Addict resistance is a common and often damaging dynamic in betrayal trauma recovery, frequently experienced by partners as continued harm rather than a protective response rooted in shame, fear, and attachment injury. This panel of four professionals trained in betrayal trauma and addiction recovery will explore the roots of addict resistance, its impact on partners, and practical ways clinicians can respond without reinforcing trauma. Attendees will gain tools to recognize resistance, support accountability, and promote relational safety in the healing process.

Presentation Objectives: By the end of this session, professional participants will be able to:

• Identify common forms of addict resistance in betrayal trauma recovery and understand the underlying neurobiological, emotional, and relational drivers.
• Differentiate between resistance that signals unresolved shame or fear and behaviors that undermine partner safety and healing.
• Apply trauma-informed strategies to address addict resistance while supporting accountability, empathy development, and relational repair.

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Matthew Raabsmith is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC), author, & speaker. With over 15 years of experience as a pastoral leader and counselor, he has coached individuals, couples, and teams. He currently specializes in addiction recovery, betrayal trauma, & relationship health as well as leadership development & professional growth. Matthew holds a Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary and is a Restoration Coach as well as Certified Partner Coach (CPC-APSATS).

Matt Wenger is the Executive Clinical Director of Begin Again Institute, a treatment center that offers Trauma Based Intensives for Men seeking recovery from porn and sex addiction. Begin Again Institute also offers intensives for Betrayed Partners. He has served more than 1,500 families in that setting since 2019. Matt’s expertise is in men’s addiction, betrayal trauma, childhood trauma, couple’s recovery and the spiritual aspects of recovery.

Dr. Jake Porter is the founder of Daring Ventures and the developer of the Couple–Centered Recovery® model, an integrative approach to healing from betrayal trauma that draws on attachment theory, developmental neuroscience, and relational systems work. A clinician, educator, and author, Dr. Porter leads intensive programs for couples worldwide and serves as president of the International Association for Couple-Centered Recovery (IACCR). His work is informed by both professional expertise and personal experience in long-term recovery, making him a trusted voice in the fields of trauma, addiction, and relational healing.

Dan Drake is a licensed clinician, and he is the Founder and Clinical Director of Banyan Therapy Group in Los Angeles, California. He is a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist Supervisor, a Certified Clinical Partner Specialist Supervisor, and a Certified Clinical Disclosure Guide Mentor. He is co-author of several books, including Building True Intimacy: Creating a Connection that Stands the Test of Time, 5 books in the Full Disclosure Series, Letters from a Sex Addict: My Life Exposed, Surviving the Holidays, Healthy Boundaries, and Rebuilding Your Foundation. Dan is a husband and a father to two amazing kids and two fur babies.