Licensed professional counselor Jarrod Hoffman works with children, teens, and families navigating addiction, trauma, and the challenges of growing up in a digital world. But his understanding of these struggles is also deeply personal. After first encountering pornography at age 11, Jarrod spent years trying to quit before seeking counseling at 25.

How does pornography affect the developing teenage brain? Why is it so hard to quit watching porn? Can childhood trauma contribute to porn addiction? And how can parents help a teenager struggling with pornography? In this episode, Jarrod shares his personal journey with pornography and recovery, what he’s seeing among young people today, and why overcoming shame and building meaningful connections can be essential parts of healing. He also discusses pornography’s impact on young people, the role of counseling and EMDR therapy, and why recovery is possible even after years of struggling.

This episode is sponsored by Relay, a secure peer-support app that connects you with a small group of people who understand what you’re going through and help you stay accountable on your journey to quit porn. CBC listeners can try Relay free for 7 days by signing up here.