Measuring Progress in Recovery Part 2, How to Define Sobriety and Update a Partner on Recovery Process, with Ian Nelson and Dan Stephens

We continue exploring this question of how to define sobriety, and progress in recovery. In particularly, we address concerns of partners watching their loved one in recovery and wondering how to tell if any progress is being made.

Ian and his wife are currently working to redefine sobriety from pornography abuse, incopororating a harm reduciton approach.

Dan is completing his CSAT credential and helping others to look for more than just behavior change as a sign of growth. From a clinical and spiritual perspective, he draws attention to the “Root desire” issue that is, “A whole lot more complicated to measure.” We collectively examine and question the traditionally strict abstinence-only models that are commonly employed.

We talk about First and Second Order Change, and how these compare to being conformed to the image of Christ. Rhys makes mention of the Orthodox Christian concept of Theosis, and the idea that the point of life is to repent and prepare for death.

We revisit the Three Circles exercise, the namesake of this show, and examine how to use this, both to define sobriety, as well as how to communicate one’s recovery progress with a partner. We discuss the Full Disclosure process, the function of it in recovery, and some considerations in choosing to undertake it or not.

Above all, we emphasize how recovery is a process, not a milestone, and sobriety is more than just stopping a behavior, but is rather a whole life transformation.

#recovery #recoverywork #sobriety #addiction #accountability #relationship #marriage #community #orthodoxy #orthodoxchristianity #ifs #internalfamilysystems #mindfulness #church #religion #shame #trauma #sex #sexuality #alcohol #cannabis #counseling #therapy #fulldisclosure #theosis

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Rhys Pasimio can be found through www.newpatterncounseling.com, and is always happy to dialogue with listeners bringing honest questions!

Ian Nelson can be found on Instagram at @iansonofwe (Note, in the episode, he says Iansonofnel, but he has changed his handle since the recording of this episode.)

Dan Stephens can be found at dan@danielstephens.com