Episode 7: "You can't work harder at their recovery than they are": Supporting Your Teen’s Recovery from Pornography Addiction.

In this episode of the Parent Guide: Helping Your Teen Overcome Pornography Addiction podcast, host Matt Bulkley addresses a vital topic for parents: how to support your teen in overcoming pornography addiction without carrying the full weight of their recovery. Using the Stages of Change model, Matt provides a roadmap to understand your teen’s readiness to change and offers practical strategies to guide them effectively.   Key Segments:

1. The Bicycle Analogy and Stages of Change: Matt introduces the idea that parents can guide but not control their teen’s recovery, likening it to teaching a child to ride a bike. He explains the Stages of Change model (Precontemplation, Contemplation, Preparation, Action, and Maintenance) to help parents align their support with their teen’s current stage.
2. Breaking Down the Five Stages: Each stage is explored in detail, from denial in Precontemplation to sustaining progress in Maintenance. Matt offers insights on how to respond appropriately, whether it’s planting seeds of doubt or celebrating active recovery efforts.
3. Practical Ways to Support Your Teen: Six actionable tips are shared, including fostering non-judgmental communication, modeling healthy coping mechanisms, and setting flexible boundaries to encourage autonomy and progress.
4. Q&A - Gauging Your Teen’s Motivation: Matt answers two key questions: how to tell if you’re working harder than your teen on their recovery and how to measure their motivation to change, with clear indicators for each.
5. When to Seek Additional Help: Guidance on recognizing when outpatient therapy or a residential program like Star Guides is necessary, especially if safety concerns or persistent resistance arise.

Conclusion: Matt emphasizes that helping your teen is a marathon, not a sprint. By meeting them where they are and fostering an environment for growth, parents can guide their teens toward lasting recovery.   Resources: Visit therapyassociates.net for the Recovery Toolbox for Teens, outpatient treatment options, and details on the Star Guides Residential Program at starguides.net.   Subscribe to the podcast and check out the YouTube channel for more resources.   Call to Action: Share your thoughts or questions, and join us for the next episode to continue supporting your teen’s journey to recovery.