Family Dynamics Impact with Substance Problems with Dr. Brian Licuanan
Release Date: 02/17/2025
The Treasure of God’s Wisdom - Receiving the Wisdom God Freely Gives
Say Goodbye And Imagine!
Ep 74 - In this episode of Say Goodbye and Imagine!, Rose Ann Forte continues the Wisdom series with a reflection on Proverbs 2:6–7 (NLT), a passage that reminds us that wisdom is not earned through experience or effort—it is granted by God. Rose Ann walks listeners through a devotional reflection on why so many of us admire biblical wisdom yet struggle to access it when making real-life decisions. She explores how wisdom comes directly from God’s Word, how listening for His voice requires intentional pause, and why integrity activates the protection Scripture promises. This episode...
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Godly Decision Making - Why Wisdom Begins with Time, Obedience, and Foundation
Say Goodbye And Imagine!
Ep 73 - A Wisdom Series Conversation Inspired by the YouVersion Devotional “Choosing Wisdom for Men" In this episode of Say Goodbye and Imagine!, Rose Ann Forte continues her wisdom series with a thoughtful conversation on godly decision making, time, and spiritual foundation—topics that deeply resonate with women navigating relationships, leadership, family, and personal growth. Joined by writer and business leader Dan Snyder, Rose Ann explores Choosing Wisdom for Men, a new five-day devotional now available on the YouVersion Bible App. While written specifically for men, this devotional...
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The Wisdom of Not Walking Alone
Say Goodbye And Imagine!
Ep 72 - As we begin a new year, many people quietly reflect on what they want to change—how they want to feel, who they want to become, and which habits no longer serve them. In this episode of Say Goodbye and Imagine, Rose Ann Forte continues the Wisdom Series by exploring why community plays a critical role in lasting change. Drawing from Acts 2:42, this episode examines how the early believers devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, shared meals, and prayer—and why faith was never meant to be practiced in isolation. Rose Ann shares personal stories from churches, Bible studies,...
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Compassion, Justice, and the Choices That Shape Generations
Say Goodbye And Imagine!
Ep 71 - A wisdom devotional on God’s nature, generational impact, and choosing obedience Episode Summary In this episode of Say Goodbye and Imagine, Rose Ann walks listeners through a powerful wisdom devotional rooted in Exodus 34:6–8, where God declares His own name and nature: compassionate, merciful, slow to anger, faithful — and just. This passage reveals a holy tension we often struggle to hold: God’s unfailing love alongside real consequences for unrepentant sin. Rose Ann reflects on how Scripture repeatedly shows God patiently warning, inviting, and calling His people back —...
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When Life Gets Loud, Listen Closer
Say Goodbye And Imagine!
Ep 70 - When life gets loud and when distractions multiply, emotions surge, routines slip, and pressures rise, our first instinct is usually to run faster, try harder, or grasp for control. But Jesus gives us a different invitation: “Pay close attention to what you hear…” —Mark 4:24–25 (NLT) In this episode, Rose Ann shares a deeply personal devotional about learning to listen closely to God in seasons of chaos and in seasons of comfort—when things were falling apart and when they seemed to be going well. She also opens up about the subtle drift that happens when we stop listening,...
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The Moment Before You Lose Control
Say Goodbye And Imagine!
Ep 69 - In this episode of Say Goodbye and Imagine, Rose Ann transitions from the 12 Core Concepts into a brand-new exploration of godly wisdom—how Scripture guides our choices, shapes our mindset, and strengthens our self-control. Rose Ann shares the behind-the-scenes process of how her devotional writings begin: through daily Bible reading, reflection, and noticing what God highlights in His Word. Today’s insight comes from Genesis 4:7, a passage where God gently warns Cain that sin is crouching at the door—but also affirms that Cain has the power to subdue it. This episode dives...
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Mindset Protection: Winning the Daily Battle Within - Core Concept 12
Say Goodbye And Imagine!
In the final episode of this 12-part series, Rose Ann Forte brings it all together with the powerful truth that we’re not just facing a behavior challenge—we’re fighting a spiritual battle. Drawing from Ephesians 6, this episode unpacks the Full Armor of God in practical, relatable ways and ties each piece of armor to the mindset shifts you’ve explored throughout the Core Concepts. You’ll learn: Why mindset is your greatest defense against relapse How spiritual armor protects you in your most vulnerable moments The real reason we keep going back to what hurts us—and how to stop...
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It’s Addictive: The Neuroscience of Habit and the Hope of Renewal - Core Concept 11
Say Goodbye And Imagine!
Why do we keep going back to the things we say we don’t want to do? What if the problem isn’t a moral failure—but a hijacked reward system in the brain? In this episode, Rose Ann Forte dives into the neuroscience behind addiction and why willpower alone isn’t enough to break free. With biblical wisdom and brain-based understanding, she reveals the powerful biological process God designed—and how addictive substances or behaviors take advantage of it. If you’ve ever wondered “What happened to me? I used to be goal-oriented... joyful... motivated…”—this episode will help you...
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From Numb to Finding Purpose - Core Concept 10
Say Goodbye And Imagine!
What happened to the person you used to be—the one who set goals, dreamed big, and believed they were made for more? In this episode of Say Goodbye and Imagine, Rose Ann Forte explores Core Concept 10: Finding Purpose—the pivotal moment when we begin to replace destructive habits with meaningful pursuits. This isn't about giving something up—it's about stepping into who God created you to be. Drawing from Scripture and real-life reflection, Rose Ann shares how purpose gets lost when we’re numbing pain, and how we can reclaim it—one step at a time. Understanding Purpose Loss How...
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The Two Commandments That Can Change Everything - Core Concept 9
Say Goodbye And Imagine!
This week Rose Ann explores Core Concept 9 from the Choose Freedom Program: The Greatest Commandments. Discover how two simple but profound commands from Jesus can transform your freedom journey and help you understand the root of addiction and destructive behaviors. Key Topics Covered The Greatest Commandment Rose Ann unpacks Matthew 22:37-40, where Jesus identifies the commandments: Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself. Learn how prioritizing these commands creates the foundation for lasting freedom. Building Your Relationship with God Daily time...
info_outlineEp 49 - Welcome to another episode of the Say Goodbye and Imagine Podcast! In today’s episode, we’re diving into a topic we don’t often explore: family dynamics and how they intersect with mental health and substance use. Our guest, Dr. Brian Licuanan, is a board-certified psychologist, family crisis strategist, and author with nearly 20 years of clinical experience. He’s here to share his expertise on understanding family dynamics, overcoming stigma, and helping loved ones get the support they need.
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Our podcast episodes cover a wide variety of topics under the umbrellas of faith, so if you're just now listening for the first time, step back into our catalog when you get a moment. Say Goodbye and Imagine!
Rose Ann Forte is also the author of The Plans He Has For Me! This book and devotional helps anyone tackle their internal desire to remove alcohol's consistency in their lives and not replace it, but put yourself past the needs that drove you to a damaging habit, even if that wasn't alcohol.
About Dr. Brian Licuanan:
Dr. Brian Licuanan is a renowned psychologist practicing in Southern California, specializing in mental health and substance use disorders. With nearly two decades of experience, he has worked with highly acute clients and facilitated support groups for families in crisis. Dr. Laquanen is also a sought-after speaker and media personality, having appeared on The Doctor Show, Dr. Drew, Fox News, KTLA News, and more. He is the author of How to Get Your Resisting Loved One Into Treatment, a groundbreaking book that offers practical strategies for families navigating dysfunction and substance use.
0:00 Understanding Family Dynamics in Substance Use and Recovery
6:00 Destigmatizing Mental Health Through Awareness and Personal Stories
15:00 The Power of Hope in Recovery and Personal Growth
17:00 Family Healing Requires Unified Effort and Shared Responsibility
22:00 The Difference Between Willpower and True Sobriety
27:00 The Power and Limits of Neuroplasticity in Healing and Change
32:00 Understanding Disease and Language in Addiction Recovery
39:00 Balancing Assertive Love and Empowerment in Addiction Recovery
44:00 Balancing Love and Boundaries in Supporting Loved Ones
48:00 Navigating Substance Challenges and Adult Responsibilities
49:00 The Impact of Untreated Mental Health on Families
55:00 Respecting the Power and Choices in Addiction Management
58:00 Getting Resistant Loved Ones Into Treatment
Connect with Dr. Licuanan
1) Website: drbrianlicuanan.com
2) Instagram: @drlicuanan
TikTok: @drlicuanan
YouTube: @drbrianlicuanan
Amazon book link: https://www.amazon.com/Resisting-Loved-Treatment-Step-Step/dp/B0CY9W9S5W
Find Choose Freedom, The Plans He Has For Me, and Say Goodbye and Imagine across the web. Rose Ann Forte is working on even more support for anyone who finds themselves wanting to separate from unhealthy ways of life, including, but not limited to, sugar, food, drugs, alcohol, gambling, and other habits you yourself have deemed inconducive to your desired way of life. That's the core of Say Goodbye and Imagine. Imagine what your life will be like once you've said Goodbye to the habits that held you back.
Find accompanying content and free resources on our blog!
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