Heal the Inner Child & Break Free from Shame
Episode Overview
Healing the inner child is key to overcoming porn addiction. Understand the impact of purity culture on shame. Relapse can be a learning experience, not just a failure. Discover biblical perspectives on emotional healing. Drew Boa's OBC method offers a unique approach to freedom.
Relapse can be a learning experience rather than just a failure.
In this episode of The Super Human Life, host Frank Rich engages in a compelling conversation with Drew Boa, founder of Husband Material and a certified pastoral sex addiction professional. The discussion centers around overcoming porn addiction by addressing the deeper emotional wounds that often underlie this struggle. Drew Boa, who has guided thousands of men on their journey to freedom, shares insights from his new book, Outgrow Porn.
A significant theme in the episode is the importance of healing the inner child, a concept that involves understanding and addressing the emotional wounds that originate in childhood. Drew explains that these wounds often manifest in adulthood as compulsive behaviors like porn addiction. He emphasizes that true freedom comes not from sheer willpower or external restrictions but from a deep, compassionate understanding of oneself. The conversation also critiques purity culture, which often inadvertently increases shame rather than fostering genuine freedom.
Drew and Frank discuss how purity culture can create unrealistic standards and how this shame can exacerbate addiction. Instead, they advocate for a more compassionate, grace-filled approach that acknowledges human imperfection while striving for growth. Drew introduces his OBC method, which stands for Observe, Befriend, and Commit. This method encourages individuals to observe their urges without judgment, befriend their inner child to understand the root causes of their behavior, and commit to healthier patterns.
The episode also explores the concept of relapse, reframing it as an opportunity for learning and growth rather than a definitive failure. This perspective helps individuals to bounce back with resilience, viewing setbacks as a natural part of the healing journey. Overall, this episode offers a fresh, hopeful perspective on overcoming porn addiction by focusing on inner healing, understanding emotional wounds, and fostering profound personal growth through faith and community.