S4E22 - Overcoming the Roots of Addiction with Peter Bruce part 1

It’s not always about porn. Addictions have a deeper root that is way bigger and needs addressing. In today’s episode, Eric welcomes outside-the-box therapist Peter Bruce to share his journey from addiction to helping families overcome addiction through IFS. Peter discusses the role that anger played in his relationship with pornography and how it led to a disconnection from both himself and those around him. He shares how he overcame this disconnection by seeking out counseling and learning to connect emotionally with others.

[00:01 - 09:36] Opening Segment
Introducing Peter Bruce to the show
Brief background
He talks about the disconnection he felt from his parents as a result of their divorce and how that led to him being disconnected from his own body and sexuality
How mindfulness can be a powerful tool in overcoming addictions

[09:37 - 19:22] Porn Addiction and Trauma
The trauma of being disconnected
Boys are exposed to pornography and other negative content at an early age
This can lead to problems down the line
It is important to have an ongoing conversation with children about sex, porn, drugs, and alcohol
If parents do not have these conversations, they will have to address the issues later on reactively

[19:22 - 23:56] Closing Segment
Porn addiction can start as something fun and feel good, but can turn into something else
Focus on healing the underlying issues that are causing it, rather than just trying to fix the addiction itself
Connect with Peter through the links below

Quotes:

"When we were young we just sort of stick to whatever you're good at and we'll slap you on the back and say 'good job' but really, that's it." - Peter Bruce

“We just pigeonhole boys and porn addicts and addicts in general into screw-ups instead of like, ‘hey, what’s wrong? You must be hurt and struggling.’” - Peter Bruce

Connect with Peter by emailing him at peterbruce.therapy@gmail.com.

Attend my upcoming free LIVE webinar for couples! To get details, email eric@powerfuleric.com.

Connect with me (Powerful Eric) on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook. Email me at eric@powerfuleric.com.

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