Pornography and Addiction

Welcome to Episode 113 of the Being Human Podcast: Surprising Sources of Pornography Problems, w/ Steve Pokorny

In this episode, Steve Pokorny - author, speaker, and founder of Freedom Coaching - joins Dr. Greg for a conversation* exploring the goodness of human sexuality, the struggle with addiction to pornography, and the surprising ways that shame can block forward momentum in breaking the cycle of addiction to unchaste behaviors. They also offer hope for how those who struggle with these behaviors can begin to find healing and freedom. *Note: Mature content. 

Discussed in this episode:

• Meet Steve Pokorny; 

• What contributes to the development of an addiction to pornography?

• The need to understand the purpose of our sexuality and importance of seeing ourselves as gift;

• Why pornography is ultimately an empty experience that leaves us wanting;

• Steve’s personal experience of healing from an addiction to pornography;

• The role of coaching in helping to pinpoint the emotions surrounding unchaste behaviors so as to decrease compulsion; 

• The effect of pornography on the brain; 

• The role and cycle of shame and how it prevents forward momentum in healing from addiction;

• How non-use of our genitalia can be the most fruitful use of our humanity; 

• Our call to community and relationality in suffering. 

Resources mentioned or relevant:

• Learn more about Freedom Coaching or apply to begin your journey to freedom (Use code: PsychFreedom to get your first meeting free); 

• Listen to The Redeemed Vision Podcast - Episode #30 w/ Dr. Greg Bottaro as guest;  

• Read Redeemed Vision: Setting the Blind Free From the Pornified Culture by Steve Pokorny; 

• See Theology of the Body 65-70 for more on Christ’s nakedness as the fulfillment of human sexuality;

• The Beauty of Holiness and the Holiness of Beauty: Art, Sanctity, and the Truth of Catholicism by John Saward, and Beauty: What It Is & Why It Matters by John-Marc Miravalle; 

• Margaret Vasquez - Intensive Trauma Therapy resource; 

• The Catholic's Guide to Theophostic Prayer Ministry by Fr. David Tickerhoof, TOR; 

• Looking for help? Schedule a free 15-minute consultation call with our staff!

• Learn about IDDM (Mentorship), our new model of daily accompaniment; 

• Become a member of the Integrated Life Community to get access to every course Dr. Greg has created;

• Download The Integrated App for access to free audio exercises, the Catholic Mindfulness Virtual Retreat, courses, prayer resources, and more;

• Sign up for Being Human, our weekly newsletter, to stay up to date on exciting developments at CatholicPsych;

• Visit our website to read the CatholicPsych blog, shop in the CatholicPsych bookshop, or discover other resources we have available; 

• Join the waitlist to find out more about the new CPMAP Certification. 

Contact us! Have a topic or a question you would like Dr. Greg to address on the podcast? Want to give some feedback about this episode? Email us at beinghuman@catholicpsych.com - we would love to hear from you!

Rate, review, and subscribe

Please help us in our mission to integrate the Faith with psychology by hitting subscribe and also sharing this podcast with your friends.

Please consider rating or leaving a review of our show. It helps us reach other Catholics just like you who want to become more integrated, whole, and happy human beings.

For Apple podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate 5 stars, and choose “write a review.” Then type your sincere thoughts about the show!

If you haven’t already, make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on any episodes. Subscribe to the podcast now!