When the Trigger Hits: How to Respond Instead of React (Season 1: Episode #9)

When the Trigger Hits: How to Respond Instead of React Episode Summary

In this episode of Reclaim: Healing from Pornography and Rebuilding Your Life, Dr. Kevin Skinner explores one of the most common challenges in recovery—triggers. Whether external (images, places, sounds, people) or internal (stress, boredom, loneliness, anger), triggers are inevitable. But as Dr. Skinner explains, the trigger itself isn’t the problem—it’s how we respond that matters.

You’ll learn practical strategies for handling triggers, including:

• Building awareness and naming the trigger when it arises.

• Using grounding techniques like deep breathing, body scans, and the butterfly hug.

• Practicing journaling and reflection to create space between stimulus and response.

• Relying on a support system of accountability partners and groups.

• Preparing a trigger game plan for high-risk times and environments (like late at night or when alone).

By developing awareness and intentional responses, you can stop the “automatic reaction” cycle and create new neural pathways that strengthen your recovery. As Dr. Skinner reminds us: You can’t stop a bird from landing on your head, but you can stop it from building a nest.

This episode invites you to reflect on your personal triggers, identify whether they’re internal or external, and build a plan so you’re ready the next time the trigger hits.

📚 Resources Mentioned

• The Butterfly Hug Technique (grounding tool): Video Guide

• Human Intimacy Assessments & Resources: humanintimacy.com/reclaim

• Book: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk – understanding how trauma and triggers affect the body

• Book: Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl – insights on creating space between stimulus and response

• 12-Week Reclaim Course: Practical guidance and exercises for recovery (available at humanintimacy.com/reclaim)