How Empathy Heals Porn and Sexual Addiction for Christian Men

How Empathy Heals Porn and Sexual Addiction for Christian Men

These Summer messages are re-broadcasts from our most popular, relevant, and helpful messages that are worth listening to again to stay focused and strong over the Summer as you continue fighting Every Man’s Battle.📻 START YOUR WEEK WITH HOPE ON 𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙈𝙖𝙣’𝙨 𝘽𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙡𝙚 𝙋𝙤𝙙𝙘𝙖𝙨𝙩Licensed Marriage Family Therapist JJ West and Licensed Professional Counselor Doug Barnes continue Season 3 with a crucial conversation on the role of empathy in sexual integrity recovery. In this episode, they explore why empathy is not “soft” or optional, but central to healing—from how God empathizes with us, to how we learn to extend empathy to ourselves, and finally how we offer it to the spouses and loved ones we’ve hurt. ☎️ 𝐄𝐏𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐃𝐄 𝐓𝐎𝐏𝐈𝐂𝐒 𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐂𝐔𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍:“What is sexual addiction, really?”JJ and Doug define sexual addiction as misusing sexuality outside God’s will and design to try to change how we feel inside, rather than turning to God and healthy connection. “Why ‘just stop the behavior’ doesn’t work.”They explain how focusing only on behavior (porn, acting out, affairs) ignores the broken emotions, lies, and internal pain driving those behaviors—and why this becomes a major barrier to empathy and long‑term change. “When church or spouse says, “Just stop it.’”Many men have been shamed by spouses, churches, or leaders who only address outward behavior and miss the broken heart underneath, leaving men condemned instead of cared for. “How God models divine empathy.”Psalm 34:18 – The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those crushed in spirit.John 8 – The woman caught in adultery, where Jesus says, “Neither do I condemn you… Go and sin no more,” combining deep compassion with a call to change.Hebrews 4:15 – Jesus as our High Priest who can empathize with our weakness because He was tempted in every way, yet without sin.“Experiencing empathy before offering empathy.”They describe a progression:Receive empathy from God.Learn to extend empathy to yourself instead of self‑hatred.Accept empathy from safe others (like brothers in recovery).Offer empathy to those you’ve hurt—especially a betrayed spouse dealing with grief and triggers.“Empathy vs. sympathy—what’s the difference?”Doug explains:Sympathy: “I feel for you. I’m sorry that happened.”Empathy: “I feel with you. I’m entering into what this feels like for you.”They talk about how many men were only taught sympathy (“I’m sorry”) but never learned how to slow down, be curious, and actually feel with another person.“You can’t give what you don’t have.”If a man has never been allowed to feel or understand his own emotions, the emotions of his wife or kids can feel scary, and he’ll tend to shut down, fix, defend, or explain instead of empathizing. JJ uses a driving example with a couple to show how a husband can move from defensiveness (“You shouldn’t be scared”) to true empathy (“I know what that kind of fear feels like, I’ve been there”).“Jesus wept—with them, not just for them.”They reflect on Jesus at Lazarus’ tomb, who already knew what He would do, but still wept with Mary and Martha in their pain—another powerful picture of God’s empathy in action.“If you’ve been condemned, don’t let that block your healing.”JJ speaks directly to men who’ve been shamed by churches, leaders, or family: don’t let their sin against you keep you from pursuing the healing and empathy God offers you now. “Where can I learn and practice empathy?”They encourage men to lean into Scripture, safe community, and especially the Every Man’s Battle Intensive and follow‑up groups as places where they can receive empathy and practice offering it to others. This episode ends with a teaser: there’s more to say about empathy, so the conversation continues in next week’s episode.📚 FEATURED RESOURCES NEXT STEPS:➡️ 𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙈𝙖𝙣’𝙨 𝘽𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙡𝙚 𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙫𝙚 (Men’s Sexual Integrity Workshop)A 3‑day, shame‑free intensive where you’ll:Receive empathy and truth from licensed Christian counselors.Connect with other men who “get it.”Begin changing both your behavior and the heart drivers beneath it. 👉 Learn more register:https://newlife.com/workshops/every-mans-battle/ ➡️ 𝙎𝙚𝙭𝙪𝙖𝙡 𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙜𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝘽𝙡𝙤𝙜 𝘼𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙡𝙚𝙨Read more on sexual integrity, empathy, and healing betrayal at New Life’s Sexual Integrity blog category.👉https://newlife.com/blog/category/sexual-integrity/ (You can pair this episode with books mentioned in Episode 1 that deepen empathy and story work, such as Sharon Hersh’s The Last Addiction, Jay Stringer’s Unwanted, and Jason Martinkus’ Worthy of Her Trust.)📧 𝐁𝐎𝐍𝐔𝐒 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓 – 𝐄𝐌𝐁 𝐏𝐎𝐃𝐂𝐀𝐒𝐓 𝐒𝐔𝐁𝐒𝐂𝐑𝐈𝐁𝐄𝐑𝐒Receive exclusive Every Man’s Battle Podcast content—extra questions, exercises, and follow‑up tools on empathy and recovery.👉 Email EMBpodcast@newlife.com with “Bonus Content” in the subject line. 🎟 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐊𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐏 𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐃𝐄New to the Every Man’s Battle Workshop? Use code 𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐏𝐎𝐃 when you register to save on your registration fee. ❓ Submit a question or share feedback anytime:👉 Email EMBpodcast@newlife.com (put “Podcast Question” in the subject line). ☎️ Call 800-NEW-LIFE for prayer, resources, or to find a Christian counselor.👉 Every Man’s Battle Podcast hub: https://newlife.com/podcasts/every-mans-battle/ 👉 Explore all New Life podcasts: https://newlife.com/podcasts/ #EveryMansBattle #SexualIntegrity #ChristianMen #Empathy #HealingFromPorn #RecoveryJourney #BetrayalHealing #BiblicalCompassion #ChristianCounseling #WalkInIntegrity

Using Ancient Paths, Core Tools, and Key Books to Fuel Your Recovery

These Summer messages are re-broadcasts from our most popular, relevant, and helpful messages that are worth listening to again to stay focused and strong over the Summer as you continue fighting Every Man’s Battle.📻 START YOUR WEEK WITH HOPE ON 𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙈𝙖𝙣’𝙨 𝘽𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙡𝙚 𝙋𝙤𝙙𝙘𝙖𝙨𝙩Licensed counselors JJ West and Doug Barnes kick off Season 3 with a powerful conversation on what really works in sexual integrity recovery—ancient paths, clear boundaries, daily structure, brotherhood, and the “gift of getting caught.” In this episode, they:Unpack Jeremiah 6:16 and why recovery is a path, not a quick fix.Share real-life tools that still shape their own integrity walk years into recovery.Highlight books and concepts that helped them move from secrecy and shame into freedom and community. ☎️ 𝐄𝐏𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐃𝐄 𝐓𝐎𝐏𝐈𝐂𝐒 𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐂𝐔𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍:“Recovery isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon on an ancient path.” JJ and Doug explain why there is no magic formula—and why asking for the “good way” and walking in it is the only way to find rest for your soul.“What keeps me on the path?” Doug shares five core practices: integrity and secondary boundaries, understanding triggers, living a battle-plan routine, proactive check‑in calls, and letting trusted brothers really know and love him.“Why can’t I fix myself by myself?” JJ talks about the “gift of getting caught,” the renewal of the mind, and how both heart and brain need healing in sexual addiction recovery.“What do my porn patterns say about my story?” They discuss how the specific content a man is drawn to can point to wounds of the heart and legitimate needs he’s been trying to meet in illegitimate ways.“What if my dad—or spiritual leaders—failed me?” JJ shares how “bad kings” can still drive men toward their good Heavenly Father, and how God can re‑father the parts of a man’s heart that were never nurtured.📧 𝐁𝐎𝐍𝐔𝐒 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐒𝐔𝐁𝐒𝐂𝐑𝐈𝐁𝐄𝐑𝐒Want extra tools and follow‑up content for Season 3?👉 EmailEMBpodcast@newlife.comwith “Bonus Content” in the subject line to receive exclusive Every Man’s Battle Podcast resources. 🎟 𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐄𝐑 – 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐊𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐏 𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐓Never been to the Every Man’s Battle Intensive? Use code 𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐏𝐎𝐃 to save on your registration and experience a 3‑day, in‑person, shame‑free deep dive into sexual integrity and brotherhood. 📚 FEATURED RESOURCES MENTIONED BOOKS:(Consider linking these in the show notes/store as available.)𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙈𝙖𝙣’𝙨 𝘽𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙡𝙚 𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙫𝙚 (3‑Day Workshop) – Tools, teaching, and brotherhood for men ready to break free from pornography, affairs, and sexual acting out. https://newlife.com/workshops/every-mans-battle/𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙇𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝘼𝙙𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 – Sharon Hersh’s book that unpacks why you can’t fix your broken self with your broken self, and why “getting caught” can be a gift that leads to freedom. https://www.amazon.com/Last-Addiction-Recovery-Lasting-Freedom/dp/0877882037𝙒𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙖𝙘𝙮 – Dr. William Struthers explains the brain chemistry of pornography and how God renews the mind in recovery. https://store.newlife.com/purchase/wired-for-intimacy𝙒𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙝𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙃𝙚𝙧 𝙏𝙧𝙪𝙨𝙩 – Jason Martinkus on rebuilding trust with radical honesty and practical amends after betrayal. https://store.newlife.com/purchase/worthy-of-her-trust𝙐𝙣𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙 – Jay Stringer shows how your unwanted sexual behavior can actually map the story of your wounds and point you toward healing. https://www.amazon.com/Unwanted-Sexual-Brokenness-Reveals-Heal 𝙎𝙖𝙢𝙨𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙋𝙞𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙈𝙤𝙣𝙠𝙨 – Nate Larkin on why David was restored and Samson wasn’t—and how brotherhood makes the difference. https://store.newlife.com/purchase/samson-and-the-pirate-monksing/dp/1631466720𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙒𝙚 𝙇𝙤𝙫𝙚 – Milan Kay Yerkovich reveal how attachment styles shape intimacy and sexual acting out (featured more deeply at the Intimacy in Marriage workshop). https://store.newlife.com/purchase/how-we-love-expanded-edition𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙒𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙎𝙚𝙭𝙪𝙖𝙡 𝘼𝙙𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 – Mark Laaser’s clinical and pastoral guide to understanding sexual addiction. https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Wounds-Sexual-Addiction-Laaser/dp/0310256577

When She’s Triggered, Don’t Make It Worse: 12 Ways Men Accidentally Re‑Trigger Their Wives and How to Respond

📻 𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙈𝙖𝙣’𝙨 𝘽𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙡𝙚 𝙋𝙤𝙙𝙘𝙖𝙨𝙩 – 𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝟐𝟔 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐍𝐨𝐓𝐄𝐒In Episode 26, JJ West and Doug Barnes welcome betrayal‑trauma specialist Laura Mangin‑MacDonald to continue unpacking what to do—and what not to do—when your wife is triggered by past sexual betrayal. Laura shares 12 things men commonly do that accidentally re‑trigger their wives, including explaining too fast, logic‑fixing, harsh tone, defensive posture, and standing over her, and offers clear alternatives anchored in attunement, softness, and presence.You’ll learn:Why rushing to explain, argue details, or correct her memory backfires when her nervous system is flooded—and how simply meeting her in her pain becomes a building block of trust.How tone, facial expressions, body language, and even pacing can feel physically intimidating or dismissive after betrayal, even if you’ve never been violent.How to show up as a man who listens, slows down, and stays emotionally present, so your responses help soothe rather than re‑injure your wife’s traumatised heart.🎟 Use code 𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐏𝐎𝐃 to save $100 when you register for the Every Man’s Battle Intensive, and ask about Restore for wives and New Life recovery groups so both of you have support as you heal.📧 𝐁𝐎𝐍𝐔𝐒 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐑 𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒Want extra content to encourage your integrity, delivered via email each month? 👉 Email EMBpodcast@newlife.com with “Bonus Content” in the subject line.To send questions or topic requests for next season:👉 Email EMBpodcast@newlife.com with “Podcast Question” in the subject line.☎️ Need help learning these skills in your own marriage?👉 Call 800‑NEW‑LIFE or visit NewLife.com for:Sexual integrity counseling for men.Every Man’s Battle intensives.Restore workshops for wives experiencing betrayal trauma.Ongoing couples and recovery groups.🎟 𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐏𝐒 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐂𝐀𝐍 𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐄 𝐀𝐅𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐄𝐏𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐃𝐄If this episode exposed how often you accidentally re‑trigger your wife:Attend the Every Man’s Battle Intensive3‑day, counselor‑led workshop for men seeking freedom from porn, affairs, and sexual addiction.Helps you understand betrayal, your wife’s trauma, and how to rebuild trust through concrete actions, not just words.Invite your wife to RestoreA 3‑day intensive for women affected by betrayal, offering trauma‑informed tools, community, and a safe setting to process pain.Join an ongoing groupNew Life’s men’s recovery and Life Recovery groups give you weekly practice in awareness, attunement, and integrity so you can keep growing between episodes and workshops.Scholarships and payment assistance are often available; ask when you call 800‑NEW‑LIFE.Use code 𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐏𝐎𝐃 to save $100 when you register for Every Man’s Battle.🎧 Listen subscribe:👉 Every Man’s Battle Podcast hub: https://newlife.com/podcasts/every-mans-battle/👉 New Life LIVE other New Life podcasts: https://newlife.com/podcasts/

She’s Not Punishing You—She’s in Pain: Triggers, Shame, and the 3 Ps of Responding Well

📻 𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙈𝙖𝙣’𝙨 𝘽𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙡𝙚 𝙋𝙤𝙙𝙘𝙖𝙨𝙩 – 𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝟐𝟓 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐍𝐨𝐓𝐄𝐒In Episode 25, JJ West and Doug Barnes welcome betrayal‑trauma specialist Laura Mangin‑MacDonald to tackle one of the toughest questions husbands ask: “When she’s triggered, how do I respond—and not make it worse?” Laura explains what a trigger really is (a God‑designed nervous‑system alarm after betrayal), why wives can’t just “get over it,” and why many men react from little‑boy shame with defensiveness, fixing, or fleeing.You’ll learn:Why your wife’s triggers are a normal neurobiological response to an abnormal betrayal—and why she is not trying to punish you, but desperately trying to feel safe and connect.How your own shame and trauma fuel unhelpful reactions, and how to use the 3 Ps—Pause, Pursue, Provide—to stay present, move toward her, and offer real empathy instead of quick solutions.Practical examples and “MVP” statements you can use before anniversaries, trips, or everyday triggers to show you’re paying attention and owning the pain your choices caused.🎟 Use code 𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐏𝐎𝐃 to save $100 when you register for the Every Man’s Battle Intensive, and ask about Restore and other betrayal‑healing experiences so both of you have support as you heal.📧 𝐁𝐎𝐍𝐔𝐒 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐑 𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒Want extra content to encourage your integrity, delivered via email each month? 👉 Email EMBpodcast@newlife.com with “Bonus Content” in the subject line.To send questions or topic requests for future episodes:👉 Email EMBpodcast@newlife.com with “Podcast Question” in the subject line.☎️ Need help applying this in your own marriage?👉 Call 800‑NEW‑LIFE or visit NewLife.com for:Sexual integrity counseling for men.Every Man’s Battle intensives.Restore workshops and online experiences for wives experiencing betrayal trauma.Ongoing recovery and Life Recovery groups.🎟 𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐏𝐒 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐂𝐀𝐍 𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐄 𝐀𝐅𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐄𝐏𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐃𝐄If this episode exposed how easily you get defensive when your wife is triggered:Attend the Every Man’s Battle Intensive3‑day workshop for men seeking freedom from porn, affairs, and sexual addiction, led by licensed Christian counselors.Helps you understand your shame, your wife’s trauma, and how to rebuild trust with empathy and ownership.Invite your wife to Restore or related betrayal‑healing offeringsIn‑person intensives and online experiences for women affected by betrayal, offering trauma‑informed tools and community.Join an ongoing recovery groupNew Life’s men’s recovery and Life Recovery groups give you weekly practice in pausing, naming your shame, and showing up differently at home.Scholarships are often available; ask about assistance when you call 800‑NEW‑LIFE.Use code 𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐏𝐎𝐃 to save $100 when you register for Every Man’s Battle.🎧 Listen subscribe:👉 Every Man’s Battle Podcast hub: https://newlife.com/podcasts/every-mans-battle/👉 New Life LIVE other New Life podcasts: https://newlife.com/podcasts/#EveryMansBattle #BetrayalTrauma #WhenShesTriggered #EmpathyInMarriage #SexualIntegrity #NewLifeMinistries

Can Porn Cause Erectile Dysfunction? Neuroscience, Neuroplasticity, and a 90‑Day Reset for Recovery

📻 𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙈𝙖𝙣’𝙨 𝘽𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙡𝙚 𝙋𝙤𝙙𝙘𝙖𝙨𝙩 – 𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝟐𝟒 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐍𝐨𝐓𝐄𝐒In this QA episode, JJ West and Doug Barnes tackle two big recovery questions: Can years of porn and voyeurism cause erectile dysfunction, and can your brain really be rewired? And is there any evidence that a 90‑day abstention from sex with your wife actually helps recovery?You’ll learn:How porn and compulsive sexual behavior train your brain to crave novelty and intensity instead of real‑life intimacy—and why that often leads to ED with your spouse.Why the brain’s neuroplasticity offers real hope for change, and how awareness, heart work, and healthier habits help rewire pleasure pathways over time.What a 90‑day reset is (and isn’t), why many recovery experts recommend 30–90 days of sexual abstinence in early recovery, and how to use that time to build connection, not just compliance, in partnership with your wife and a wise counselor.🎟 Use code 𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐏𝐎𝐃 to save $100 when you register for the Every Man’s Battle Intensive, and ask about Restore for wives and New Life recovery groups so you’re not fighting this battle alone.📧 𝐁𝐎𝐍𝐔𝐒 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐑 𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒Want extra content to encourage your integrity, delivered via email each month? 👉 Email EMBpodcast@newlife.com with “Bonus Content” in the subject line to get exclusive Every Man’s Battle Podcast materials.To submit your own questions for future episodes:👉 Email EMBpodcast@newlife.com with “Podcast Question” in the subject line.☎️ Need personalized help for ED, porn use, or marriage healing?👉 Call 800‑NEW‑LIFE or visit NewLife.com to connect with sexual integrity counselors, Every Man’s Battle workshops, Restore intensives for wives, and ongoing recovery groups.🎟 𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐏𝐒 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐂𝐀𝐍 𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐄 𝐀𝐅𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐄𝐏𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐃𝐄If today’s questions hit close to home:Consider the Every Man’s Battle IntensiveA 3‑day, in‑person workshop for men seeking freedom from porn, affairs, and sexual addiction, led by licensed Christian counselors.Helps you understand how your brain and heart got here and how to start real change.Invite your wife to consider RestoreA 3‑day intensive specifically for women healing from betrayal trauma, led by experienced counselors.Offers tools, support, and a safe space to process the impact of your choices.Join an ongoing recovery groupNew Life offers men’s addiction recovery groups, sexual integrity groups, and Life Recovery groups to provide long‑term support as you rewire your brain and rebuild relationships.Scholarships are often available; when you call 800‑NEW‑LIFE, ask about financial help for workshops.Use code 𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐏𝐎𝐃 when you register for Every Man’s Battle to save $100 on registration.🎧 Listen subscribe:👉 Every Man’s Battle Podcast hub: https://newlife.com/podcasts/every-mans-battle/👉 New Life LIVE other New Life podcasts: https://newlife.com/podcasts/#EveryMansBattle #PornAndED #Neuroplasticity #90DayReset #SexualIntegrity #NewLifeMinistries