self-identity and self-perception, contributes to a shame narrative, and leads to a myriad of emotional, cognitive and behavioral effects and characteristics. Ho...
Jul 12, 2021•1 hr 53 min•Season 4Ep. 4
*General trigger warning: episode involves discussion of traumatic events and may be triggering to some listeners* My friend Aadam joins me on a four-episode series that focuses on understanding the origins and characteristics of complex trauma as well as paving a holistic path of healing. In this episode, we talk about the definition of complex trauma and factors that lead to it, the survival brain and the fight-flight-freeze response, as well as the different parental or caregiver dynamics tha...
Jul 09, 2021•1 hr 52 min•Season 4Ep. 3
In this episode, we begin our series on healing and recovery work by covering the basics of conscious self-awareness and mindfulness. We discuss how most of our time is spent on auto-pilot mode and how we can bring our minds back into the present moment through simple daily practice. We also talk about the importance of knowing ourselves and our histories, as well as what to expect on the journey of healing and recovery. Why do I feel stuck on my journey and how can I overcome this? How will min...
Jul 05, 2021•55 min•Season 4Ep. 2
With this episode, we commence season 4 which is dedicated to healing and recovery work. In the season 4 premiere, we examine the effects of words; there are words that hurt and words that heal. We also present a working vision for healing that will pave the way for the myriad of topics to come this season, inshaAllah. What are some words that ought to be revised in our conversations, particularly with those on their healing and recovery journeys? How do we, as individuals, families and communit...
Jul 02, 2021•55 min•Season 4Ep. 1
A glimpse into the topics coming up in seasons 4 and 5 of the podcast, inshaAllah. Send us a text
May 24, 2021•5 min
In the last episode of this season, my friend Alan joins me and shares with us many gems from his journey of healing, recovery and overcoming same-sex attractions, attachments and codependency. Alan shares with us how support systems have helped him in his journey of healing, and he shares lots of advice on relationships, marriage and intimacy from his 40+ years of marriage. *Trigger warning: this episode covers topics that are emotional and sexual in nature, and it has been flagged for explicit...
Nov 23, 2020•2 hr 38 min•Season 3Ep. 14
*General trigger warning: Episode involves discussion of intimacy and sexual relations with graphic details. This episode is flagged for explicit content.* This is part II of a 2-episode series on marital intimacy and sexual relations, answering frequently asked questions on these topics, with a focus on men and women experiencing same-sex attractions. Joining me in both episodes is sex therapist Dr. Rana Khaled, MD/PhD. In this episode, we discuss ways to improve sexual relations between spouse...
Nov 20, 2020•1 hr 23 min•Season 3Ep. 13
*General trigger warning: Episode involves discussion of intimacy and sexual relations with graphic details. This episode is flagged for explicit content.* This is part I of a 2-episode series on marital intimacy and sexual relations, answering frequently asked questions on these topics, with a focus on men and women experiencing same-sex attractions. Joining me in both episodes is sex therapist Dr. Rana Khaled, MD/PhD. In this episode, we discuss challenges to intimacy and sexual relations in g...
Nov 16, 2020•1 hr 48 min•Season 3Ep. 12
This is part II of a 2-episode series on marriage and celibacy, answering frequently-asked questions on the topics, with a focus on SSA-related matters. In this episode, we focus on SSA-related questions within the context of marriage, and we address the topic of celibacy as a legitimate life choice. Is it honest of me to get married without telling my spouse about my SSA? What are some recommendations if I would like to disclose my SSA to him/her? If I had a same-sex sexual encounter before mar...
Nov 13, 2020•1 hr 7 min•Season 3Ep. 11
This is part I of a 2-episode series on marriage and celibacy, answering frequently-asked questions on the topics, with a focus on SSA-related matters. In this episode, we address general questions and misconceptions about marriage. What are the legal rulings on marriage, and when would it actually be discouraged or haram? What if I am pressured by my family and/or community to get married, how do I deal with that? Does marriage "heal" one's SSA? How do I know I’m ready to be sexual and intimate...
Nov 09, 2020•1 hr 18 min•Season 3Ep. 10
