Spotting Incomplete Sex Addiction Recovery & What To Do About It w/ Tammy Gustafson

In this episode of the Pathway to Recovery podcast, host Tara McCausland speaks with therapist Tammy Gustafson about 'incomplete recovery' in the context of sex addiction and how it affects both partners in the relationship. Tammy explains the concept of incomplete recovery, where behavioral changes without deep, relational character work leave partners feeling unsafe and dissatisfied. The episode also explores how triggers are indicators of unresolved trauma needing attention and offers strategies for calming the nervous system. Tammy provides advice for both addicts and betrayed partners, emphasizing the importance of emotional safety, self-compassion, and continued hard work for healing. She recommends shifting from performance-based to identity-based recovery and underscores the necessity of ongoing deep, character-transforming work for genuine recovery.

Want to connect with Tammy? Check out her website here. 

Chapters

• 2:25 Special Guest Introduction: Tammy Gustafson
• 2:51 Understanding Incomplete Recovery
• 4:39 Signs of Incomplete Recovery
• 6:07 The Importance of Heart Change
• 7:49 Identifying Incomplete Recovery
• 10:35 Creating Safety in Recovery
• 13:35 Emotional and Relational Work in Recovery
• 19:39 Addressing Triggers and Nervous System Regulation
• 25:49 Understanding Triggers
• 27:58 The Neurological Perspective on Triggers
• 29:53 Healing and Managing Triggers
• 31:43 Healthy Responses to Triggers
• 39:07 Calming Techniques for Triggers
• 46:06 Encouragement for Recovery
• 49:15 Conclusion and Resources